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Hot Tips From Hotel Concierges
The inside scoop: Some of Manhattan's savviest sources offer tips on how to make the most of your stay.
Enjoying New York City like a local is a snap with inside info from six of the city’s most knowledgeable hotel concierges.
» Anthony Palencsar: Gild Hall, A Thompson Hotel
15 Gold St., entrance on Platt St., btw William & Gold sts., 1.212.232.7700.
“If you’re attending a gallery opening, be gracious to the artist and the gallery owner. Introduce yourself casually, along with any guests. Talk with the artist for a minute or two—maybe a little longer, if you have a question—and mingle with the crowd. If you’re interested in buying an artwork, make an appointment at the gallery for a day or two after the show. Above all, have fun, drink some wine, and you might find a ravishing piece that you just have to have now.”
» Diego Chinigo: The New York Palace
455 Madison Ave., btw E. 50th & E. 51st sts., 1.212.888.7000.
”Some of the city’s best restaurants require reservations 30 to 60 days in advance. Walking in is always an option, as most restaurants have a section of tables set aside for that purpose. Depending on the party’s size, guests can also eat at the bar, which often has its own, abbreviated menu. Visiting the hotel’s concierge desk should always be the guest’s first step when seeking out a restaurant. Whether you want a ‘celeb hot spot’ or a particular cuisine or ambience, we can offer choices around the city.”
» Gunter Kleemann: The New York Palace
455 Madison Ave.,
btw E. 50th & E. 51st sts., 1.212.888.7000.
It may be a rare occurrence, but under the right circumstances, it can be possible to witness one of New York’s fine performing arts groups during a rehearsal. “On the whole, most professional performing groups want privacy. As far as dance, opera and live music performances are concerned, you need to know somebody and be very discreet.” Kleemann also points out that “most Broadway previews are kind of dress rehearsals.” The shows may not have officially opened, but the caliber of what you see is just as high.
» Loida Diaz: The Trump International Hotel & Tower
1 Central Park West, at W. 60th St., 1.212.299.1000.
“To bypass the velvet rope at nightclubs, consider doing what New Yorkers often do: Hire inside help. Your concierge can assist you in finding a promoter to book table service (guaranteed seating through the purchase of a bottle of spirits). Ensure the promoter meets you at the door and the doorman knows you’re coming. It’s pricey, but it guarantees you’ll reach the club’s ‘inner sanctum.’ For a more affordable option, ask your concierge to help you book a club tour, which takes you to multiple venues (usually about three) over the course of an evening.”
» Marcelo Surerus: The W Hotels of New York Based at W New York
Times Square, 1567 Broadway, entrance on W. 47th St., 1.212.930.7400.
“Animal lovers of all ages won’t want to miss the Central Park Zoo. A pioneer in recreating natural habitats in urban environments, the zoo houses polar bears, sea lions, monkeys and endangered species, such as red pandas. If you’re bringing along little ones, don’t forget to visit the Tisch Children’s Zoo, where they are encouraged to feed and pet friendly live animals—goats, sheep and other farm animals—or play (and learn) in a variety of simulated animal habitats.“
» Polina Roze: New York Marriott Marquis Hotel
1535 Broadway, btw W. 45th & W. 46th sts., 1.212.398.1900.
“One way to obtain discounted Broadway tickets is to ask your concierge if the show you’d like to see has a ‘rush’ ticket policy—same-day tickets offered for significantly less. Rules vary from theater to theater, so there are important things you need to know: When should you arrive at the box office? Is it cash only? Is a student ID required? Is it a lottery or is it first-come, first-served? Is it standing room only? Are discounts only offered on certain days? What is the maximum number of tickets each person can purchase?”