My family and I (kids ages 7 and 10) just came back from a fantastic week in the Big Apple. We spent the holiday week between Christmas and New Years at the Plaza Athenee on the Upper East Side (a VIRTUOSO hotel). We attended shows, ice skated in Central Park, made origami at Ruby Foos, and munched on yummy pizzas at Café Fiorello. 
This was our first time, staying at the Plaza Athenee. Originally from New York, it is not until recently in my life that I have begun to experience staying in hotels in the City. The Plaza Athenee did not disappoint. Its location is fantastic! Located Between Madison and Park on 64th street, it lies just around the corner from the the best shopping Manhattan has to offer. I literally walked out of my hotel and on the corner was Chopard, Longchamp, Hermes, Alain Miko…you name it. My husband called the location a “candy store” for adults! Speaking of candy stores, the hotel is also ideally situated for children’s activities. We walked to Dylan’s Candy Store (@ 4 uptown blocks away) about three times (maybe more). We walked to FAO Schwarz, Central Park, the Plaza, Café Fiorello for the best pizza, Rockefeller Center to see the tree, and St. Pat's to see the crèche. It is the perfect walking location. 
Our rooms were two connecting deluxe rooms and the way the hotel is set up allows for many connecting options and lots of space. In fact, if you wish, rooms can be connected in such a way as to create three bedroom suites with kitchenette. Our rooms were located with a view of the back but we had an entrance hallway with a third door that could be locked, creating, in effect, a mini- apartment type feel in Manhattan. 
The bar downstairs, Arrabelle, is beautiful and it serves great food and drinks. My daughter is now addicted to one of the breakfast items she tried for the first time there: bananas and whipped cream! The staff was very attentive to the children and very accommodating. As my daughter is petite, they brought overstuffed feather pillows (covered in silk damask…I was more than a little paranoid about her hot chocolate the entire time) into the breakfast room to prop her up without me even asking; you should have seen her face; I think she felt quite like Eloise that day!
One of the highlights of our trip was a private back stage tour of Shrek the Musical. After the show, I arranged for us to meet one of the characters by the stage door. Noah (playing the part of the white rabbit—a fairy tale creature) met us there and showed us around. We were able to actually step out on stage and look back at the HOUSE (my favorite part)! We met other characters including: Pinocchio, Fiona (as a young princess) and Farquad. We saw props and costumes and the set close up. All in all, it was one of the best travel “moments” we have had as a family. Very memorable.
This may only have been matched by our New Years Eve dinner at the Four Seasons Restaurant. As a girl, I remembered these wonderful cotton candy desserts with candied violets and ice cream underneath. Much to my surprise and delight, they still have them there and my children were equally delighted. A great meal to end a great year and to begin an even better 2009! 
It was so much fun to finally show my kids where “mommy grew up” as we all live in the Midwest now. They, too, have fallen in love with the Big Apple and all its excitement. They have already asked me to go back….hmmm Valentine’s day perhaps?
To learn more about travel to New York City, contact Alysia Hopper by clicking here. To learn more about the Plaza Athenee and the excellent travel offers they have right now through Brownell and Sterling Brownell, click here: Plaza Athenee.
1 comments:
Me and my family is planning their next Christmas holiday to NYC. We are going to have a gala time with nicest food and places. Right!!
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