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To Our Friends in Health Care,

Before anything else, thank you for everything you are doing to help us all get through the current health crisis – we very much appreciate all of your efforts.

Fitzpatrick Hotels is proud to be partnering with the City of New York, Northwell Health and other health systems to offer comfortable and safe hotel accommodations at very special rates to health care professionals. The details of what we can offer are as follows:

Fitzpatrick Grand Central Hotel
141 East 44th Street (between Lexington and Third Avenues)
New York, NY.

Room Types and Availability
Deluxe Rooms (consisting of oversized sleeping room with bath)

Rates
A special rate of $95 plus tax per night (unless tax exempt) for all room types will be made available to health care professionals. For stays of two weeks or longer, or for group blocks, that rate would be decreased, as our cost factor would go down and we would pass those savings on to you. Free WiFi for up to five devices per room is included

Reservations Process
We recognize that the nature of this situation is very fluid and constantly changing. To meet the needs that presents, please simply email us directly at reservations@fitzpatrickhotels.com with any inquiries, or to reserve space.

Cleaning and Sanitizing Protocols
Our first priority at Fitzpatrick Hotels is the well being of our guests and our employees, and towards that end, we have instituted the following operating procedures for the prevention and spread of COVID-19:

· Ensure that all areas of the workplace, including guestrooms and public spaces, are clean and hygienic.

· In public spaces, ensure that surfaces including entry doors and handles, the front desk, tables, desktops, chair handles and rails, house phones, lobby elevator buttons, internal elevator buttons and rails, restaurant bar tops and table tops are sanitized every two hours.

· In guestrooms, on top of regular cleaning protocols, ensure that all surfaces including the room door handle, internal doorknobs, desk and table tops, chair handles and rails, furniture tops and drawer handles, telephones, remote controls, television buttons, lamp switches, light switches, and all bathroom surfaces (including toilet, seat and toilet handles, vanity top, faucets and hairdryer) are sanitized daily. Linens and towels are changed regularly, and cleaned at high temperatures with sanitizing products including bleach.

· Frequent handwashing is essential. All employees and guests are being asked to please practice frequent handwashing. Signage has been created to promote it to all associates and customers. Ensure that hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol content is available in public places for guest and associate use.

· Advise all associates to stay home if they are sick with fever, or any other symptoms of COVID-19, even mild ones

· Monitor flow of information from CDC and share new information with associates

Covid-19: Temperature checks for guests planned for Fitzpatrick Hotels in New York
Irish hotelier John Fitzpatrick set to spend $250,000 on measures to counter Covid-19 and allow his hotels in Manhattan open.

Irish hotelier John Fitzpatrick is planning a series of changes to how his two hotels in New York operate in preparation for the lifting of lockdown restrictions currently in place to prevent the spread of the Covid-19 virus.

These include an electronic thermometer at its front door that will take the temperature of workers, guests and other visitors to his hotels. He is also trial a robot that would help sterilise bedrooms, and is putting together a “welcome pack” for guests, to include hand sanitisers, face masks, gloves and wipes for hygiene purposes.

He plans to leave slippers inside the door of each bedroom so that guests don’t wear their shoes around the room, while staff operating in public areas will wear face masks.

The Dublin hotelier is also planning changes to the layout of his bars and restaurants to observe social distancing rules. Room keys will be issued in a sealed protective packet while checkout will be automatic and contactless. And room service deliveries will be wrapped in more protective plastic, with guests given the option of having orders left outside their door.

In addition, Mr Fitzpatrick, who has operated in New York for the past 30 years, is considering letting out some of his bedrooms as offices.

Mr Fitzpatrick estimates that the changes will cost him about $250,000 this year, and about $30,000 a month thereafter to maintain until a vaccine is available.

“Guests are going to want something more than a mint on their pillow when the restrictions are lifted,” Mr Fitzpatrick told The Irish Times. ““Times have changed and we’re working hard to find ways to meet the demands of our new normal while still delivering a warm, personalised service.”

At present, the Fitzpatrick Manhattan Hotel on Lexington Avenue is closed while its hotel opposite Grand Central Station is catering for frontline workers who need accommodation in the city.
The group has availed of a wage subsidy scheme to keep its 120 staff on the payroll. Hotel occupancy rates in New York are currently running at just 10 per cent and Mr Fitzpatrick said it could be September before business gets going again in a meaningful way.

“We are currently using sanitised digital thermometers to take the temperature of every guest, employee and visitor entering the building. We are in talks with a company that manufactures a high-tech system that takes the temperatures of all who enter and leave the hotel as they pass through our doorway without any contact at all. We hope to have this solution in place soon.”

Mr Fitzpatrick said anyone showing a temperature higher than 38 degrees would have to leave the hotel, with guests offered an appointment with a local doctor.

Revenues declined by 24 per cent at Mr Fitzpatrick’s hotels in the year after the 9/11 terrorist attacks. “I would be very pleased if I can limit the decline to the same level after this crisis,” he said, adding that his lender, Bank of Ireland, has been supportive of the company since the lockdown was imposed.

This interview was written by Ciaran Hancock and was featured in The Irish Times on Tues, May 5th, 2020.
Link to article: https://www.irishtimes.com/business/transport-and-tourism/covid-19-temperature-checks-for-guests-planned-for-fitzpatrick-hotels-in-new-york-1.4244826

A MESSAGE FROM OUR PRESIDENT

To the family ownership of the Fitzpatrick Hotel Group, our 155 associates, our supportive and loyal guests, and our community are the heart and soul of our organization, and every effort to support their health and well-being remains of paramount importance to our mission.
Our senior leadership team has meticulously reviewed every facet and area of our operations to implement enhanced safeguards. While some of these are clearly noticeable and others remain invisible to our visitors, all are meaningful with regard to how we deliver a safe work environment for our colleagues and a safe, memorable hotel experience for our guests.
The purpose of this document is to provide information about the precautions that have been put in place. In sharing it, we hope that we have anticipated most of your questions and illustrated that our efforts will meet and exceed all government guidelines and industry recommendations. We will continue to update this program as developments that benefit public health progress, and we continue to learn how to best move forward together.
When the time is right for you, we will be here to warmly welcome you back.

Sincerely,

John Fitzpatrick
President and CEO
Fitzpatrick Hotel Group North America

 

SUMMARY OF ENHANCED HEALTH & SAFETY PRECAUTIONS

The well-being of our employees, guests and community remains The Fitzpatrick Hotel Group’s highest priority. As we closely monitor and adhere to changes in government policy, The Fitzpatrick Hotel Group has enhanced our health & safety precautions to comply with the recommendations and guidelines set by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the World Health Organization (WHO) and the New York City Departments of Health. We will continue to elevate our standards as best practices evolve.

Should you wish to download a copy of our Health & Safety Precautions in Response to Coronavirus, please click here

HEALTH & SAFETY

Guest Reservations & Arrival:
As a condition of making a reservation, guests will be requested to attest that they are free of COVID-19 symptoms and exposures per the Guest Health Attestation posted on the www.fitzpatrichotels.com and within each guest reservation confirmation and pre-arrival email. Guests will be required to wear face coverings on entering Fitzpatrick Hotels and in public areas of the hotel. We will also ask you to process your temperature on entering at our temptature checks at the entrance to our hotels. Should your temperature be 100.4 degrees or higher we will take a seondary reading after 10 minutes. If your temperature is still 100.4 degrees or higher you will be required to go to a medical center for a COVID-19 test.

Health Concerns:
Our Employees have been trained on how to respond swiftly to and report all guest or employee presumed cases of COVID-19 to their Managers and our Health and Safety Department. They will work closely with our Risk Management Department to coordinate operational protocols.
For the presumptive cases, such as if a guest advises or displays symptoms of COVID-19 the guest will be isolated to their guest room where they must stay while awaiting medical transportation. If a positive result is obtained the guest will be required to quarantine in their bedroom for the remainder of their stay or for a period of 14 days.
Isolated guests are prohibited from engaging with others and cannot receive visitors. Hotel Staff will deliver food and other supplies that the guest may require in a contact free manner. Isolated guests will not receive any housekeeping or in-room services; they are prohibited from leaving their rooms and using any of the hotel’s facilities.
Senior Managers will facilitate medical attention as needed as well as medical transportation for The Fitzpatrick Hotel Group.
If we are alerted of a positive COVID-19 case at The Fitzpatrick Hotel Group, we will communicate with the New York Department of Health and follow their recommended actions

Medical Services:
Should employees or guests express any health concerns, we will refer them to a medical professional as designated by the New York Department of Health.

Physical Distancing:
Glass partitions have been added to our guest services desks throughout the hotels, providing an extra level of precaution for our guests and employees. Guests and staff will be reminded to remain a minimum six feet apart from each other. We will also provide floor markings to assist with social distancing. We ask all staff and guest to refrain from any physical contact.

Sanitizing Resources:
Hand sanitizer stations, facial tissues and trash receptacles will be in all public spaces and employee entrances, particularly at high traffic areas and key touch points such as reception desks, elevator landings, restaurant entrances and inside meeting rooms.

Temperature Check Point:
On entering The Fitzpatrick Hotel Group, all entrances will provide a non-touch temperature check point. This is for the safety of both our customers and employees.

Signage:
Visual reminders of health, hygiene and physical distancing practices will be displayed throughout the hotels, both in public spaces and employee areas.

Staffing Capacity:
Management determines staffing based on business levels while ensuring the highest standards of service. We are revising our operational plans to provide service delivery options to maximize our ability to maintain physical distancing and provide flexibility to our guests who want to minimize human interaction.

EMPLOYEE PRACTISES

Hand Washing:
Proper hygiene and frequent hand washing are vital to combat the spread of COVID-19. All employees have been instructed to wash their hands often with soap and water for a least 20 seconds especially after using the restroom, blowing their nose, coughing or sneezing; before and after eating, going on a break and starting a shift. In addition, employees will use an alcoholic-based hand sanitizer with at least 62% alcohol. Sanitizing stations are available throughout the employee areas.

Personal Protective Equipment (PPE):
Appropriate PPE will be worn by all employees based on their roles and responsibilities, and in adherence with the states and local regulations and guidelines. Training on how to properly wear and dispose of all PPE will be provided. Every employee will be issued multiple face coverings and required to wear them as appropriate. Each employee will also wear protective gloves where appropriate.

Physical Distancing:
Employees will be reminded to practice physical distancing whenever possible. This includes seating in all break and dining areas, shared offices workspaces, meeting rooms and other high-traffic areas. Flexible work arrangements, such as remote work and staggered shifts times, will be used to reduce employee density,

Policies:
Safe return to work guidance will be provided to our employees and will include protocols for daily health screenings, personal hygiene, physical distancing requirements, and property and workspace cleanliness standards.

Pre-Shift & Timekeeping:
Daily pre-shift meetings will be conducted in areas that allow for appropriate physical distancing. Larger departments will stagger meetings to employee arrival times to minimize traffic volume in back of house corridors, stairwells and elevators. Hand sanitizer will be provided next to each time clock location.

Shared Employee Space:
The use of shared employee spaces will decrease as we practice social distancing and flexible work arrangements. Social distancing will be practiced in our employee’s cafeterias by only permitting staggered employee breaks to adhere to social distancing regulations. Grab and go food will be provided to our employees to limit contact. All office and break areas will undergo periodic cleaning and disinfecting daily.

Shared Equipment:
Shared tools and equipment will be regularly cleaned and disinfected anytime the equipment is transferred to a new employee or at the end of each work shift.
Examples include work phones, keyboards, carts and tools.

Signage:
Signage will be displayed throughout the work areas to remind employees of physical distancing and personal hygiene practices, such as hand washing.

Training:
Employees will continue to train in all enhanced health, hygiene and physical distancing practices to ensure they are consistently followed. Employees will also be trained to recognize and report COVID-19 symptoms and follow medical care and isolation procedures as recommended by the CDC.

THE GUEST EXPERIENCE

Arrival:
Upon arrival at our hotels, guests will be asked to verify their reservation. On entering the hotels, guests will be asked to pass through our non-contact temperature stations. Luggage assistance will be available upon request and all bell carts will be cleaned and disinfected after each use.

Check-in & Front Desk:
A maximum of one associate will be stationed at each desk at our hotel reception areas in accordance with social distancing guidelines set out by the CDC.Clear partitions have been added to each workstation to separate the receptionist and guest, A complimentary PPE Kit will be available on check in for your personal use throughout your stay.

Digital Transactions:
Touch-less transactions using email, mobile phone and texts will be implemented throughout the guest experience. Guests will be pre-registered for check-in and guests will be required to input their credit card into the credit card reader upon arrival, which will be sanitized after each use. Guests may call or email guest relations directly for any special requests before or during your stay.

Elevator Use:
Elevator buttons will be cleaned and disinfected frequently. Capacities will be limited to one family or party at a time, up to four people.

Personal Protection Kits (PPE):
On arrival guests will receive a personal protection kit to include disposable face covering, disposable gloves and sanitizing hand wipes.

CLEANING PRODUCTS & PROTOCOLS

Prior to COVID-19 The Fitzpatrick Hotel Group operated extensive health, safety and hygiene measures that adhered to all EPA Guidelines. These operational practices will be continued, and we are implementing additional systems and new technology for cleaning and disinfecting.

Air Filtration Systems:
There will be increased cleaning frequency of our heating, ventilation and air conditioning systems.

Cleaning Products:
A variety of EPA approved antimicrobial and surface disinfectants are utilized, which will include hydrogen peroxide, alcohol and bleach based solutions. The Fitzpatrick Hotel Group have carefully selected products that meet CDC requirements for use against viruses such as COVID-19, bacteria, and other airborne and blood borne pathogens. We are incorporating electrostatic spray technology for superior disinfectant application as appropriate.

Communal, Meeting & Public Spaces:
The frequency of cleaning and disinfecting all public space will increase. There will be emphasis on high-traffic areas and key touch points, such as check-in desk, elevator landings, house phones, meeting rooms, public restrooms, door handles, stair handrails, trash cans, restaurant entrance, dining surfaces and seating areas. Furniture will be arranged to best allow physical distancing.

Front Desk & Guest Relations:
Glass partitions have been added to service desks; they will be cleaned and disinfected frequently. Room keys will have to be deposited in a sealed container and will be treated and disinfected after each use.

Guest Rooms:
EPA approved cleaning products and disinfecting protocols will be used for the guest rooms with particular attention paid to high-touch items, such as doors, furniture handles, light switches, nightstands, toilet seats and handles, telephones, thermostats, alarm clocks, luggage racks, safe keypads and floor coverings.

TV remote controls will be cleaned and disinfected prior to your arrival and a covering for the remote is included in your personal protection kit. Housekeeping will discard all magazines, paper menus and other collateral upon every guest departure.

Housekeeping:
A guest can accept or decline daytime or evening turndown service, and adjust their preference daily. To minimize contact with guest room attendants, we will not service rooms while the guest is present. Housekeepers will offer to return at an alternate time for rooms occupied by guests. Should housekeeping day service or evening turndown service be desired, housekeeping will wear a face covering and gloves. Disposable gloves will be used for each individual room and will be discarded immediately thereafter. Carts and equipment will be disinfected regularly.

Laundry:
Bed linen and towels will be changed in response to guest preference. All items will continue to be washed at high temperatures with sanitizing detergents and in accordance with CDC guidelines. After departure, all linens and towels, whether they appear used or not, will be cleaned.

Public Restrooms:
All public restrooms will be cleaned and disinfected frequently throughout the day.

Vendors:
Every vendor who enters the property will be subject to a temperature screening and required to wear a face covering.

GUEST SERVICES

Guest Shipping:
For guest packages, our guest relations team will call each guest room to confirm preferred delivery times. Packages will be delivered to the room and placed outside of the door. Our team will knock and wait six feet away to ensure package is retrieved. Alternatively, you may call the guest relations team and arrange to collect your packages at the guest relations desk.

Ice:
Ice will be provided by our in room dining facility and will be delivered to the room and placed outside of the door. Our team will knock and wait six feet away to ensure delivery is retrieved.

Laundry & Dry Cleaning:
Services will be available using physical distancing pick-up. We ask that if you require laundry service, that you call the front desk and place your laundry bag outside the room for a member of our team to collect. For all return deliveries, guest relations will call to arrange a preferred delivery time so that your laundry can be delivered to the room and placed outside of the door. Our team will knock and wait six feet away to ensure that laundry is retrieved.

Private Car Service Reservations:
Guest relations will assist in arranging private car services. If you wish to limit human interaction, we ask you to call a member of the guest relations team to arrange services. Alternatively, you may inquire at the reception desk, where a clear partition is in place to safely separate the receptionist and guest.

FOOD & BEVERAGE

The Fitzpatrick Hotel Group provides dining in both the Wheeltapper Bar and Restaurant at the Fitzpatrick Grand Central Hotel, and The Fitz Gastro Bar at the Fitzpatrick Manhattan Hotel. We will continue to work with the New York Department of Health to maintain social distancing to ensure our dining and beverage facilities safely adhere to all CDC, local and state guidelines.
We have suspended all buffet and self-serve food options. Our restaurants will only provide a la carte meals and our events department will offer table service or pre-packaged food items.
Condiments and sugar will be served in single use containers ( either disposable or washable after each use). Straws will be available upon request and individually wrapped. Menus, check presenters and pens will be cleaned and disinfected after each use.
We continue to follow the New York Departments of Health’s Food Code recommendations for hand washing and disposable glove use in all food service areas.

SCREENING

All associates, vendors, and guests will be subject to temperature check prior to entering our properties.
Any team member with an irregular or high temperature will be subject to secondary screening. Those confirmed to have a temperature at or over 100.4°F will be required to leave the property and will be given resources to make an informed decision about their medical care. Employees directed to leave the property will not be allowed on-site until they provide clearance by a doctor.
Upon arriving to work all employees will be required to complete a screening questionnaire. This will consist of a series of questions designed to identify if associate is experiencing symptoms and/or is unsafe to work. If they pass the questionnaire they will be allowed to work. If they fail, the associate will be sent home. Human Resources will follow up with the associate to determine when they may safely return to work.

The High Line is a grand example of New York ingenuity. Formerly an abandoned freight rail line elevated above Manhattan’s West Side, the High Line is now one of NYC’s most popular parks offering scenic views that no other green space can provide.

Currently the High Line is only open between from Gansevoort Street to 30th Street. All visitors must enter at the corner of Gansevoort Street and Washington Street, or at 23rd Street, and move northward. One-directional movement is in place to allow for social distancing on narrow paths and stairs.

About the High Line
The High Line is a public park built on a historic freight rail line elevated above the streets on Manhattan’s West Side. Saved from demolition by neighborhood residents and the City of New York, the High Line opened in 2009 as a hybrid public space where visitors experience nature, art, and design. We always recommend a visit to the High Line when you’re in New York, you get to see the city from a whole new perspective

After walking the High Line, visit Chelsea Market, an indoor marketplace renowned for its wide variety of eateries and shops.

Or why not head to Hudson River Park?
This strip of waterfront park stretches from Battery Park to 59th Street, allowing you to walk, bike or skate while looking at the Hudson River and New Jersey. There are flowers, benches, piers and lots of programs—including youth sports and kayak rides in the river.

Don’t forget to pay a visit to Hudson Yards
Hudson Yards is one of New York’s newest areas to explore! With shops now open, you can pick up some treats for yourself! The Vessel is also now open and we highly recommend a visit (book your tickets in advance!) The Vessel is comprised of 154 intricately interconnecting flights of stairs (that’s almost 2,500 individual steps and 80 landings) The vertical climb offers remarkable views of the city, the river and beyond so make sure it’s on your list!

 

New York is known for shopping, but it’s even more special at Christmas time! We’ve picked some of our favorite Christmas shopping spots in the city.

Macy’s

Macy’s Herald Square is one of the largest department stores in the world, it covers almost an entire New York City block. With an amazing selection of brands to choose from, including Calvin Klein, Tommy Hilfiger and Levi’s, there is something for everyone and you’ll spend hours wandering the 9 floors! A shopper’s haven! It’s also great for Christmas decorations so make sure you pop in to take a look!

Bloomingdales

Located on Lexington Avenue, you may recognise the name from Rachel’s time in Friends, but Bloomingdales has been a New York Institution for over a century. You’ll find all your favorite designer brands here, including Gucci, Burberry, Michael Kors and many, many more!

Century 21

Century 21’s Flagship store can be found in lower Manhattan. Century 21 is a large discount department store, they offer up to 60% off some of the top designer brands. If you love a good bargain then this is the store for you this Christmas!

5th Avenue

Stroll down 5th avenue and you’ll find all of your favorite brands as well as passing some of NY’s most iconic landmarks including The Plaza, The Rockefeller Centre & St.Patrick’s Cathedral. You’ll find world-famous stores such as Bergdorf Goodman, Tiffany & Co and Saks Fifth Avenue on your walk down one of the world’s most famous streets! Remember to check out Saks Fifth Avenue’s Holiday Light Show during the Christmas season, it runs until 24th December! Directly opposite Saks, you’ll find the renowned Rockefeller Christmas tree, make sure you stop for a photo or two!

SoHo

From shoes to homeware, clothes to accessories, you’ll find everything you need in SoHo. There’s something to suit all budgets! You’ll find lots of vintage stores in SoHo and if you’re ready to search you can get some amazing bargains! You’ll find brands such as Opening Ceremony, Second Time Around and What Goes Around Comes Around.

Christmas Markets

You don’t have to travel to Europe to enjoy the Christmas markets, we have plenty to choose from in New York City! Why not head to the Winter Village at Bryant Park? With over 150 stalls and an ice-skating rink, it’s sure to get you in the festive spirit!

Only a short walk from our Grand Central hotel, visit the Grand Central Holiday Fair. Half of Vanderbilt Hall is taken over by 40 vendors—including local NYC artists —who specialise in hand-crafted products.

Union Square Holiday Market is another great market for experiencing Christmas cheer, over 200 local and national vendors come together at this outdoor market, selling things like leather goods, artisanal olive oil and skincare products so you’re sure to pick up some great Christmas presents.

If you’re planning a 2020 shopping trip to New York, make sure you check out our Eat, Sleep, Shop & Repeat package.

Spending New Year’s Eve in New York is one of the best ways to ring in a new year and a new decade in 2020! Everyone knows that the Times Square New Year’s celebrations are some of the biggest and the best in the world and we have to say we agree! We have had a look and we want to share some of our top tips and tricks if you plan on spending the evening in Times Square and also some alternative options should you wish to ring in the new year elswhere!

Our Top Tips For New Years Eve in Times Square

If you want a prime spot for all of the performances, it is recommended that you get there by noon. If you’re heading to Times Square after 3pm, we recommend entering from the north. As the ball drops at the southern end, the area fills up from the bottom which means it’s a lot busier! Don’t forget you can only access Times Square from Sixth Avenue and Eighth Avenue only on New Year’s Eve.

What time do the festivities start? Well, at 6pm, the Times Square New Year’s Eve Ball is raised to the top of the pole at One Times Square. Shortly after, the Times Square Alliance sanitation crew usually distribute thousands of party favors, including hats, glasses, noisemakers – so make sure you don’t miss out and join in the fun. The live, televised show and performances start at 8pm.

If you need any additional help to organise your trip to Times Square on New Year’s Eve, just ask any of our team who will be happy to help.

Watch The Fireworks

When the clock strikes 12, the New York skyline is lit up with numerous fireworks! We want to make sure you have the best view of the cities spectacular firework displays, so we have put together a list of where to watch them

1. Times Square – join the crowds for one of New York’s biggest events
2. Spend the evening in Central Park – They are set off from Cherry Hill, Bow Bridge and the Belvedere Castle
3. Brooklyn Bridge – look back at the city as the famous skyline is lit up with some of the best fireworks

If heading out into the cold this New Years Eve isn’t for you, don’t forget to join us at The Fitz Bar or The Wheeltapper Pub, our team will be making sure all of our guests are set and ready for the evening’s festivities and if you’re joining us for midnight – we’ll be happy to provide each guest with a glass of bubbly to toast to the New Year!

Is your New Year’s resolution a trip to New York city? Make sure you check out our exciting new 20+20 in 2020 Special Offer where you can enjoy 20% off our best available rate and 20% off food and beverages in our bars. Find out more.

Are you visiting us this January? We’ve put together a list of the top things you can do while you’re in the city! Don’t forget to ask our team for help with ideas, attractions and bookings when you stay with us at Fitzpatrick Hotels New York.

Jazz Festival
Date: 8 Jan – 18 Jan | Location: Various Locations

NYC Winter Jazzfest is a destination for avid jazz fans, industry professionals, and new listeners to get together and experience the exciting and vibrant contemporary jazz scene in New York. Winter Jazzfest’s programming is inclusive of a broad spectrum of musical styles under the banner of jazz.

Shop The Sales

January is a great time to snap up some bargains in New York! The post Christmas Sales are in full swing, so why not treat yourself to something extra special to commemorate your stay in New York? We recommend visiting the department stores including Macy’s and Bloomingdale’s or visiting the different stores located along 5th Avenue.

Big Apple Circus
Date: 8 Jan – 2 Feb | Location: Lincoln Center

The Big Apple Circus is a circus based in New York City. Opened in 1977. It has become a major tourist attraction. The circus is also known for its community outreach programs, including Clown Care, as well as its humane treatment of animals. It makes for a great family day or night out!

NYC Winter Outing
Date: 21 Jan – 9 Feb| Location: Various Locations

Back again, NYC Winter Outing is the perfect excuse to get out an enjoy all that the Big Apple has to offer this winter! With fantastic offers on a selection of Broadway shows, museums, attractions and tours will be available at a two-for-one price, and nearly 400 restaurants will offer prix-fixe menus, it’s the best reason to get out and about this January and February!

New York City Wine Fest
Date: 25 Jan | Location: The Tunnel Building

Travel through the world of wine at The Tunnel Building! You will have the chance to enjoy wine samples for their entire session paired with live entertainment, food and interactive games.

If you’re planning a trip for later in year, check out some of our exciting special offers.

Shop The Sales

January is a great time to snap up some bargains in New York! The post Christmas Sales are in full swing, so why not treat yourself to something special? We recommend visiting the department stores including Macy’s, Bloomingdale’s and Barneys New York!

Visit the Theater

With less tourists in the city, January is a great time to get tickets to some of Broadway’s most sought after shows including Hamilton, The Lion King, The Book of Mormon and Chicago! Remember to check out the NYC Winter Outing website for 2 for 1 tickets from January 21st through February 10th.

Holiday Train Show January 1st – 21st

With nearly a half-mile of track hosting over a dozen large-scale model railway locomotives, this is a great way to spend a few hours! For more information, take a look at The New York Botanical Gardens website.

The Winter Show January 18th – 27th

Looking for something a little different to do this weekend? Why not pay a visit to the Winter Show? It’s a leading art, antiques, and design fair in America, featuring 70 of the world’s top experts in the fine and decorative arts. It’s held every year in the historic Park Avenue Armory in New York City. The fair highlights a mix of works, dating from ancient times through the present day and maintains the highest standards of quality in the art market For more information, check out their website for more details

NYC Winter OutingJanuary 21st – February 10th

From January 21 through February 10, 2019, NYC & Company will launch its three signature programs simultaneously for the first time ever—NYC Broadway Week, NYC Restaurant Week® and NYC Must-See Week—on January 21. During this period, a selection of Broadway shows, museums, attractions and tours will be available at a two-for-one price, and nearly 400 restaurants will offer prix-fixe menus.

For more information head to their website.

The New York Boat ShowJanuary 23rd – 27th

Whether you’re in the market for a boat or just want to see the latest in marine technology, The New York Boat Show is the place to be. With its 110-year history, the show is recognized as the place to see the latest and greatest in boating. If this sounds like something that may float your boat (excuse the pun!) then head to Jacob Javits Convention Center, located on Eleventh Avenue, between 34th and 40th streets!

So you’re planning a trip to New York with the whole family, but you’re not sure what to do or where to go? We’ve got you covered with our top 6 list of family-friendly activities for you and the kids.

Central Park:
Kicking off our list is Central Park in Manhattan. It’s a great place to visit if you want to get some fresh air or fight back against your jet-lag after travel. With luscious green grass, plenty of playgrounds, and beautiful lakes, there’s always things to do in Central Park. Head over to the Central Park Zoo to see some unique animals, like the leopards, sea lions, and penguins. If you’re looking for more activities check out the central park website for full details on events being held in the park.

Top of the Rock:
Another fantastic attraction is the Top of the Rock observation deck in the Rockefeller Center. From 70 storeys up in the sky you get a fresh perspective of the New York skyline. Most notably you see the Empire State building at elevation and up close, like you’ve never seen it before. Pair up the visit with a guided tour of the building and learn about the history, art, and architecture of New York.

The Empire State Building:
You knew it was coming! The Empire State Building offers you New York’s most breathtaking view. On a clear day you can see all of Manhattan and the neighbouring boroughs. With 360º views in every direction you can see every building in New York. Be sure to take in the incredible lobby, with its 24-carat gold ceilings and walls, and the beautiful engravings. On the way up you can stop off at the museum, where you can learn about how the famous building was designed and built.

Times Square:
This one is a quintessential New York landmark and an absolute must-see, especially at night. The atmosphere at Times Square is electric and brightly lit by the flashing billboards and signs that light up the sky; the perfect family photo opportunity. Once the wonder and awe has worn off you can grab a bite to eat or head into one of the huge shops nearby. Be sure to check out the Disney, M&M, and Hershey stores and watch your kid’s eyes light up! You can also visit Broadway to see a show at one of the many theatres nearby.

Statue of Liberty:
It wouldn’t be a trip to New York if you didn’t visit the Statue of Liberty. Located off the coast of Jersey, the Statue of Liberty is only accessible by ferry. Keep in mind that this ferry is public transport, so you may not get a seat or a perfect view of the statue. The ferry goes to Staten Island and you can choose to simply see it from the boat or take another straight to the island it stands on.

9/11 Memorial at Ground Zero:
One of the more emotional locations on the list is the 9/11 Memorial at Ground Zero. The sight features a museum and memorial, both of which are stunning pieces of architecture. There are countless exhibitions and events being held at the museum, giving you the full history of the tragedy. The memorial features two one acre large pools at the base of where the North and South World Trade Center towers once stood.

Looking for some tips on what to do in New York in the coming months? We have compiled a list based on what our guests tell us they enjoy most!

Broadway: See A Show

In the quieter months of January and February, you can get tickets to see some of Broadway’s most famous shows including The Book of Mormon, The Lion King and Wicked! Make sure you check out NYC Winter Outing’s Broadway Offers between January 21st and February 10th, where you can avail of 2 for 1 tickets on some of the best Broadway shows! Check out their website to see their amazing offers.

Catch a Game

Why not head to Madison Square Garden? It’s basketball season so pay a visit to MSG and see the New York Knicks play at home. If basketball isn’t your pick, you can also catch the New York Rangers throughout February.

You can check out all of the upcoming games at Madison Square Garden on their website.

One World Observatory

Located on top of the tallest building in the Western Hemisphere, you will admire the unrivaled panoramic views of New York City from this unique location.

Tickets are available at oneworldobservatory.com.

Explore Grand Central

We love recommending a trip to Grand Central Terminal, especially since it’s located such a short distance from Fitzpatrick Grand Central! This world-famous landmark is much more than just a train station! With over 60 shops and 35 restaurants, a visit here is a must for anyone looking to enjoy a piece of New York City culture!
You can even catch a tour by heading to The Tours Office in the Terminal’s Main Concourse.

You can check out their website for more details on everything there is to see and do!

Visit A Museum

New York City is full of museums! Why not pass away a day exploring some of our favorite museums, there’s truly a museum to suit every interest, from art to science, fashion to history, we are sure you’ll find a museum that you will love!

We have listed some of the top museums in the city to help get you started on your adventure!

• Guggenheim
• The Metropolitan Museum of Art
• MOMA
• The Frick Collection
• Tenement Museum
• Museum of the City of New York
• Intrepid Sea, Air & Space Museum
• American Museum of Natural History

Walk in Central Park

There is nothing nicer than a walk through Central Park on a crisp cold winter’s day! Explore the city’s favorite urban escape and take some time to wander through one of the world’s most famous parks!

Why not check out our previous blog on Our Favourite Spots in Central Park

Walk Across The Brooklyn Bridge

Make sure you wrap up well if you plan on walking across this iconic New York landmark! The walk across the Brooklyn Bridge usually takes between 30 – 40 minutes, but the views of the Manhattan Skyline are not to be missed! Some of New York’s up and coming restaurants call Brooklyn home, so make sure you treat yourself to a delicious meal afterwards!