Where to Eat, Stay, and Explore in Athens
Beyond the Acropolis, one of the most iconic cities in Greece offers a dazzling array of sights, sounds, and experiences.
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ONE THING THAT’S wonderful about New York is that there’s always something entirely new to enjoy — the avant-garde art show, the buzzing food trend, the cutting-edge boutique with the best-fitting trousers in all of Manhattan, the freshest and swankiest hotel. But real New Yorkers — I’ve been here 15 years, so I’d like to think of myself as part of this cohort — know that the heart and soul of this city is in its glamorous heritage: the classic tried-and-true atmospheres that have been mainstays for decades in this fast-moving, ever-changing metropolis. Sometimes, we feel most like New Yorkers when we’re drinking a martini at one of Truman Capote’s, Jackie Onassis’, or Dorothy Parker’s old haunts, or maybe just a modern place we imagine they’d visit if they were still alive today.
This is as true for hotels as it is for anything. As you can see from our list of city classics in the hospitality game, some are a century old while others are much newer, though still able to capture that brassy, bold Manhattan elan in a smaller, more boutique package, from spots with Gilded Age glitz to the most alluring address on Fifth Avenue. Welcome to New York. — Alex Frank
Classic Stays
Baccarat Hotel
A Parisian-inspired escape
Tucked away in the middle of Manhattan, the Baccarat Hotel is a sleek, shimmering jewel, much like its namesake. Even though the hotel is on the doorstep of some of the city’s most visited tourist attractions (The Museum of Modern Art is just steps away),...
Tucked away in the middle of Manhattan, the Baccarat Hotel is a sleek, shimmering jewel, much like its namesake. Even though the hotel is on the doorstep of some of the city’s most visited tourist attractions (The Museum of Modern Art is just steps away), this five-star wonder feels remarkably transportive. Not only does the property boast a La Mer spa, but there is also a very Parisian-inspired pool and a grand salon (filled to the rafters with Baccarat crystal, naturally) where you can have dinner, relax with a cocktail, or take in the hotel’s afternoon tea service. After a too-short 24-hour getaway, during which I mostly swam, slept, and sipped cocktails at the stunning hotel bar, I stopped by the hotel’s 53rd Street boutique to pick up a bottle of the brand’s signature fragrance, Baccarat Rouge 540, created by Maison Francis Kurkdjian, to remind me of my time there. — T. Cole Rachel
Lotte New York Palace
An iconic New York experience
Lotte, the Korean luxury hotel group, is the most recent steward of this classic NYC hotel. In previous incarnations, it was known as the Helmsley Palace, was owned for a time by the Sultan of Brunei, and made regular appearances on the original...
Lotte, the Korean luxury hotel group, is the most recent steward of this classic NYC hotel. In previous incarnations, it was known as the Helmsley Palace, was owned for a time by the Sultan of Brunei, and made regular appearances on the original “Gossip Girl” TV show. The property has two faces: that of the landmarked mansion of 1800s railroad tycoon Henry Villard, and that of the 55-story tower added by hotelier Leona Helmsley. Situated in the heart of Midtown across from St. Patrick’s Cathedral and steps from Rockefeller Center with breathtaking views overlooking Manhattan’s incredible expanse of skyscrapers, the hotel houses over 900 rooms and nearly 100 suites (including multiple 5,000-square-foot penthouse suites with private roof terraces and Hästens mattresses). The public areas are mostly situated within the historic building, including the Villard restaurant in a jaw-dropping paneled dining room, and Rarities, an invitation-only bar which feels as if it’s straight from the Gilded Age, and features a selection of some of the world’s rarest spirits. The juxtaposition of the antiques with the shimmeringly new is a truly classic New York experience.
— Skye Parrott
The Ritz-Carlton New York, NoMad
A modern classic
While many of its five-star brethren are located farther uptown, The Ritz-Carlton, NoMad, adds a jolt of luxury a little closer to Lower Manhattan. Just steps away from Madison Square Park, the NoMad hotel is, from the outside, remarkably...
While many of its five-star brethren are located farther uptown, The Ritz-Carlton, NoMad, adds a jolt of luxury a little closer to Lower Manhattan. Just steps away from Madison Square Park, the NoMad hotel is, from the outside, remarkably understated, but the interiors provide the kind of opulent finishes and attention to detail that the brand is famous for. The hotel has an incredible spa featuring Augustinus Bader treatments and a wonderfully moody lobby bar, but the showstopper is Nubeluz, a rooftop cocktail bar by award-winning Chef José Andrés. Not only does the bar boast a stunning cocktail menu, but it also offers a view of the city that will truly make you feel like you’re in the center of everything. — Cole
The Peninsula New York
Award-winning opulence
Self-billed as “Fifth Avenue’s Most Glamorous Address,” The Peninsula New York is one of the most highly awarded five-star hotels in the city — and for good reason. When you imagine what a movie version of an upscale New York City hotel should look...
Self-billed as “Fifth Avenue’s Most Glamorous Address,” The Peninsula New York is one of the most highly awarded five-star hotels in the city — and for good reason. When you imagine what a movie version of an upscale New York City hotel should look and feel like, The Peninsula is it. The stately hotel is footsteps away from all the Midtown musts, such as Central Park and Rockefeller Center and is also home to a fine contemporary American restaurant called Clement. The Peninsula is my winter staycation hotel of choice thanks to the apartment like suites and the fact that the hotel has a large indoor pool, which is the perfect respite from the city in the frigid cold months. — Cole
The Chatwal
An extraordinary reprieve from the chaos of Manhattan
This glittering neo-Georgian meets art-deco wonder, built in 1905 by legendary architect Stanford White, boasts 76 rooms, including 14 themed suites with private terraces and bespoke services. On my recent staycation, our suite included a glorious terrace...
This glittering neo-Georgian meets art-deco wonder, built in 1905 by legendary architect Stanford White, boasts 76 rooms, including 14 themed suites with private terraces and bespoke services. On my recent staycation, our suite included a glorious terrace view, a fireplace, and a spiral staircase that granted access to the roof. While the small spa and indoor lap pool were lovely, it was the quiet on offer that I found the most remarkable. Once inside the hotel, which is relatively understated from the outside, it’s easy to forget that you are in one of the most chaotic pockets of one of the world’s busiest cities. The hotel’s restaurant, The Lambs Club, is exceptional and provides the kind of chic, old-school dining experience (subdued lighting, red-leather booths, mahogany-paneled walls) that feels both rare and absolutely transportive. — Cole
The Carlyle
Quintessential New York City
Since first opening its doors in 1930, The Carlyle has carried a reputation not only for being luxurious but also for denoting an exquisite level of class. The NYC landmark has hosted every American president since Truman and has provided both a hangout and a...
Since first opening its doors in 1930, The Carlyle has carried a reputation not only for being luxurious but also for denoting an exquisite level of class. The NYC landmark has hosted every American president since Truman and has provided both a hangout and a hiding place for dignitaries and celebrities for nearly a century. The hotel is famous for its classic accommodations (189 rooms and suites, many with Central Park views) and for its bar and restaurant. Cafe Carlyle remains an iconic see-and-be-seen spot to dine, while Bemelmans, the hotel’s bar, is considered a sacred NYC institution. Adorned with murals by Ludwig Bemelmans, the creator of the classic “Madeline” children’s books, Bemelmans Bar is not only the standout place in the city to have a martini, but it’s also the best spot to see some of the world’s finest cabaret performers. A quintessential NYC experience. — Cole
The Mark Hotel
Legendary perfection with personality
My first job in New York was as a stylist’s assistant, which meant I spent my days on Madison Avenue, tagging along for client lunches at societal fixtures such as the original Freds at Barneys. Time has had its way with a number of these Upper East Side...
My first job in New York was as a stylist’s assistant, which meant I spent my days on Madison Avenue, tagging along for client lunches at societal fixtures such as the original Freds at Barneys. Time has had its way with a number of these Upper East Side icons, but a recent stay at The Mark Hotel reminded me that some institutions remain more relevant and delightful than ever. With 150 rooms and suites, this Jacques Grange-renovated hotel is intimate and refined, with distinct cheek — as underscored by its Jean-Philippe Delhomme illustrations — and global aplomb: I received a box of Ladurée macarons upon arrival, and the acclaimed Parisian restaurant Caviar Kaspia opened its New York outpost at the hotel in 2022, joining the famous The Mark Restaurant by Jean-Georges and The Mark Bar. As for my stay: Such was my sleep that I checked the sheet label before I left — like most things at The Mark, the sheets are made exclusively for The Mark. My only complaint was that, because I was in New York, I didn’t spend enough time in my room. — Erin Dixon
The Lowell Hotel
Timeless sophistication
There’s something so comforting about a New York classic, one that feels like it’s been there as long as the city itself, and The Lowell is a perfect expression of this: a grand Upper East Side hotel in which a suite can evoke a Park Avenue apartment —...
There’s something so comforting about a New York classic, one that feels like it’s been there as long as the city itself, and The Lowell is a perfect expression of this: a grand Upper East Side hotel in which a suite can evoke a Park Avenue apartment — complete with working fireplace — sprung from a J.D. Salinger story. It’s not formal so much as Old World, the kind of place with impeccable luxury service that also leaves jars of Hershey’s Kisses around the lobby. The restaurant downstairs, Majorelle, is marbly and traditionally French, with escargot, three kinds of soufflé, and vases teeming with fresh flowers that reach almost to the ceiling. If you’re visiting New York in hopes of really soaking up the city’s swagger, The Lowell offers as much Manhattan flair as the swanky Madison Avenue shops that are right around the corner. — Alex
Boutique Stays
Park Lane New York
A new twist on classic charm
The iconic stretch along Central Park South, dubbed Billionaires Row, has long been home to New York’s pedigree of hotels. While most compete to preserve the past, Park Lane looks toward the future. It has all the charm of a classic Manhattan hotel,...
The iconic stretch along Central Park South, dubbed Billionaires Row, has long been home to New York’s pedigree of hotels. While most compete to preserve the past, Park Lane looks toward the future. It has all the charm of a classic Manhattan hotel, with a chic downtown-meets-uptown allure. There’s a sense of whimsy and adventure that carries through every space with lush murals and artful decor. I get breathless taking in views of the park and skyline through the hotel’s gorgeous oversized windows. I visit Darling, their rooftop bar, throughout the seasons, to watch the foliage change. It’s an unexpected oasis drenched in tropical greenery, playful seating, and, of course, stunning views, perfect for indulging in elevated cocktails after a stroll through the park or shopping on Fifth Avenue. — Lisa Lok
1 Hotel Brooklyn Bridge
The ideal family destination
I can’t think of a better place to stay in New York with a family than next to Brooklyn Bridge Park. The riverside esplanade has multiple (incredible) playgrounds, running and biking paths, a Time Out Market, and easy ferry access to, well,...
I can’t think of a better place to stay in New York with a family than next to Brooklyn Bridge Park. The riverside esplanade has multiple (incredible) playgrounds, running and biking paths, a Time Out Market, and easy ferry access to, well, everywhere. And in the heart of this amazing park is 1 Hotel Brooklyn Bridge. The hotel is focused on sustainability; its interiors are built largely of wood reclaimed from nearby demolished factories, and the public gathering spaces are filled to their soaring ceilings with plants. With floor-to-ceiling windows that actually open and a sweeping roof terrace with a pool (an uncommon amenity in NYC), the hotel offers arguably the most iconic views you can find in a city filled with them, while also managing to feel like a tucked-away getaway from it all. — Skye
Pendry Manhattan West
Airy rooms in an ideal location
Ten years ago, the neighborhood where the Pendry Manhattan West is located did not exist. Every time I visit, I am awestruck by the scale of what has been built, and fascinated by the proposal it puts forward for a new NYC. Housed in a tower with a...
Ten years ago, the neighborhood where the Pendry Manhattan West is located did not exist. Every time I visit, I am awestruck by the scale of what has been built, and fascinated by the proposal it puts forward for a new NYC. Housed in a tower with a rippling facade, entering the Pendry feels like stepping into this modern vision. The interiors blend California cool with midcentury calm, and lots of plants — just my kind of space. The rooms are spacious and flooded with light (if you are staying in a suite, you may want to be mindful of inviting your NYC friends over — the suites are bigger than most apartments). There are several dining options on the property, including Zou Zou’s where I had a truly extraordinary brunch, but also numerous restaurants in the courtyard where the hotel sits, a mall across the street with four floors of food options, and a Whole Foods steps away. The hotel also provides direct access via a stunning wooden bridge to Hudson Yards and the High Line, perfect for setting off to explore the rest of what the new NYC has to offer. — Skye
The Wall Street Hotel
Home away from home for business travelers
Full transparency, I may never have stayed at The Wall Street Hotel if our office wasn’t nearby. However, I would have been missing out. This 180-room property is family-owned and feels it — in all the best ways. Every detail has been considered, ...
Full transparency, I may never have stayed at The Wall Street Hotel if our office wasn’t nearby. However, I would have been missing out. This 180-room property is family-owned and feels it — in all the best ways. Every detail has been considered, making it the perfect stay for the business traveler, but it is imbued with a cozy, home-away-from-home feeling that would leave any guest feeling truly cared for. And while the Financial District might not top the list for where visitors think of staying, I would urge a reconsideration. I think it’s one of the best neighborhoods in Manhattan, precisely because of the way it changes so much from day to night, weekday to weekend. With the recent expansion of dining and shopping options at South Street Seaport, there is much to explore without wandering far, but also tons of subway lines and easy ferry access (I am an absolute evangelist for ferries as an incredible way to explore the city). The hotel is an ideal base, with the added surprise of La Marchande, a modern take on a French brasserie. The food seems shockingly good until you learn that it is helmed by Michelin-starred Chef John Fraser. The surprises just keep coming. — Skye
33 Seaport Hotel New York
Chic rooms in a thriving neighborhood
Those who have recently been to New York’s South Street Seaport know: It really is a marvel. With an explosion of restaurants (the new Tin Building by Jean-Georges, for example), cool bars, and the excellent McNally Jackson bookstore, not to...
Those who have recently been to New York’s South Street Seaport know: It really is a marvel. With an explosion of restaurants (the new Tin Building by Jean-Georges, for example), cool bars, and the excellent McNally Jackson bookstore, not to mention the tall ships and expansive views, the Seaport has established itself as one of the city’s chicest hangouts. The newly opened 33 Seaport Hotel is a welcome addition to the neighborhood. The rooms are stylish and cozy, with in-room amenities from Malin + Goetz and pour-over coffee setups, my favorite. There’s also an amazing dining option, Restaurant Pearl, and rooms with balcony views of the seaport, the East River, and the Brooklyn Bridge. On a recent stay, I ended my evening on my suite’s balcony with a glass of wine. I took in the tall ships and could hear a band playing on the roof of nearby Pier 17 while all of Manhattan glowed and buzzed in the distance. A special stay in a city that’s full of them. — Cole
Hotel Barrière Fouquet’s New York
A tribute to Paris
The charming, sumptuous Hotel Barrière Fouquet’s landed in Tribeca last year. I experienced the French hotel group’s property during a staycation this past winter, and it felt like a trip to Paris. The hotel’s bevy of French guests...
The charming, sumptuous Hotel Barrière Fouquet’s landed in Tribeca last year. I experienced the French hotel group’s property during a staycation this past winter, and it felt like a trip to Paris. The hotel’s bevy of French guests certainly heightens this effect. Velvet-lined and intimate, awash in playful shades of rose and the lightest pistachio, Fouquet’s is worlds away from the gritty, honking chaos of New York City. Its restaurant, Brasserie Fouquet’s, is a tribute to the original 1899 Fouquet’s, located in Paris on the Champs-Élysées. Chairs are cushioned in red velvet, and chandeliers bathe the ceilings in amber. A drink beforehand at the hotel’s discreetly located bar, Titsou, is a must. With plush plum interiors and glowing art-deco lamps, it’s like an enlarged jewelry box serving phenomenal cocktails (I ordered the Oh-La-La, a juicy, effervescent tropical getaway in a glass). Complete your stay with a visit to the subterranean Spa Diane Barrière. Its steam room, sauna, and indoor hot pool are excellent places to hide. — Sophie Mancini
The Bowery Hotel
An East Village time capsule
In 2007, The Bowery Hotel — the brainchild of hoteliers Sean MacPherson and Eric Goode — opened to skepticism about its placement in the layered East Village. However, it has since proven to be a gem of the neighborhood. Just a block away from Nuyorican...
In 2007, The Bowery Hotel — the brainchild of hoteliers Sean MacPherson and Eric Goode — opened to skepticism about its placement in the layered East Village. However, it has since proven to be a gem of the neighborhood. Just a block away from Nuyorican Poets Cafe, the New Museum, the legendary CBGB (now John Varvatos), and the Tenement Museum, it has become a gathering place for visitors and locals alike. I spent months visiting on weekends for a writing residency, finding inspiration in the well-lit cozy rooms and soaking tub, its restaurant, Gemma, and its chic bar, known for attracting creative types. Through the years, it’s held onto its patinated exterior while maintaining a luxurious interior, making it a desirable time capsule of New York. — LaTonya Yvette
The Greenwich Hotel
A cinematic retreat
The Greenwich combines the swankiness and service of a five-star hotel with the aesthetics of a perfectly curated movie star’s home, which makes sense considering the 88-room hotel is owned by Robert De Niro. In addition to being very chic — every...
The Greenwich combines the swankiness and service of a five-star hotel with the aesthetics of a perfectly curated movie star’s home, which makes sense considering the 88-room hotel is owned by Robert De Niro. In addition to being very chic — every room is filled with one-of-a-kind pieces and expertly curated amenities — this Tribeca property is also just remarkably cozy. (The penthouse, designed by Axel Vervoordt, is one of the most beautiful rooms I’ve ever seen.) There are rooms with working fireplaces, a transportive indoor pool with the feel of a Japanese onsen, and a guests-only “drawing room” bar that might be one of the most chilled-out spaces in the city to have a quiet drink. The hotel also boasts an incredible Italian restaurant, Locanda Verde, which showcases Chef Andrew Carmellini’s urban Italian cooking. — Cole
Nine Orchard
An upscale stay with heart
Nine Orchard is like a love letter to Manhattan’s Lower East Side — a modern one, sent by email but written with precise grammar and vibrant word choice that demonstrates a respect for the past and doing things right. As a former resident of the LES, I’ll...
Nine Orchard is like a love letter to Manhattan’s Lower East Side — a modern one, sent by email but written with precise grammar and vibrant word choice that demonstrates a respect for the past and doing things right. As a former resident of the LES, I’ll add that it’s a provocative ode that beautifully harmonizes the neighborhood’s rich history with its impressive new arrivals. Tucked within a century-old former bank building, the hotel houses 113 rooms, each with sleeping, lounging, and dining areas; large windows; and decor with cultural fluency. Custom fixtures and restored moldings meet record players, vintage books, and in-the-know amenities — from welcome cookies to shaving cream — all sourced from the neighborhood. Then there are the bathtubs … claw-footed soaking tubs with a view. When it comes time to venture out, the Swan Room offers among the city’s finest (and coolest) cocktail hours. And Corner Bar serves up Ignacio Mattos’ take on an American tavern in situ and via room service — his pasta pomodoro in bed is a rare pleasure. As of fall 2023, a spectacular rooftop event space and an in-house gym will also debut. — Erin
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Our Contributors
T. Cole Rachel Editor-at-Large
T. Cole Rachel is a Brooklyn-based writer, editor, and teacher with over 20 years of experience working in print and digital media. He is currently an editor-at-large at Departures.
Alex Frank Writer
Alex Frank is a contributing editor at Departures. Based in Manhattan, Frank previously worked at Vogue.com as deputy culture editor. His writing has appeared in the New York Times, GQ, Pitchfork, New York Magazine, Fantastic Man, and the Village Voice.
Erin Dixon Managing Editor
Erin Dixon is the managing editor of Departures. Previously the managing editor of the arts and culture journal Dossier, she has worked and written for a variety of international magazines and publishing houses, ranging from Vogue, Kinfolk, and GQ to Phaidon, Workman Artisan, and HarperCollins.
Sophie Mancini Writer
Sophie Mancini is an editor at Departures. Born and raised in New York City, she holds a degree in creative writing from Johns Hopkins University and has a background as a writer in brand and editorial.
Skye Parrott
Skye Parrott is the editor-in-chief of Departures. A magazine editor, photographer, writer, and creative consultant, she was previously a founder of the arts and culture journal Dossier, and editor-in-chief for the relaunch of Playgirl as a modern, feminist publication.
LaTonya Yvette Writer
LaTonya Yvette is a contributing editor for Departures and a multi-media storyteller. She founded LY, a highly trafficked lifestyle blog, in 2011, and produced visual and written content for a decade. During that time, she published her first book, “Woman of Color” (Abrams, 2019). She also co-authored “The Hair Book” (Union Square, 2022), an illustrated children’s book, with Amanda Jane Jones. Her third book, “Stand In My Window” (Dial Press), hits shelves Spring 2024. LaTonya is the owner and steward of The Mae House, an upstate New York rental property and the home of Rest as Residency, which offers BIPOC (primarily geared towards families) a no-cost place for rest and focus. Yvette resides in Brooklyn with her two children, where she writes the newsletter “With Love, L.”
Lisa Lok
Lisa Lok is the visuals director of Departures. A Brooklyn-based creative, she enjoys collaborating with photographers and illustrators from around the world.
