The Empire Hotel counts itself among the oldest hotels in Manhattan, and provides an elegant sanctuary for the high-end traveler. Located on West 63rd St, a half block from Central Park and the Lincoln Center, The Empire is but a short distance away from many of New York’s popular attractions. Its uptown location is ideal for those wanting to avoid the midtown crowds without compromising location.
The luxurious rooms are filled with rich-earth tones reminiscent of Central Park. Large-scale windows reveal outstanding views of the park and Lincoln Center, filling rooms with New York charm, an incomparable perk to the rich and simple décor. Animal print pillows and accents are sprinkled throughout the hotel, from the lobby to the bedrooms, adding a wild dash of modernity to the hotel’s otherwise relatively conservative décor.
Built in 1922 and restored in 2008, The Empire’s history is evident in everything from its high ceilings and grand lobby to the iconic neon red “EMPIRE” sign that rests atop the 420-room hotel — a beacon for the fashionable elite of the city.
The rooftop patio under that legendary sign is a popular draw for both visitors from abroad and locals in the know, the latter flocking to the poolside bar to catch one of many popular New York DJ’s spinning on any given night. The retractable glass roof makes it the perfect place to relax under the stars, clouds, or even the rain.
Without a doubt ranked the most inviting of the city’s luxurious hotels situated in the upper-mid Manhattan area, The Empire is perfect for guests looking to unwind in a comfortable suite with the kinetic energy of the city literally an elevator ride away.
Walk through the doors of the Redbury at Hollywood and Vine, and usher into your vacation, the essence of L.A.’s cultural scene. Boasting an interior designhelmed by Rolling Stone photographer — the creative genius behind 100 of the magazine’s iconic covers — the space at Redbury, oozes old world charm, intertwined with a style distinctly born from a perennial artist. This particular artist, hand picked each and every piece of furniture in the space. Rolston’s passion for music and art washes over the hotel in bold strokes of design including walls lined with hundreds of vintage rock and roll posters and rooms outfitted with turntables and stacks of records, creating the distinct bohemian feel synonymous with theRedbury.
Mediterranean restaurant Cleo’s delectable menu lives up to the hotel’s standard of class and has become a vibrant Hollywood hot spot. Foodies in town for a visit will delight to hear that the hotel also offers in room service from acclaimed Chef Katsuya Uechi’s restaurant, Katsuya by Stark located just down the street from the Redbury.
A stone’s throw from local attractions including The Kodak Theatre and only a short drive from Runyon Canyon for adventure seekers, the hotel’s prime location offers as much in activity as it does in exquisite views from its nest in the Hollywood Hills. Amongst out-of-town guests favourite attractions is the recently opened Nike Sportswear store dubbed “Los Fearless.” This superstore houses a shoe-museum, a full-sized basketball court, as well as ever-changing exhibits to satisfy the widest varieties of sports fan.
Sports fanatics aside, The Redbury is “the” hotel in Los Angeles for visitors wanting a hotel with an atmosphere that exudes a passion for music, fashion, art or design. Its relaxed vibe and stunning interior, makes the hotel more than a place to lay your head, its a home away from home to share drinks with friends over good music, or unwind after a long day exploring the city.
For the modern traveler looking for a home away from home, the custom designed lofts at The Box House in Brooklyn offer the perfect lodging. Available for rent by the weekend, week, or month, each apartment style flat (choose between loft-style, one bedroom, two bedroom, or duplex, multi-floor suites) is equipped with all the amenities of home including a kitchen and deck, patio or balcony. Ask ahead and the hotel can put aside rental bikes for you, ready and waiting, complete with helmets and locks, on your back patio when you arrive.
Playfully designed by New York painter Kip Frace, each unit is filled with unique art, furniture and antiques hand picked by the pop artist. A virtual cabinet of curiosities (outfitted with jars and dishes of your grandmothers prized knick knacks), guests feel more like they are house sitting for their cool friend than staying in a hotel. It’s inevitable that one finds themselves snapping shots of the interior and taking design notes from the space to embellish their own living room when back home. The modern and simple design provides a comfortable, functional atmosphere for guests who are visiting, working, or living in the city.
Each room’s unique design features black, white and grey tones laced with red accents, presenting a minimal, simple and elegant design. Frace’s influence can be seen in every piece and the modern edge is undeniably appealing. Each distinctive piece of furniture and art contributes to the hotel’s rich, home-style feel, often characterized by the bright bursts of colour typically seen in Frace’s own art.
One of New York’s most vibrant boroughs, Brooklyn is home to some of the city’s newest and most popular bars and restaurants. The loft’s convenient location is the perfect point of departure for a bike tour along the East River, or a journey over to Williamsberg where vintage clothing shops, kitsch boutiques and small cafes present themselves by the handful. We like the newly opened Brooklyn Bowl, which triples as a bowling alley, concert hall and restaurant, found just a short bike-ride away.
For those looking for something outside of the typical Manhattan encounter, or long-term visitors working in the city and wanting more than just a place to sleep, The Box House is the home you wished you could call your own.
