Tag Archives: New York

Virgin Flight LDN-NYC

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In all my airborne travels I have never travelled by Virgin until recently. This big brand dominate the sky space between UK and USA with their efficient and stylish big red planes. For my winter trip to New York I was lucky enough to be taking my first flight with Virgin Atlantic. Arriving at Heathrow Terminal 3 Zone A, I was impressed by the separate Virgin entrance, complete with smiling staff ready to help you with a speedy check-in. No queues and no hassle, it was blissfully stressfree and amazingly quick.

We boarded an hour or so later, the double-decker aircraft was clean and spacious, we were seated immediately and comfortably. The flight wasn’t painfully full so the pair of us shared a three-seat row, spreading out our books and blankets ready for the journey. Tasty food and great current films made the 7 hours fly by! Service was exemplary throughout, and I loved the special touches this airline provide for all guests, including a Fab ice lolly to revitalise you an hour before landing. We arrived at Newark airport early feeling rested and ready for a New York adventure.

On the return flight the staff kindly upgraded us to Premium Economy seats with extra room and lovely perks. Sparkling wine arrived in real glass and the meals (five cheese ravioli and chicken curry with basmati rice) were accompanied by real metal cutlery! I began enjoying myself so much I forgot I was miles up in the air. It was an absolute pleasure flying with Virgin, I hope to board a red plane again soon.

Virgin Atlantic flies six times every day from London Heathrow to New York and is offering return Economy fares from £522 per person. Virgin Atlantic now offers flights between London Heathrow, Manchester, Edinburgh and Aberdeen on its Little Red domestic service with prices starting from £88 return. For further information contact www.virginatlantic.com or call 0844 2092 770. This fare is available for selected departures during 2013. Prices given are correct as of today and are subject to change.

Crosby Street Hotel, The Crosby Bar, New York

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Crosby Street Hotel is becoming famous and feels famous inside. It is one of NYC’s leading hotels and seems to make every ‘best of’ list. With the inimitable casual but stylish design, the cool vibe and the delicious foodie destination restaurant, it has it all.

Perhaps I felt so at home because owners Tim and Kit Kemp (of Firmdale Hotels) are known for their London successes and they bring their British charm to Crosby Street Hotel, their first American venture. With 86 individually designed rooms perfectly exuding elegance and excellence and a unique sense of character throughout the hotel it is cosy but quirky hotel which I found instantly appealing.

Food is served on the ground floor in the all-day dining room. Brightly coloured with eclectic artwork surrounding you, it is a fun place to hang out. Here they offer breakfast, lunch, dinner as well as coffee, cocktails and afternoon tea, it is a location for any occasion. We enjoyed a relaxed few hours here, eating good food, drinking nice wine and catching up with old friends. The menu covers a variety of cuisines and even after much deliberation we found it tricky to select just a few dishes.

Our chatty waitress recommended a few, and we followed these suggestions, too tired from sightseeing to make our own choices! Squash soup with coconut cream and pumpkin seed oil was divine. With a complete lack of dairy, gluten and carbohydrates, this starter is the dieter’s dream! Yet despite the healthy ingredients this soup was creamy, silky smooth and full of fragrant flavour. Smoked eggplant (Aubergine for us English), artichokes, arugula and Parmigiano was a hit too, perfectly paired components that ensured every mouthful was delicious.

Lump crab meat, squid ink spaghetti with saffron bomba was an attractive and comforting main course, whilst Lamb chops with cumin-mint scented satsumas and soft herbs was an oriental inspired alternative for keen meat-eaters. The lamb was absolutely perfectly cooked to ensure it was juicy but with a crispy caramelised edge, spicy Satsuma provided an unusual kick.

We all knew immediately what we wanted for dessert… Mexican chocolate crème brulee churros with espresso foam and citrus was impossible to resist. In reality though I found the dish a little confused, with strong flavours that conflicted… my friends loved it though!

Crosby Street serves up a great meal for guests and newcomers to the hotel. Next time I’d love to wake up in a Crosby room too!

Many thanks to NYC GO for their help with this trip, and Virgin Atlantic for assistance with my flights.

The Roger, New York

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The brand new Roger Hotel is a delight. Entering this recently renovated property on Madison Avenue, I felt like I was delving inside a giant gift-wrapped present. Everything here feels shiny and special. The entrance is grand but homely, an adjoining living room is decorated with lavish deep blue sofas and carpet, with nostalgic black and white photos on the walls. A small cocktail bar serves guests with their favourite tipple.

Ideally located in midtown Manhattan, the Roger’s luxurious tailoring will appeal to business guests whilst the leisure travellers will love the personalised touches and innovative design. The fresh and pretty décor is the work of designer Anna Busta. Entering the hotel you would never believe that 194 guest rooms are concealed behind the lift door – the interior feels and looks like an intimate boutique hotel.

Our Deluxe room was located on the 9th floor, with awe-inspiring views of the streets below. Surprisingly spacious and sophisticated, the room had understated charm which I believe would cater to any guest’s tastes. It is a real luxury to have enough space in the room to unpack. Above the bed was an atmospheric picture adding a retro touch to the otherwise modern and minimalist theme. Furniture was simple and functional and amenities plentiful – the mini-bar assortment was impressive! I found lighting too dim for my needs, I struggled to write as soon as the sun set, and even struggled with make-up application in the morning. The staff kindly assisted us with an extra lamp but the room was still shrouded in shadows.

The bathroom was bland but clean and in perfect working order. Thick, divinely soft bathrobes were a particularly lovely addition and I was interested to discover their brand of toiletries, CO Bigalow bath and hair products. A delectable gourmet buffet breakfast is served in the friendly Parlour where you are encouraged to share the big wooden tables with fellow guests. Hot and cold options are available, I chose a cappuccino and croissant each morning to wake the senses before a long day exploring the city.

For bloggers and those wishing to work at high-speed, efficient free Wifi service at the Roger was a great addition to the package.

Moments away from the iconic tourist sights (Empire State Building and Grand Central Terminal), this hotel ticks most boxes. The welcoming staff ensure you find a new home away from home at the Roger.

More information and book here: www.therogernewyork.com

Many thanks to NYC GO for their help with this trip, and Virgin Atlantic for flights.