Here is a quick review I did about the NYC DoubleTree by Hilton West Midtown. This is a placeholder as I’m unable to attach the link at this time.
ELENA:)
This is the first time I traveled to NY for healthcare work. You may know (or about to find out) that I still work 9-5 at the hospital as a nurse in quality improvement. I think many people take a look at all my photos and articles and think I travel full time. That’s not really the case. I do, however have a flexible work schedule which enables me to afford multiple other luxuries (huge bonus) in my lifestyle and for this I am grateful.
In July, I attended a 3 1/2 day Quality and Safety conference with the American College of Surgeons. I also presented a poster with my coworker on the second last day which is my favourite part of the annual international event. Its a chance where you can mingle with others and see what people are working on.
On the last day, a few of us checked out a taping of Stephen Colbert. He had actor Paul Bettany on, as well as Tyler, the Creator. The whole stage is tiny, the studio was freezing and the house band, Jon Batiste with Stay Human is so great!
After the conference was over I managed to stay a few extra days and get some visits in: Meeting with the good folks at AWAY, amika and CINER, attending the Crown of Light press preview, nails done at Paint Box. And yes, I ate – a lot: Best Pizza, Burger & Lobster, While we were young, The Standard Grill just to name a few. I almost forgot – the rooftops: Loopy Doopy at the Conrad, Arlo Nomad and The Crown at 50 Bowery.
I forgot how much I love NYC in the summer! See you again soon!
ELENA:)
I’m 4 hours down in a 19 hour flight. I’m heading in the opposite direction I usually head (NYC). I’ve enjoyed watching my favourite fashionistas and bloggers share their IG memories and Snaps for fashion week and I kind of wish I was there! I always seem to miss fashion week for Sept.
The weather has hopefully cooled off from the August’s heat wave, when I stayed at the brand new HGU New York. HGU stands for Hotel Grand Union and it definitely lives up to its grandeur.
The boutique hotel in the NoMad area boasts 90 guest rooms with both style and comfort in mind. I’m in love with all the Frette linen used (pillows, sheets and towels) in the room. (Added bonus – you can request the type of pillow support to aid in your sleep). The grey and white room decor with soft lighting is soothing on the eyes and helped when I had a relaxing/sun shielding 90 min in room massage from Soothe.
I can’t wait to see the roof top (opens summer 2017) and to check out the in house restaurant which opens in the fall of this year. The 1905 Lounge is building upon their weekly events and is hosting some great private functions for fashion week. I love the original ceilings, large sofas and artwork that adorn the intimate and welcoming space.
I can’t say enough about how convenient the location is – on East 32nd in between Park and Madison. It’s not entirely Midtown, but close enough to get downtown in a jiffy if need be. It’s also quiet to assure that you recharge and get a good nights sleep (again – big honourable mention to that linen!)
If you are looking for a hotel with the convenience that doesn’t compromise on comfort, style and design look no further than HGU New York.
ELENA:)
I can’t believe its’ been a month since I was in New York. Time definitely flies by…
I checked into the Q&A Residential Hotel on the Saturday evening to be welcomed to one of the largest hotel suites I have ever stayed in the city. The last time I stayed in the quiet financial district area was 5 years ago, so I was curious to see how the area changed. That night, I settled in by walking around the area – the subway and the huge Duane Reade was across the street. I can’t sing the praises of free strong Wi-Fi and fridge that could hold my Invo Coconut Water for the Sunday morning shoot.
Read my article for RESIDENT Magazine on Q&A Residential Hotel here.
Sunday morning, I had a great time with Bianca Bruno and Nicky Styles (editor from The Trend’n Female) shooting a how-to braiding guide complete with Victoria Hair clip on extensions. I’ve never had extensions before so I was quite curious to see how well they would blend into my own hair. It turned out perfect! They were not heavy at all and easy to take out at the end of the day.
Stay tuned for the How-To Braid guide in BELLA LA and BELLA NYC coming out soon.
After the video shoot, we met up with some friends and had brunch at Gentilly, a new spot in the West Village. I had a great tofu scramble and got schooled on three different ways on how to drink rose courtesy of Maison Marcel. It was great reuniting with Caitlyn from Tease Tea and picking up my favourite Earl Grey tea. My plans fell through for Burger & Lobster that night as well as my attempt to have chicken wings at Pok Pok – so I’ll have to put that on the list for next time.
The next two days were FULL of meetings:
I surprised myself not taking a cab even once! Google Maps is my new favorite friend. The biggest surprise of Monday was meeting Britney Spears’ first tour manager tied with being asked to write a pro Trump article for a magazine for $200 later that night.
Tuesday’s meetings were scheduled back-to-back and being caught in the rain was an unwelcomed surprise. I stopped by CINER to check out some new fashion jewelry and visit the lovely ladies. My friend, Lexicon of Style introduced me to a café called Culture Espresso that had cute wallpaper and fabulous décor. Rare for Midtown. Tuesday night ended by meeting Susan Mallery, NY Times #1 Best–Seller who was launching a romance novel entitled, Best of My Love.
I had two impromptu meetings on Wednesday, pre flight home. I had the pleasure of visiting the beautiful shared working space of Neuehouse. I loved the Restoration Hardware meets NYPL vibe. Such an inspiring space. I grabbed a quick lunch with a friend at Back Forty West before heading back to the hotel to grab my luggage and a package that had arrived in the nick of time before my Luxury Car Ride swept me off to LGA.
ELENA:)
ps: To find out what the package was… scroll to my next post.
Here is the full article I wrote about The Renwick, live on Behind the Scenes NYC. Definitely check out the site, if you are planning to visit NYC for all the latest and greatest.
ELENA:)