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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!

 

We decided to put together a list of our favorite facts about New York City! Make sure you let us know if you have any facts or pieces of wisdom that we should add to the list!

 

Oysters were so popular in New York in the 19th century that the shells were used to pave Pearl Street. They were also used for lime for the masonry of the Trinity Church.

New York City became the first capital of the United States in 1789.

The New York Public Library has over 50 million books! Have you been to visit? It’s only a ten minute walk from our hotel at Grand Central so there’s no excuse!

Times Square got its name from the New York Times! Before they moved their offices there, the area was known as Longacre Square.

The first subway line was opened in New York in 1904. Today, the subway system is the largest mass transit system in the world with 468 stations and 1355 km of track.

There are over 13,000 licensed medallion taxis work the streets of New York City, so you’ll always be able to catch a cab!

The Statue of Liberty as many already know was a gift from France, given to America in 1886. However, what you might not know is that from the ground to the top of the torch the statue measures 93 metres, and weighs 204 metric tonnes. The statue was shipped as 350 pieces in 214 crates and took 4 months to assemble at its current home on Ellis Island.

The price of a slice of pizza and the cost of a subway ride are almost always the same. Back in the 1980’s, New Yorker’s began to notice that the price of a subway ride and a slice of pizza are almost always equal.

Brooklyn is the most populated borough in New York City.

It is said that there are 800 different languages spoken in New York City!

25% of the world’s gold bullion is stored in the Federal Bank Reserve’s vaults.

The ice cream cone, pasta primavera and eggs Benedict were all invented in New York City.

 

If you’re planning a trip to New York, make sure you check out our Special Offers at Fitzpatrick Hotels New York.

If you’re visiting New York this month, then make sure you check out our favorite things to do in the city.

 

Visit Governors Island

Come the 1st of May, Governors Island is open to visitors. Governors Island is a 172-acre island, located in the heart of New York Harbour, it’s only a short ferry ride from Manhattan or Brooklyn.  Throughout the summer, numerous events are held on the island so it is always worth checking their website before making the trip.

Cinco De Mayo
May 5th, 2019

Cinco De Mayo is a Mexican Holiday that commemorates the Mexican defeat of the French army at the Battle of Puebla in 1862. All over New York, there are different events and celebrations. If you’re looking for something to do then why not check out the Cinco De Mayo Parade that is hosted Uptown on Central Park West at 106th St to 97th St.

Mothers Day
May 12th, 2019

If you’re celebrating with your Mum in New York this year, why not call in to Fitzpatrick Grand Central or Manhattan to enjoy a bite to eat? You might even bump into Teddy Fitz!

Shakespeare in the Park
May 21st, 2019 – August 11th, 2019

Shakespeare in the Park runs from May 21 through August 11, 2019. With few exceptions, performances are Tuesday through Sunday at 8pm and is held in the Delacorte Theater in Central Park. It’s a popular event which means tickets aren’t always easy to come by. For more information check out The Public Theater’s website.

Fleet Week

Fleet Week offers members of the Navy and Marines the opportunity to experience New York City, while giving the public a chance to meet members of today’s maritime services. You can tour Navy ships, watch military formations and see a special screening of Top Gun on the deck of the USS Intrepid.

For a full list of events taking place, make sure you check out their website. Many of the events are free so if you’re in town be sure to check them out.

Visit the Vessel – NY’s newest landmark

Located in Hudson Yards, The Vessel is New York City’s newest landmark! Already loved by tourists, it’s worth visiting The Vessel if you’re in that part of town. If you would like to go inside The Vessel’s centrepiece spiral staircase, then you can book tickets on their website in advance of your visit but same-day tickets are also available.

Are you visiting New York this Memorial Day weekend? We have put together a list of all of the different things you can do. If you are planning on staying in the city, it’s a good weekend to visit the different attractions in New York as they tend to be quieter as many New Yorkers travel out of the city for the weekend.

What is Memorial Day?

Memorial Day is observed on the last Monday of May, honoring the men and women who have died while serving in the U.S. military. Its origins date back to the end of the Civil War when it was known as Decoration Day. Many Americans observe Memorial Day by visiting cemeteries or memorials, holding family gatherings and participating in parades.

It’s also the unofficial beginning of the summer season!

Fleet Week

Fleet Week offers members of the Navy and Marines the opportunity to experience New York City, while giving the public a chance to meet members of today’s maritime services. You can tour Navy ships, watch military formations or see a special screening of Top Gun on the deck of the USS Intrepid.
For a full list of events taking place, make sure you check out their website. Many of the events are free, so if you’re in town be sure to check them out.

Little Neck Douglas Memorial Day Parade

The largest of the city’s Memorial Day parades and takes place on Monday, May 27th. You can honor those lost in battle by cheering on veterans, the local members of the military, marching bands, brownie troops and boy scouts marching from Northern Boulevard in Queens from Great Neck to Douglaston. A wreath-laying ceremony at the Veterans Monument in the courtyard of St. Anastasia Church elegantly finishes off the parade.

Visit Coney Island

A trip to Coney Island is the perfect day out for all the family! With rollercoasters, an aquarium, lots of restaurants and shops, it’s a day out that everyone is sure to enjoy. If you’re thinking of visiting, then make sure you check out their website coneyislandfunguide.com

Memorial Day Concert

The annual Memorial Day concert at Green-Wood Cemetery, in Brooklyn features the New York City Symphonic Band in a free afternoon performance at 2.30pm. There are also local vendors are on hand to provide food and refreshments. To find out everything you need to know, then make sure you take a look at their website green-wood.com

Central Park

No trip to New York is complete without a visit to Central Park, located between Fifth Avenue and Eighth Avenue and running from 59th Street to 110th Street, it is the most visited urban park in the United States. We’ve picked some of our favorite places for you to visit so make sure you check out our previous blog.

And if you’re planning to visit New York later in the summer, make sure you check out our new special offers.

It’s officially summertime in the city, meaning it’s the perfect time to explore! New York is known as the city that never sleeps and we agree, there is always something to do or see, which is all part of the fun. We’ve decided to put some of our favorites for the month of June in one place so you can make sure you don’t miss out!

Museum Mile Festival
June 11th, 6pm-9pm

Known as New York’s biggest block party – The Museum Mile Festival is an annual celebration hosted by some of New York’s largest cultural institutions such as the Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum, Neue Galerie New York and the Metropolitan Museum of Art. You can get into some museum exhibitions for free and there are lots of special events and performances! This year’s festival takes place on Tuesday, June 11, 2019, 6–9pm.

Philharmonic in the Park
June 11th-16th

One of New York’s iconic events, Philharmonic in the Park has been running since 1965! Parks are transformed with after work picnic-ers (Check out our Parks, Picnics and Perks special offer to make sure you have your picnic blanket!) If you’re a music lover, make sure you don’t miss out on your chance to hear the best classical music under the stars of New York City!

Father’s Day
June 16th

Looking to treat your Dad this Father’s Day? Why not start with a delicious breakfast in our Grand Central or Manhattan hotels then head out to New York to explore, we’ve put together some exciting things that you can do with Dad!
– Head for a cycle or row a boat in Central Park
– Pay a visit to New York’s newest attraction – The Vessel
– Take a trip to Smorgasburg in Prospect Park in Brooklyn
– Visit The Intrepid Sea, Air and Space Museum
There’s always lots to see and do in New York City but if you’re looking for something to do, make sure you ask our team who will be more than happy to help!

Shakespeare in The Park

Shakespeare in the Park runs from May 21 through August 11, 2019. With few exceptions, performances are Tuesday through Sunday at 8pm and is held in the Delacorte Theater in Central Park. It’s a popular event which means tickets aren’t always easy to come by. For more information check out The Public Theater’s website.

SummerStage in Central Park

SummerStage is an outdoor festival of the arts held each year at Rumsey Playfield in Central Park. Performances are mostly free, with the exception of a few big-name benefit concerts! Events happen almost every day of the summer including concerts, dance parties, live theater, ballet and an outdoor opera series.

What is Independence Day?

Independence Day, also known as The 4th July is a federal holiday in the United States commemorating the signing of the Declaration of Independence of the United States on July 4, 1776.

Many Independence Day celebrations take place outdoors, with lots of Americans having summer barbeques, heading to the beach and just generally celebrating with friends and family!

We’ve put together a list of some things you can do to when celebrating Independence Day while you’re in New York!

Visit a Park

There’s no better way to enjoy the great outdoors of New York than by visiting one of their iconic parks. Grab a picnic and head to the park to sit out and take in the summer atmosphere! With so many parks within walking distance or a short subway ride from our Grand Central and Manhattan Hotel, we’ve picked a few for you to visit!
– Central Park
-Bryant Park
– The Highline
– Washington Square Park
– Battery Park

Head to Coney Island

It’s sure to be busy but a trip to Coney Island is worth it! Located in South Brooklyn, Coney Island is one of New York’s most famous beachside communities and is accessible by numerous subway lines making it the perfect day trip for tourists and New Yorkers alike!
There’s always lots to see and do in Coney Island, with an Aquarium, Amusement Park and lots of Sideshows, you’re sure to be entertained for hours! If you prefer something a little more relaxed them why not relax on the beach or take a stroll along the boardwalk?
If you happen to visit on 4th July, you’ll notice a lot of people flocking to Nathan’s Famous – at 10:30 am, their annual hot dog eating contest takes place and is broadcast live on TV so probably best to wait until the afternoon if you fancy treating yourself to one of their famous hotdogs!

Watch The Fireworks

This will be the 43rd year that Macy’s launched their famous 4th of July Fireworks show! This year, the fireworks will be taking place on The East River and the show begins at 9:20 pm so be sure to get there early not to miss out! Macy’s have put together their list of the locations where you can watch the fireworks display from!
Check out their website

Only have two days in New York? With so many things to do, it can be hard to know how best to spend your time. So we have decided to help, we’ve created a guide to 48 hours in New York.

Day 1

Central Park

Start off your day with breakfast at either our Manhattan or Grand Central location. Both locations are walking distance from Central Park. Spend your morning here walking around the park, you are bound to recognize many iconic scenes from some of the biggest shows and movies ever made. If you’re eager to cover more ground think about renting a bike or for a more leisurely morning rent a rowboat and row the Central Park lake to get views from all angles.

Visit a Museum 

Once you’ve spent a few hours in Central Park check out one of the nearby museums we recommend; The Metropolitan Museum where the famous Met Gala is held every year adorned with famous faces or the Museum of Modern Art (MoMA). If a museum isnt your fancy or if you’re traveling with kids The Zoo located right in Central Park is a great alternative way to spend the afternoon.

Times Square and spectacular views 

Visit one of our bars for a relaxed drink before heading to the heart of New York, it really is the City that never sleeps, spend your evening in the bustling Times Square and take a trip to the top of Rockefeller Centre which is open until midnight or the Empire State Building open till 2 AM for a fantastic view over the city.

We recommend skipping the subway, going underground means you can miss lots of New York city life!

Day 2

Brooklyn Bridge 

Get up early and visit Brooklyn Bridge, the best time to visit is early in the morning. The Bridge is used by many to commute into the city everyday and there is an upper deck which can be walked on foot. Be sure to visit where the bridge meets Dumbo, an iconic image of where the bridge meets road.

The Highline and The Vessel

Just outside the Chelsea Market you will find the start of The Highline a 1.45-mile-long elevated park. It runs along old railway tracks from the 1900’s down the west side of Manhattan through Chelsea and has some of the best view of the New York City skyline. It takes just under an hour to walk but we recommend leaving two as you’ll be sure to want to stop to take some pictures. If you head north, you’ll end up at Hudson Yards, the home to New York’s newest attraction. Make sure you get a photo in front of The Vessel, if you want to head inside make sure you book your tickets in advance!

Broadway

Enjoy dinner in The Fitz and then spend your last evening in New York by visiting a Broadway Show, there is no better way to finish your trip to the city that never sleeps! Talk to our team about getting tickets to your favorite show, iconic shows such as The Lion King, The Book of Mormon and Wicked are long standing favorites of our guests here at Fitzpatrick Hotels.