Destination Spotlight: New York

The holiday season is here, and New York City is a aglow with festiveness at every turn. The Rockettes perform their iconic show at the Radio City Music Hall, while steps away is the Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree illuminating the city and the ice skaters below. The department store windows are decorated with storybook scenes and the latest trends, while shoppers inside seek the perfect gifts to everyone on their list. 

In this edition of Destination Spotlight, we've gathered insider information and recommendations from Luxury Travel Intelligence, a site offering details for the well-informed luxury traveler. For timeless French cuisine Luxury Travel Intelligence recommends Boucherie Union Square, while Casa Apicii in Greenwich Village is a notable new addition serving Italian with a touch of California. Nobu Downtown has a 13-seat sushi bar with omakase and osusume menus, and the restaurant's signature dishes include "black cod miso, yellowtail jalapeño and rock shrimp tempura are all on the menu, as are new dishes like short ribs with jalapeño salsa and bigeye tuna tataki with eryngii mushrooms and Holland hot peppers."

Ready for a holiday trip to New York City?

Here are 5 Top New York City Luxury Hotels:

5. Lotte New York Palace

Overlooking St. Patrick's Cathedral, Lotte New York Palace is a landmark hotel on the corner of 50th and Madison. For dining, the Villard House is the destination for New American fare within an elegantly-restored palazzo, and Pomme Palais provides the feel of a Parisian pastry shop. 

FIVE STAR ALLIANCE PERK: All reservations booked under the "5 Star Signature Package" rate will also include a full breakfast for two daily available in Villard Restaurant or Pomme Palais Bakery or through in-room dining (up to $100 credit per room per day inclusive of taxes and gratuity), a $100 spa credit once during stay (not applicable to products), complimentary WiFi, and a welcome card.

Book a stay at Lotte New York Palace

4. The Beekman, A Thompson Hotel

Nestled in lower Manhattan within a historic building dating back to 1883, The Beekman, A Thompson Hotel opened following a complete overhaul of the space. Guest rooms and suites within the landmark structure have bespoke and vintage furnishings, high ceilings, aged oak floors, and craft cocktail tables. Luxury Travel Insider remarked, "We love the spacious marble bathrooms with rain showers. The ground level has a lobby bar and two restaurants from Tom Colicchio and Keith McNally. The nine-story central atrium, which includes Victorian cast iron banisters and pyramidal skylight, is a real stand-out feature to this hotel."

FIVE STAR ALLIANCE PERK: Reservations booked under the "5 Star Signature Package" rate will also include continental breakfast for two daily in Tom Colicchio's Temple Court, a $50 food and beverage credit per room/per stay (no cash value), and a $50 minibar credit per room/per stay (no cash value).

Book a stay at The Beekman

3. The Lowell

Steps from the fashion houses of Madison Avenue and the shops along Fifth Avenue, The Lowell offers timeless elegance in the Upper East Side. The property's newest dining additions are overseen by legendary restauranteur Charles Masson, The Club Room is a sophisticated retreat, and the Pembroke Room serves a beloved breakfast and afternoon tea.

FIVE STAR ALLIANCE PERK: All reservations booked under the “5 Star Signature Package” rate will also receive full breakfast for two daily in The Pembroke Room (also available through room service), a $100 food and beverage credit, per room/per stay, and a seasonal welcome amenity. 

Book a stay at The Lowell

2. The Plaza Hotel

Set at Fifth Avenue and Central Park South, The Plaza Hotel is a legendary hotel offering the finest services and amenities. Completely revitalized, the property's guest rooms and suites have French decor and Louis XV styling, iPads to customize room environment and contact guest services, plus white-glove butler service. The Palm Court is an iconic destination for afternoon tea, while other culinary destinations include The Todd English Food Hall, The Rose Club, and The Champagne Bar.

FIVE STAR ALLIANCE PERK: All reservations booked under the "5 Star Signature Package" rate or "Rack Rate" will also include continental breakfast for two daily and a $100 food and beverage credit once during stay.

Book a stay at The Plaza Hotel

1. Baccarat Hotel

Featuring a blend of modern Manhattan design and classic French hôtel particulier, the Baccarat Hotel provides an ideal location across the street from the Museum of Modern Art, just a short stroll from Rockefeller Center and 5th Avenue. Luxury Travel Intelligence says "After a few false starts, Paris finally comes to New York". Designed by the esteemed French design team of Gilles & Boissier, there's a private art collection including works from the 18th century to modern day, and the bar is a chic spot for cocktails amidst the glow of Baccarat chandeliers. 

FIVE STAR ALLIANCE PERK: Reservations booked under the "5 Star Signature Package" rate will also include continental breakfast for two daily, a $50 food and beverage credit, a $50 spa credit at Spa de la Mer per room/per stay (no cash value), and $100 to be applied towards dining at 2 Michelin Star Gabriel Kreuther Restaurant in Bryant Park, per room, per stay (not combinable, no cash value if not redeemed in full).

Book a stay at the Baccarat Hotel

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