A NYC News Years at the Kimberly Hotel

Getting away over the holidays can be difficult if not planned early enough.  Airfares can be high and the weather conditions unpredictable.   I was searching endlessly for an affordable getaway, when someone suggested the Kimberly Hotel in New York City.   At first I thought, why would I escape to a hotel in New York when I lived so close?   However, after researching the hotel a bit, I realized it was the perfect New Years Eve destination and an easy escape for any time of the year.

 

Located in the midtown east section of Manhattan, The Kimberly Hotel is a luxury property, comprised mostly of beautiful suites, many of which have a terrace and a gorgeous marble bathroom with a Jacuzzi tub. The shower had three separate attachments, all with outstanding water pressure!  The building is prewar and was converted into a hotel about thirty years ago.  Although the building has plenty of prewar charm, it certainly has the new look and amenities of a modern day luxurious property.  The Kimberly Hotel is a great choice for a comfortable getaway, as the suites are extremely spacious, yet comparable in price to the traditional New York City hotel room.  The room was pristine with plush carpeting and an ultra comfortable adjustable latex bed.  Both the bedroom and living room of our suite had a giant flat screen television.   

 

The hotel is affiliated with the prestigious New York Health and Racquet Club, which offers a multi level workout facility with an indoor pool, sport, fitness, and spa facilities.  Guests staying at the hotel are given free passes to the gym for the length of their stay, as well as vouchers good towards meals at Ferros Restaurant, located off the hotel lobby.

 

Ferros Restaurant offers a buffet breakfast consisting of a made-to-order-omlette station as well as eggs benedict, pancakes, muffins, oatmeal, sausage, bacon, hash browns, and an assortment of fruit.  For dinner, you can order off their regular menu or take advantage of a very reasonably priced prix fixe option. They also serve lunch and offer a bar menu throughout the day.   We had a lot of fun eating at Ferros on New Years Eve. Their prix fixe dinner consisted of a lobster bisque soup, choice of salads, lamb, steak or fish, dessert, and a bottle of delicious champagne.   They had a DJ spinning 80s music and a belly dancer who made her way to the various tables.

 

After dinner, we made our way over to the swank bar and club, Nikki Beach Midtown.  The venue has two levels with private tables, white couches, and pillows and a magnificently crafted wooden bar.   We watched the ball drop as it was projected on a gigantic dome shaped ceiling.  Some of the best DJs were spinning all types of music while a woman rocked out on her violin that lit up to the beat of the music.  Not only is Nikki Beach Midtown one of the hottest nightspots in Manhattan, but it’s also located right next door to The Kimberly Hotel, so you can enjoy the posh venue known for its celebrity clientele, while not having to worry about taking a cab or subway anywhere else.

 

The Kimberly Hotel is the perfect venue for a local getaway.  Not only is it close to Fifth Avenue shopping, Rockefeller Center, and Times Square, but it has the infamous Nikki Beach bar and nightclub right next door, where on any given night, you can be partying with a celebrity.   There are also many great restaurants in the area, but Ferros is a great choice for a meal anytime of day and it’s right inside the hotel!  So whether you live in the city or traveling from afar to visit New York, the Kimberly Hotel is a perfect escape from the buzzing sounds of  New York City, even though you’re right in the heart of it all.

The Kimberly Hotel and Ferro’s Restaurant

A few weeks ago I had written briefly about the Kimberly Hotel in the midtown east section of Manhattan.  I had a very fun New Years celebration at the hotel, Ferro’s restaurant, located inside the property, and Nikki Beach Midtown, which is right next door.   Please check out my travelogue to the right to read all about these great venues.   And…if you’re looking for a place to go to watch the inauguration coverage after work in NYC, Ferro’s will be taping the presidential inauguration and will replay it on their large screen TV’s during happy hour from 5-9pm, which will feature a free appetizer buffet and drink specials.

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A Break in Boca

I am so not a winter person.  I hate the cold…I’m always freezing.  I’m a big outdoors person, but more into kayaking and water skiing than downhill skiing.  This winter has been kicking my butt and my trip to Florida with the family couldn’t have come at a better time…well maybe a day earlier would’ve been perfect.  They decided on Boca this year, and while normally I’d be into something a little more exciting, my mom won’t go anywhere if she can’t bring her pug, so she found the Townplace Suites in Boca Raton, a comfortable pet friendly suite property.   Since I didn’t want to miss too many days at the station I met them down here today for the end of their trip.

I was really looking forward to spending some active time in the sun, jogging on the beach and going for a long swim, but as I mentioned I left for my trip one day too late, as I took not one, but two nasty spills on the ice last night.  Did I mention I HATE the winter?  I’ve never been so thankful for the warm weather as I was when I stepped off the plane today.  So while I can’t really move my neck at the moment,  I will be very happy plopping myself down on a lounge chair with my icepack and advil!

New Years Eve in New York City

Having grown up and lived in Manhattan for awhile, I never thought about staying at a hotel in New York City, but when the opportunity presented itself for New Years Eve, I figured why not?  I wouldn’t have to worry about hailing a cab when there are none available, and could just crawl into bed right after the party next door.  I stayed at the Kimberly Hotel, a beautiful luxury suite hotel on 50th street between Lexington and 3rd Avenue, had a great dinner at the hotel restaurant, Ferros, and partied into the night at Nikki Midtown, a hot trendy nightclub  which is also next door.  I had everything I needed for the perfect New Years Eve all in one place. The Kimberly Hotel is a great choice for a  getaway any time of year, and the suites make it an attractive option when looking for a spacious hotel room in New York City.  Come back  and read my travelogue about the hotel which will be posted soon. 

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Daytona Beach

What’s the first thing that comes to your mind when I say Daytona Beach?  Whether or not you’re a racing fan, I’ll bet it’s the Daytona 500 and the racetrack.  While racing is a big part of the heritage of Daytona Beach, there is so much more to this beautiful beach town and is perfect for a family or friends getaway.  Rent a bike and ride up and down the beach to the boardwalk,  kayak though the beautiful Spruce Creek Preserve, deep sea fish or go horseback riding, climb aboard an aqua safari, take a catamaran ride on the ocean, go deep sea fishing, or check out St. Johns River and DeLeon Springs State Park.

 

I’m a big outdoors person, but how could I go to Daytona Beach without checking out the Daytona 500 Experience?  Even if you’re not a racing fan and don’t know anything about Nascar, like myself, you’ll thoroughly enjoy the 3D IMAX movie that teaches you how the cars are made.  With so much to do at this attraction, you can easily spend half a day learning about the history of Nascar, taking a tram tour around the racetrack or my favorite part, riding a simulated racecar at 150 mph.  At the end of the race, you receive a print out of your standing in the race and how fast you went with each lap.  I crashed twice, but still managed to place 15th out of 31 drivers.  Not bad for my first time on the track!

 

Daytona Beach is a great destination if you’re looking for outdoor adventure.   Get your blood flowing in the morning with a kayak or canoe ride with Cracker Creek Canoeing.  While getting your muscles warmed up, you’ll have the opportunity to see wildlife in its natural surroundings.  While there, you can tour James Gamble’s (of Proctor and Gamble) hunting lodge and see replicas from Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs, which supposedly inspired Walt Disney to build Disneyland.   There are many other opportunities to get out on the water and experience the region’s ecosystems.  The Daytona Beach Aqua Safari is led by a licensed captain and marine biologist and consists of a red double decker bus ride to Ponce Inlet, where you’re experience an eco-tour of the area’s scenic inlet.   Additional attractions at Ponce Inlet include the Ponce de Leon Inlet Lighthouse, which is the second largest lighthouse in the country, but surprisingly fairly easy to climb and the marine science center which has a whole section for turtle and seabird rehabilitation.   After a day of exploring, relax and have fun on the ocean with a catamaran ride as you watch the beautiful sunset.

 

DeLeon Springs State Park is a must see for two reasons.  One is “The Old Spanish Sugar Mill Grill and Griddle House” and the other one is the Fountain of Youth Eco and History Tour.  The Sugar Mill Grill and Griddle House is a great breakfast spot and fun for the whole family.  In the rustic restaurant, you make your own pancakes and eggs.   For the pancakes, you can choose whole grain or regular and can add whatever kind of fruit you’d like.  The Fountain of Youth Eco/History Tour is run by an entertaining older couple who know exactly where to take you to see crocodiles and dolphins.

 

Another wonderful option for your trip includes a day with Captain Eric West and his 36-foot Eagle Yacht for hands on sailing instructions.  He is a great instructor and makes it fun for people of all ages.  He told stories about the ninety year old he taught to sail, as well as the four year old.  He’s also been a part of many special moments, including taking couples out for proposals.     If you love horseback riding, or even if you’ve never been, you can experience a guided tour on the quiet trail of Shenandoah Stables.

Daytona Beach has some wonderful restaurants for all kinds of palates.  The Hyde Park Steakhouse, while it’s a chain, serves up delicious steak and fish dishes inside the Daytona Beach Hilton Hotel with a very friendly and informative wait staff. Martinis Chophouse serves up delicious creative dishes and a wide array of you guessed it…martinis…and on some nights, for just a dollar!  Le Crepe en Haunt is a landmark French restaurant in Ormond Beach with a quaint dining area perfect for a romantic night out.  If you’re looking for a great place for breakfast, the Dancing Avocado serves up fresh smoothies and delicious meals made with only the finest, healthiest ingredients.  They also serve lunch and dinner with a menu consisting of standard and vegetarian options.

Daytona Beach is lined with hotels for all budgets.  If you’re on a budget, and who isn’t in this economy, check out the Emerald Shores Hotel.  Located on the beach, the management is extremely friendly and makes you feel at home.  The rooms have a kitchenette with a stove, microwave, and refrigerator, so it’s perfect for long visits.  Plus, their general manager, Libby Gallant, promises readers of this article a 15% discount off their stay if you ask for her and mention this travelogue.

So if you’re looking for a weekend or week long getaway, visit Daytona Beach for one of their many events throughout the year, or to just relax on the beach and enjoy the many aquatic activities.  And did you know you can even drive your car onto parts of the beach? Definitely one of the features that makes Daytona Beach memorable!

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Two step over to my travelogue on Nashville!

I recently was in Nashville and had a blast!  From the Grand Ole Opry to the honky tonks downtown, Nashville is definitely a fun city!  Check out my Nashville travelogue to the right. 

Hi y’all from Nashville!

I am here in Music City…Nashville, TN, and having a blast!   I’m very excited to go to the Opry tomorrow night.  Craig Morgan is getting inducted, and there is going to be a great lineup of performers.  Today, I toured RCA Studio B, where Elvis recorded for so many years, and I got to bang out a few notes on the Steinway piano he played.  Our group also recorded one of his songs in studio.  It’s amazing how well we can sound with the right recording equipment!  I had the opportunity to visit the Country Music Hall of Fame and had a delicious bbq dinner at the famous Wildhorse Saloon in downtown Nashville last night.   Later tonight, we’re headed to the Bluebird Cafe, a real cool spot for local muscians and songwriters.  

The Opryland Resort is where we’re staying and it is huge!  With 2,881 rooms, it is the largest non gaming property in the country!  We took a boat down the 1/4 mile that runs through the hotel through the lush gardens.   Since eating is one of my favorite pastimes, I enjoyed the buffet breakfast at the Waters Edge…an omlet station, cereals, fruits, as well as the usual breakfast fare.  They even have a few fresh squeezed juices, like the detox drink for those who party it up a little too much the night before at their nightclub, Fuse, which has quickly become the hottest nightclub in Nashville.  I hope to check it out tonight and try their signature cotton candy drink.  Sugar and alcohol…should be interesting!   Tomorrow, I’m looking forward to spending time at the Ryman Auditorium and the honky tonks downtown.  No matter when you go into places like Tootsies, you will always hear a wanna be performer.  It’s pretty neat how many talented people are here in Nashville.   The city has a great energy…lots of entertainment minus the craziness of NYC or LA. 

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