Marion Bernstein

Sure, New York City will eternally be in the spotlight, but New York State, with its dreamy Catskill Mountains, the idyllic Hudson Valley and all those serenely gorgeous lakes deserves our love and attention too, and handily, we’ve rounded up some of the best places to stay. Below you’ll find our freshly curated list of hotels which includes brand-new reviews of The Heartwood by Vassar, Woodhouse Lodge and The Whiteface Lodge.  Which area is best to stay in Upstate New York? Need a break from the commotion of New York City? Handily there’s a bounty of significantly more tranquil outposts in New York State which are comfortably within driving distance. Woodstock will speak to your inner hippie, Kingston and Sleepy Hollow are the spots for history buffs, and hikers should head to Kerhonkson, Mohonk Preserve or Cold Spring. However, there’s a whole load more where that came from in our day trips guide. Upstate New York’s best hotels at a glance: 💎 Most luxurious: The Mirbeau Inn and Spa 👛 Best budget: The Heartwood by Vassar  🏊Best pool: Hotel Lilien 🧖🏽‍♀️ Best spa: The Gideon Putman Resort 🤩 Most iconic: The Otesaga Resort Hotel 📍 Discover our ultimate guide to the most romantic getaways in Upstate New York How we curate our hotel lists Our team of writers and travel experts review hotels all over the world—new openings, old classics and everything in between—to bring you fresh, honest recommendations, all year round. We have reviewed many of the hotels featured below

Ahh, NYC. Street-style mecca. Home of Broadway. All hustle and bustle (hence the coffee). Truth is, there’s never a dull moment here, and that’s why we love it. Even some of the bodegas are in on the nightlife. Travel upstate and it’s a completely different vibe (a bit like NYC’s introverted cousin) – we’re talking no neon lights, only the amber glow of a wood-burning stove. And when it’s time to escape the inner-city chaos, there’s no place quite like Hudson Valley. While New Yorkers can always catch their breath in one of NYC’s many (admittedly excellent) spas, a temporary escape from the traffic doesn’t always cut it. Sometimes what you really need – read: the only remedy – is a long weekend in a cozy cabin to help you fully decompress. Without further ado, we’ve rounded up the best places the stay in Hudson Valley, many of which boast breathtaking views, cracking amenities, and scenic hiking trails – all within a few hours’ drive of Manhattan. Time to embrace the calm. RECOMMENDED:🏔See our list of the best Airbnbs in the Catskills🏨Check out the top hotels and B&Bs in Hudson, NY🌲Pay a visit to the best upstate New York resorts Who makes the cut? While we might not stay in and review every Airbnb featured, we've based our list on our expert knowledge of the destination covered, editorial reviews, user reviews, hotel amenities and in-depth research to find you the best stays. This article includes affiliate links. These links have no influence on our editorial content.

Boutique hotels in NYC have a special place in our hearts - they're not just luxurious with top-notch amenities, they’re bursting with character, offering experiences that few others can match. Seriously, these independent hotels have such unique styles that you'll be planning a full-scale home makeover in your head before check-out. With so many amazing choices, picking the best boutique hotels in NYC is tough. From the Financial District to Williamsburg, these hotels with rich histories and daring designs offer everything from mixology classes and indulgent full-body massages to Parisian-style gardens, rooftop bars, and jaw-dropping views of the city's iconic landmarks.  To help plan your perfect NYC trip, we've done the legwork for you, rounding up our personal favorite boutique hotels in New York City. Because when you're in one of the world's greatest cities, your stay should reflect the unique character and style of the place. As a final note, among some of the editor's old favorites, you'll find some new digs on this list too. Expect a contemporary retreat for the urbanites with "drop dead" views and one of the most iconic luxury stays in Manhattan that money can buy. Welcome to the good life. Updated August 2024: Our list just got even better with this old-money glam, Hotel Giraffe, and the Broadway chic, CIVILIAN Hotel. Take a peek.  RECOMMENDED:🇺🇸 View our full guide to the best hotels in NYC🏊‍♀️ Discover the best NYC hotels with pools🚶‍♂️ Check out the best thi

Whether you're a newbie to Atlantic City or a regular, it's a top-notch place for a long weekend where you can unwind or, of course, visit the world-class Atlantic City casinos. Although the Jersey Shore’s gone through some changes over the years, several newly remodeled hotels and inns have managed to uphold the city’s glitz and glam of yesteryear, offering guests top-notch Atlantic City restaurants, luxurious spas, and spectacular ocean views. And for those looking for things to do in Atlantic City that don’t involve gambling away this month’s rent (been there, done that), the seaside town offers great outdoor activities like outlet shopping, sunbathing, and sightseeing. Here is our pick of the best hotels in Atlantic City. See you there! Updated December 2024: Have we just added two new hotels that consist of the Chelsea Pub and Inn and Club Wyndham? You bet.  Who makes the cut? While we might not stay in and review every hotel featured, we've based our list on our expert knowledge of the destination covered, editorial reviews, user reviews, hotel amenities and in-depth research to find you the best stays. This article includes affiliate links. These links have no influence on our editorial content. For more information, see our affiliate guidelines.

Venture across the river for a stay at one of the best hotels in Brooklyn. Once there, experience the borough’s finest – from the best brunch in the neighborhood to the trendiest venues for live music – arguably in the city. If rest and relaxation are more your speed, you’re in luck, because these hotels also house some of the most incredible hotel rooftop pools in the city. Not to mention, Brooklyn is home to some of New York's best pizza, so make sure you grab a slice while visiting.  Just make sure your phone’s charged – you’ll definitely want to post those iconic shots of the Manhattan skyline. Whether you're looking for a hub near the heart of the area or a getaway on the outskirts, this list should help you make the most of your time out in the Big Apple. Here are our top picks of the best hotels in Brooklyn.   Updated January 2025: New York likes keeping it fresh, and so do we. We could tell you how we do it, but we'd much rather show you...check out Wythe Hotel and The William Vale. RECOMMENDED: 🌆Full guide to the best hotels in NYC🍷Check out the best attractions in Brooklyn Who makes the cut? While we might not stay in and review every hotel featured, we've based our list on our expert knowledge of the destination covered, editorial reviews, user reviews, hotel amenities and in-depth research to find you the best stays. This article includes affiliate links. These links have no influence on our editorial content. For more information, see our affiliate guidelines.

The phrase “all you can eat” might conjure images of massive buffets with piles of questionably-nutritious food sitting under heat lamps, but when it comes to sushi it’s a different story. Restaurants with all you can eat sushi in NYC are a welcome break for those with strained wallets looking to enjoy the Japanese delicacy. (From happy hours to bottomless brunches, dining deals are essential in this city, given that the best NYC restaurants are often quite pricey.) Obviously you can splurge at one of many amazing sushi restaurants in NYC, but when you really just want to get your fix of fresh salmon, tuna, snapper and seaweed, these all you can eat sushi spots are more manageable.

If an inspiring day at the city’s top art museums leave you eager to create, you’ll need a spot to find the right tools. Whether you work with paints, charcoal, pastels, ink or textiles, art supply stores in NYC are ready to equip you with high-quality materials to bring your vision to life. NYC's art supply stores cater to both beginners and seasoned artists, with shelves stocked full of essentials and hard-to-find specialty items alike. Many stores offer products in a variety of price ranges, so you can find supplies that fit their budget without sacrificing quality. Beyond materials, these shops often provide valuable extras like art classes, workshops and events where you can learn new techniques and connect with the local art community. When that spark of inspiration hits, these stores ensure you're well-prepared.

If you love solving crimes (and who isn’t into true crime these days?) and a good meal, put down the podcast (or remote) and check out one of these murder mystery dinners in NYC. You’re in for a wild night with twists, turns, thrills, chills and a tasty meal as you try to solve the crime of the evening. These dinners may involve any or all of the following: the mob, singing, dancing, a little comedy and a lot of outrageousness. Amateur detectives will love the challenge of solving the murder at hand, while multiple courses keep sleuths well-fed throughout the evening. If you’re looking for new and unusual date ideas in NYC, definitely try a murder mystery dinner. For another challenge that’s great for groups of friends, check out the best escape rooms in NYC. Recommended: The best restaurants in NYC

There’s no shortage of things to do in Queens, NY, but among them, eating is particularly primo. Astoria restaurants feature incredibly varied cuisine, as it’s one of the most diverse places on the planet, so you can find some of the best restaurants in NYC housed within this northern nook of the city. From the best dumplings in NYC to all the famous beer gardens of the borough, here the best Astoria restaurants to snag a reservation at right now. RECOMMENDED: Full guide to Astoria, Queens

Sure, there are some decent bars out there in New York and L.A., but there are also plenty of times you’d rather practice craft cocktail sorcery in the comfort of your own apartment. Whether you’re throwing a boozy brunch party, hosting a romantic dinner or planning a big date night with Netflix, drink to impress with intuitively layered libations, not just some run-of-the-mill martinis. We’ve compiled a list of 10 cocktails to elevate your quaff-making game, separating you from the pack and securing your status as a true cocktail geek. Start stocking your bar with rum, bourbon and spiced plum tea now. RECOMMENDED: See the full list of America’s best cocktails

New York City is home to an array of foods that’ll satisfy both bellies and bank accounts alike—and one of our favorites is bowls of ramen under $10. In NYC, believe it or not, there are plenty of the best ramen that’ll fill you up for less than a Hamilton, even an Ippudo offspring. And that’s not all when it comes to cheap eats: Craving authentic Japanese food? Explore cheap eats in Chinatown, where $3 handmade dumplings and 80-cent pork buns abound. Looking for memorable falafel? You’re in luck because we’ve rounded up the best food trucks in NYC. How about the best oyster happy hour? We can name at least 15. RECOMMENDED: Full guide to the best cheap eats in NYC

Most New Yorkers would agree that Gotham is best known for two things: stellar cheap pizza and exorbitant rent. The latter fueling our endless quest for the best cheap eats in NYC. And although we’ll happily indulge in a late-night dollar slice at one of several 24-hour pizza spots or go in on pizza delivery just to save a buck or two, sometimes we crave a touch of ambiance that only an authentic eat-in New York pizzeria can provide. From $3 slices to $12 calzones, these za joints are serving up some of our favorite cheap New York pizzas. RECOMMENDED: Full guide to the best restaurants in NYC

The New York Botanical Garden is revered as one of Gotham’s greatest cultural institutions, and for good reason: Where else can you find 250 spectacularly verdant acres filled with over one million tropical, temperate and desert flora within mere walking distance of a major metropolitan subway stop? Founded in 1891, the NYBG was born from a civic movement with a mission to cement New York City as a cosmopolitan world capital through the creation of public libraries, museums, zoos, gardens and various other now-iconic cultural organizations. More than a century later, the NYBG operates one of the world’s largest plant research and conservation programs, state-of-the-art molecular labs, hands-on curriculum-based educational programming and incredible outdoor and indoor botanically focused art exhibitions that attract more than one million visitors annually.

Everything you need to know about visiting Penn Station (234 W 31st St, New York, 10001). Although it’s considered the ugly stepchild of Grand Central Terminal, there’s no denying Penn Station’s necessity to New York City. Located underneath Madison Square Garden in the heart of midtown Manhattan, Penn Station—named after the Pennsylvania Railroad—serves over 650,000 rail passengers via Amtrak, LIRR, NJ Transit, PATH and NYC subway each day. Operating on 21 tracks via seven tunnels, it’s the busiest passenger transportation facility in the country. But this cramped, subterranean transit nave wasn’t always the catacomb of controlled chaos New Yorkers love to hate. Inspired by the Roman Baths of Caracalla and shaped from the same stone as the Colosseum, the original 1910 Penn was regarded as one of the most noble buildings in Manhattan. Sadly, the grand facade was destroyed in 1963, and in 1969, the city erected the fluorescent-lit battleship gray concourse you tolerate today. Find a meal that's actually greatAdmittedly, Penn Station isn’t all doom and gloom. The station does have its merits, one of which is the food. Sure, there are some decent quick bites within the station (falafel plate at Chickpea, California wrap at Zaro’s), but if you’ve got some time to kill, head on over to the Pennsy—the 8,000-square-foot food hall located just one level above Penn Station. Open seven days a week from 11am to 2am, the Pennsy houses six fast-casual restaurants serving everything from s

Everything you need to know about visiting Brooklyn Flea, DUMBO (Manhattan Bridge Archway Plaza at Anchorage Pl and Pearl St, Brooklyn). For nearly a decade, Brooklyn Flea has been luring in both tourists and locals alike with its expansive and charmingly eccentric offerings of antique housewares, vintage clothing, repurposed jewelry and just about every other tchotchke you never knew you needed. Although the Flea has bounced around a few different locations over the years—Fort Greene, Williamsburg and now a new year-round indoor market in Soho—co-founders Jonathan Butler and Eric Demby are thrilled to have DUMBO’s figurative doors re-opened for the 2017 season. The market’s 60 vendors sell everything from vintage furniture to NYC photographs to children’s clothes. Know before you goYes, Brooklyn Flea in DUMBO is outdoors, but it will be open every Sunday from 10am to 6pm, April through October—holiday or no holiday, rain or shine. Although half of the Pearl Street market is situated directly under the Manhattan Bridge Archway, the other half is under the sun (boasting spectacular views of One World Trade Center), so be sure to check the forecast ahead of time and pack an umbrella or sunscreen as needed. And while some vendors accept debit and credit, many deal in cash, so it’s best to bring both. But if you find yourself a few Jacksons short for that wood-fired stoneware planter you clearly have to have, not to worry—there’s an ATM on-site.  Come for the beard brushes, stay

If you’re looking for the king of ramen, the crown could deservedly go to Keizo Shimamoto. From his OG ramen burger to his 13-ingredient pork belly broth, Shimamoto’s unbridled passion for noodles comes through in every bite (and slurp). And with his expansive affordable LIC menu, penny pinchers won’t feel one bit restricted—five bowls and five burgers range from $7 to $10.

Clean eaters, rejoice—Bed-Stuy’s Buntopia offers a healthy twist on hearty ramen. In addition to the meat-based tom yam kai and char siu, vegan variations overflowing with mushroom, baby spinach, sweet corn, scallion and nori furikake also stamp the menu and come in at just $10 a bowl.

Naruto Ramen’s Brooklyn annex is a welcomed departure from Park Slope’s run-of-the-mill cheap eats—seriously, how much pizza and bagels can one really eat? (Don’t answer that.) The signature Naruto bowl is a deal—a hearty helping of soup noodles topped with egg, fish cake, bamboo shoot, scallion and nori for just $9. And for those looking for a deeper umami punch, their miso and curry ramen bowls are just a buck more.

With its old country farmhouse décor complemented by a waitstaff dressed in traditional folk garb, Karczma is where you go to impress a group of out-of-towners with classic Polish cuisine. If its lengthy menu leaves you feeling paralyzed by choice, opt for the sampling plate of Polish specialties which includes three pierogies (boiled or fried), two potato pancakes, Polish kielbasa, hunter’s stew and stuffed cabbage for just $13.

The first and perhaps most regal of Nobu-trained chef Krzysztof Drezewiecki’s holy trinity of Brooklyn-based Polish restaurants, Krolewskie Jadlo stays true to its translation, offering hungry Greenpointers no less than a “king’s feast” atop every plate. Choose from traditional dishes like beef goulash or stuffed cabbage, or go full haute with venison and walnut meatballs drizzled with wild mushroom truffle oil. Whatever your pleasure, just don’t forget to pair it with one of Krolewskie’s offerings of eclectic international wines—like the hard-to-find Casal Thaulero Pinot Grigio from Abruzzo, Italy.

Located in the heart of Greenpoint, Brooklyn, aka Little Poland, Polka Dot houses a hot table of revolving Polish delights, offering everything from vegetarian stuffed cabbage and zucchini pancakes to pork stew and mushroom-stuffed chicken. Package it by the pound and take it to-go, or have a seat and take your time as you dig into house-made pychotka, a traditional Polish custard-and-fruit layered cake.

This newly opened LES restaurant and lounge will be serving up modern Mediterranean tapas and craft cocktails on December 25. Indulge in executive chef Kevin O’Connell’s (Veranda, Pop Burger) holiday offerings of prime beef tartare, spicy lamb sliders and grilled octopus salad. And don’t forget to wash it all down with a large format cocktail punch bowl, courtesy of renowned mixologist Rael Petit (Mulberry Project, Loft 45).

This isn’t your average hotel lobby bar. With soaring ceilings, laid-back vibes and floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking Madison Square Park, the EDITION Lobby Bar is the ultimate hideaway for guests and locals alike. Sit at the bar’s open fireplace as you sip on a choice quaff from the cocktail menu with standouts that include the Woodstock (bourbon, pear and maple) and the Guns and Rosemary, a smoky and complex (yet fruity) drink with rosemary-infused tequila, grapefruit, lime and table-side-torched rosemary.

Smith & Vine has perfected the art of wine sales. Alongside its well-curated offering of $12-and-under bottles, this Brooklyn beacon offers wine six-packs to go and regular happy hours where various types of wines and spirits are available at discounted prices. And when you’re done with your purchase, head up the street to Stinky BKLYN for some Taleggio to to go with that Pinot. Free in-store tastings are often held Thursday through Saturday—check its Twitter for times.