VU Hotel in Hell’s Kitchen

No longer the spot for mobsters and prostitutes, Hell’s Kitchen (west of Times Square in Midtown Manhattan) is due to get its first major luxury hotel, the VU.

With rates starting at $425 a night, the VU (pronounced “view”) will open this summer and offer loft-inspired guest rooms complete with plasma tvs, iPod docking stations and stone-tiled bathrooms. The VU is a Kimpton Hotel- one of my favorite Hotel companies- so I’m expecting the best!

VU Hotel

Visit VU Hotel’s website or see other New York hotels we love »

The Plaza Reopens

The Plaza New York has reopened! The famous hotel underwent a $400 million, two-year, “lobby-to-roof renovation”:

Inspired by the Louis XV style of French decor, rooms are impeccably adorned with custom-made furnishings, meticulously selected decorative accents and rich fabrics. The Plaza is proud to be the only hotel in the world offering stunning 24-karat gold plated Sherle Wagner sinks and fixtures, delicately cradled in hand-crafted solid white marble vanities, in every bathroom.

But what we’re really excited about are the new “Guest Services touch panels” by AMX, which provide access to personal butler and concierge assistance among other things.

The Plaza resumed operations on March 1st, 2008. Their grand opening will be held in May. If you plan to be there, start looking for a New York hotel now »

Celebrating St. Patrick’s Day in NYC

If you’re itching to take a break on St. Patrick’s Day, why not visit New York? The St. Patrick’s Day Parade, which was first held in 1762, is the oldest event of its kind in the country- and is the biggest in the world. This year’s theme is Tribute to the Fighting 69th Infantry, a worthy theme, and will feature pure Irish Pageantry. We’re talking bagpipers and marching bands, with the local pubs serving green beer, Irish Whiskey, and plates of corned beef and cabbage!

Find hotels in New York for St. Patrick’s Day »