Tag Archives: New York

Spring has sprung in the Big Apple and the biggest sign of the season is the new crowds on sidewalks and rooftops. Restaurants’ cafe tables have come out of storage and the sidewalks are now packed, Parisian-style, with people-watchers, coffee-sippers and, of course, cocktailers. Whether you’re looking for the streetside scene, the hidden garden or the top-of-the-world views from rooftops, there’s a new hot spot in New York that fits the bill. Here’s where to see and be-sipping this spring.

1. Crosby Street Hotel

   This new SoHo hotspot has been all the buzz among design circles since it opened in October. Developed by London’s Firmdale hotel company, the art-filled interior was designed by Kit Kemp, who designed all the Firmdale’s six London properties. Her signature is a mix of modern art, antiques, and fresh fabrics and colors for a cleaner, younger British look. The newest addition to the Crosby Street is its interior courtyard sculpture garden (right). The adjoining Crosby Bar begins serving in the courtyard on May 1. On a recent afternoon, the bar was filled with creatives from the neighborhood taking meetings behind thick-rimmed glasses and crowned with messy buns.

2. The Strand Hotel

   In the Garment District, Empire State Building views are plentiful, but it’s still hard to come by a public space at which to enjoy them. The Strand, which opened this winter, is the exception. It may have the best view of the one-time tallest building in all of Manhattan. The Top of the Strand, the hotel’s zen-like rooftop bar has a retractable glass roof that when opened, makes for one of the best spots to grab an after work drink. Note: Fashion Week will be a particularly fun time to sip at this spot, as fashion industry folks will likely fill the hotel because of its proximity to the showrooms.

Read my full story at Luxist.