New York Hotels

When most planners think of New York City, the venues that come to mind tend to be the classic larger-scale meetings and conference venues. But where should a planner look when the meeting they're arranging is on the smaller side or warrants a more intimate space? Well, we suggest having a look at Manhattan's Upper West Side, where hotel rooms and meeting spaces abound, as long as you're prepared to think outside the mid-town box.

Bounded by Central Park and the Hudson River, the elegant architecture, tree-lined streets and neighborhood feel of the Upper West Side make it one of the city's most desirable neighborhoods. It's also an excellent location for intimate New York events such as weddings, executive seminars and off-sites. Among our favorites? Our list, from south to north is below.

A word to the wise: if you're planning a meeting for this February, get your bookings in early. These hotels are likely to  fill up with migrating fashionistas when Fashion Week moves from Bryant Park to its new home at Lincoln Center.

The Hudson Hotel
Just across the street from the Shops at Columbus Circle, this New York hotel offers boutique hotel elegance, with a hip, modern look, and NYC meeting rooms that are perfect for small-to-medium sized groups.

The Empire Hotel
Overlooking Lincoln Center, the oh-so-chic Empire Hotel in New York has lovely sleeping rooms as well as several meeting facilities for medium-sized groups. A rooftop lounge with fabulous views can be rented for private functions.

OTA/ On The Avenue Hotel
Just off Broadway on 77th, three blocks from the ever-popular Zabar's and two blocks from the Museum of Natural History, The OTA is a great spot for small groups in search of New York boutique hotel style at a reasonable price. For the foodies in your group, the highly regarded West Branch is right downstairs, and their food is absolutely delicious (trust us, we're regulars!), as are the apple martinis.

Find more meeting hotels in New York on Cvent's New York venue directory.

Smaller groups, conferences and weddings can often find blocking out hotel rooms in New York City at a reasonable rate is a bit challenging. How to outsmart the system? Consider this: In January and February 2010 (and possibly beyond), you and your New York event group can takeover the entire GEM Hotel Midtown West. Yup, that's right -- roll like rockstar and book all of the New York hotel's 39 rooms, all in your name.

The GEM Hotel group has created a clever New York meeting promotion to help cure the winter blues by allowing just about anyone to "own" their hotel(s) for as many nights as they'd like -- depending on dates and availability, of course. To lock up all the rooms at the GEM Hotel Midtown West, it will run about $5,000 per night. If you only need a floor for your entourage, single floors can be booked for roughly $520 per night at the GEM Hotel Midtown West, roughly $1,000 per night at the GEM Hotel Soho, and $2,600 per night at the GEM Hotel Chelsea.

So, how many floors would you like?

View more information about all the GEM Hotels in New York City on the Cvent Supplier Network

Recession? What recession? All of a sudden it seems there's a mini gold rush in the New York City hotel business, and everyone -- including a few chains who've never had outposts in the city -- wants to get in on the action. The latest wave of new property openings in the Big Apple started over the last few months and seems to be steaming right on in to the new year.

Though some are more centrally located than others, and the prices vary from cheap and cheerful to sky-high, we're excited that our fair city has even more great places to choose from, in a few unexpected neighborhoods. Among the new names to know:

Uptown East: The Surrey
Nestled in the elegant Upper East Side and steps from Central Park, the newly restored Surrey Hotel has just completed its $60 million dollar face lift and is ready to greet the public. The renovated spread includes a lobby lounge and cafe by the legendary Daniel Bouloud, a Cartier outpost and a rooftop garden -- for the full Upper East Side luxury experience. (Per night prices start in the high $500s)

West Midtown: Ink 48
We love a good Kimpton Hotel stay and have always wished  there were more of them in NYC, particularly on the west side of town. Well, at last Kimpton is adding one more stylish entry to their local roster and they're calling it Ink 48. For the boutique chain's fans there will be all the usual signature Kimpton touches, plus a rooftop lounge and Times Square and Hudson River views. (Per night prices start in the low $400s)

Garment District: The Distrikt Hotel
Location, location, location. For fashionistas who can only hoof it a block or two in their skyscraper stilettos, The Distrikt Hotel, opening in late December, may just be an answer to their prayers. Located in the heart of the garment district and just around the corner from Project Runway's NYC headquarters at Parson's School of Design (not to mention Mood Fabrics), this high-style, chic and sleek hotel will offer all the goodies the fashionable traveler needs, including the classic Simmons Beauty Rest pillow top mattresses, luxurious Frette bed and bath linens, flat-screen televisions and an ergonomically-friendly desk set up for managing those late night emails to the office. (Per night prices start in the mid-$200s)

Long Island City: Country Inn & Suites by Carlson
If you're willing to stay a couple of minutes outside Manhattan, or "off-island" as some might call it, the just-opened Country Inn & Suites by Carlson is a good choice for those who are looking for more value and space over high-design. Opened just three weeks ago, this hotel near New York features the homey Country Inn and Suites design sensibility and rooms with budget friendly in-room refrigerators, microwaves, free Internet and 252 to 384 square feet of space, depending on the room selected. (Prices per night start in the low-to-mid $100s)

Luxury hotels have had an especially tough time in today's economy, with occupancy rates falling as much as 57 percent this year. It's led some hotels to give up their upscale ratings— but not all. In fact, AAA recently announced that it awarded Five Diamond status to 113 hotels for 2010, which is, impressively, an increase from 103 last year.

"The past year has presented many challenges for the travel industry," said Michael Petrone, director of AAA Tourism Information Development, in a statement. "To achieve and maintain the highest level of hospitality during these difficult economic times is a significant accomplishment."

The new Five Diamond award winners are:

• The Ritz-Carlton Fort Lauderdale
• The Four Seasons Resort Palm Beach
• Acqualina Resort and Spa on the Beach in Sunny Isles Beach
• The Ritz-Carlton Lake Las Vegas
• Encore Las Vegas
• The Palazzo Resort Hotel Casino in Las Vegas
• The Resort at Pelican Hill in Newport Coast, California
• The Grand Del Mar in San Diego
• The Plaza Hotel in New York
• The Pierre New York
• Mandarin Oriental Boston
• Encantado, An Auberge Resort in Sante Fe, New Mexico
• The Ritz-Carlton Dallas
• The St. Regis Punta Mita Resort in Punta Mita, Mexico
• Rosewood Mayakoba in Playa del Carmen, Mexico
• Mandarin Oriental Riviera Maya

Other noteable achievements:

• The American Club in Kohler, Wisconsin, celebrated a quarter-century as a Five Diamond winner
• The Broadmoor in Colorado Springs, Colorado; The Greenbrier in White Sulphur Springs, West Virginia; and Camelback Inn, A JW Marriott Resort & Spa in Scottsdale have maintained a Five Diamond rating for 34 consecutive years

Visit AAA to view more Diamond Rated hotels and restaurants.

New York City is adding a new hotel to its skyline, despite protests from some of the local community. The NYC Council recently approved plans for the construction of an 82-story tower next to the Museum of Modern Art, which will house an NYC hotel, residential apartments and additional exhibition space for the popular New York attraction.

Designed by French architect Jean Nouvel, the tower was initially planned to rise 1,250 feet. However, the height was cut down to 1,025 feet by the city's Planning Commission, making it as tall as the Chrysler Building. The height reduction will reduce the space by about 15,000 square feet.

However, some still aren't satisfied with the tower's size and placement.

"The size is what really makes it difficult for my constituents to support. If it was a smaller building with fewer years of construction it might be a different story," Councilman Dan Garodnick, one of the dissenting votes, told the New York Post.

Others insist the building will enhance New York's architecture and economy.

"This is going to be an iconic addition to New York City's skyline, really a one-of-its-kind building," said council Speaker Chris Quinn.

Starwood Hotels & Resorts are getting in the holiday spirit by offering great rates, free nights and special packages to its guests at hotels across the United States, Canada and Latin America. For example, find New York hotel deals at The Westin New York at Times Square and the W New York-Union Square, both of which are offering a buy three nights, get the fourth night free offer.

Or, consider the exciting Chicago promotion at the Sheraton Chicago Hotel & Towers. Here, for stays between November 6, 2009, and February 21, 2010, guests can enjoy a $100 gift cards for each night you stay; a Macy's VIP coupon book; a complimentary photo with the Macy's Santa on State Street (November 24-December 24); and reduced rates starting at $175 per night for reservations booked before November 6. The Chicago luxury hotel is also offering a complimentary shuttle to and from the Macy's on State Street and Water Tower Place for stays Friday through Sunday from November 27 to December 20. Guests can book online or call 866-716-8103 and ask for hotel promo code MAP to enjoy this Chicago hotel deal.

Visit Starwood Promos to learn more about offers at properties across the globe and learn more about specific terms and conditions.

Time for more holiday party deals! The Kitano hotel in New York City is offering a complimentary $100 American Express gift card to NYC event planners who book a holiday party in the hotel by November 1, 2009. This great New York hotel deal is good for events held between November 1, 2009, and January 31, 2010, so it's a great option for planners who are thinking about booking a post-Christmas party.

The Kitano New York is the city's only Japanese-owned hotel, offering esteemed Japanese hospitality, a serene setting and luxe accommodations. The 149-room hotel has three state-of-the-art New York meeting rooms as well as a penthouse terrace with space for up to 150 guests. Its Garden Cafe can also host 60 to 80 people for cocktails.

Parties must have at least 25 people and start at $125 per person for a cocktail reception. For more information, contact Thanya Phanpinyo at 1-212-885-7017. View more information about The Kitano New York hotel on the Cvent Supplier Network.

Need a restaurant venue for evening cocktails or a formal dinner following your next New York event? New York event planners are in luck, as there are a number of restaurants set to open in the city in the coming months. Best of all, you won't even have to make your event attendees walk outside, as they are all located inside posh New York hotels.

The Breslin

Located in the Ace Hotel New York, Breslin's "meat-centric" menu will feature sausages, game terrines, and even a whole sucking pig, according to Time Out New York. The restaurant's antique oak bars, curtained booths and cask ales are meant to re-create what the former Breslin Hotel looked like 150 years ago. Until the restaurant opens later this month, patrons can enjoy the bar area.

East Side Social Club

Opening this month, the East Side Social Club will take guests back in time to the sultry, seductive 1940s with its film noir-inspired decor. Located in the Pod Hotel, the New York restaurant will offer New American fare with an Italian twist, and the mozzarella, ricotta and pasta made in-house.

Maialino

Set to open in November, Danny Meyer's newest dining venue is located in the Gramercy Park Hotel. Replacing Chinese restaurant Waikiya, which closed in December, Maialino's menu will consist of Italian-inspired fare—the name itself means "little pig" in Italian. Meanwhile, the front bar area will offer coffee by day and wines and small plates at night.

Quattro Gastronomia Italiana

Opening at the Trump SoHo luxury NYC hotel this winter, the Quattro Gastronomia Italiana is the second outpost of the restaurant, the first being in South Beach, Miami. Spanning three levels, the Quattro's identical twin chefs Nicola and Fabrizio Carro specialize in Italian home cooking, including the signature braised veal with white martini vermouth.

Looking for a luxury NYC hotel for your next business event? The contemporary Strand Hotel in New York City offers the utmost of style and class from its 20-floor property in Manhattan's Midtown Fashion District.

Just around the corner from the Empire State Building, Madison Square Garden, Bryant Park and other New York attractions, the Strand Hotel has 177 guest rooms and 18 junior suites. Room decor and furnishings are inspired by mid-century Bogart elegance. The entire New York hotel is also adorned by a collection of Conde Nast vintage photography.

One of the best NYC hotels for intimate and elegant meetings and special events, the hotel offers 2,500 square feet of New York event space. Together, its meeting facilities can host up to 250 guests. State-of-the-art audio-visual equipment, wi-fi access, easels and tables, and a business center are among the amenities available at this new New York hotel.

Read more about meeting hotels and special event facilities in New York City on the Cvent Destination Guide.

New York is the city that never sleeps, but certainly you can't expect your New York event attendees to be productive without getting some shut eye. There are plenty of great NYC hotel deals out there, so check out a few of the following the next time you need accommodations for your guests:

• Hyatt Announces Limited Time Offer for Third Party Planners

• The New York Palace Offers Luxury at a Discount

• Starwood Offers Up to 50 Percent Off Room Rates

• 8 Hotel Brands Offering Meeting Deals

What great New York promotions have you received recently?

Looking for posh and totally exclusive? Have clients you want to impress? Try The Joule Dallas!

One of the newest, most elegant Dallas boutique hotels, The Joule is the latest addition to the city’s push to reintroduce sophistication into its hospitality scene. Designed by Adam Tihany, the same man who did Le Cirque in NYC, this Neo-Gothic hotel spared no expense when it came to its design and amenities. Case in point: the in-room phone has a one-touch call button to the flagship Neiman Marcus right next door! This upscale hotel also includes a 1,500-square-foot deluxe gym, in-room spa services, a library, and more than 2,300 square feet of Dallas meeting space.

The Joule is also home to Charlie Palmer’s signature restaurant, Charlie Palmer at the Joule, as well as a retail wine shop Next Vintage, which serves the rooftop lounge. What’s so special about the rooftop lounge? That would be the boldly designed, cantilevered rooftop pool that actually juts out over the edge of the building with only a thick layer of glass separating swimmers from the earth below!

Don’t let this bit of luxury scare you, though. For those looking to truly impress important business clients, or for Dallas event planners who need to plan an upscale off-site event without those pesky getaway fees (like, say, airfare), The Joule is the place. It boasts the air of sophistication the best hotels of NYC, all from the heart of Texas!

View more information about The Joule Dallas on the Cvent Supplier Network

The Cvent team frequently blogs about hotel venues across the country, so much that it might be hard for you to keep track. But this hotel is really going to make an impression: the Holiday Inn Key Card Hotel in New York. Unveiled today as the first hotel made out of key cards, the 400-square-foot hotel, build by world record-holding cardstacker Bryan Berg, kicks off Holiday Inn's relaunch of 1,2000 hotels globally in September and its "Key to Change" promotion.

The $1 billion relaunch, the largest in the history of the hospitality industry, includes over 3,300 hotels being updated. To experience the changes happening worldwide, you can enter the Key to Change promotion online to claim your "virtual key card" game piece between September 14 and October 22. Then, enter to win free nights at newly relaunched properties. The grand prize winners who find the "master key" will win an all-expense paid trip to a Holiday Inn of their choice, anywhere in the world.

You can also stop by the hotel's New York event to get a game piece and see the unique structure, which is made of over 200,000 Holiday Inn key cards and weighs 4,000 pounds. The Key Card Hotel took four months to build, and features a guest bedroom, bathroom and lobby—each of which has its own key card furniture. The Key Card Hotel will be open to the public September 17-21 in downtown Manhattan.

Check out video of Berg working on the hotel in the video below:

Event planners have another New York luxury hotel to add to their lists. Ink48, a Kimpton Hotel, is currently open for its "rough draft phase" with 222 guest rooms and suites. In addition to the great views of the Manhattan skyline, rooms feature an elegant color scheme of snow whites, ruby reds and chocolate browns, and come equipped with numerous amenities to immerse guests in the utmost of luxury. French-press coffee upon request, high-speed wired and wireless Internet access, flat-screen HDTVs, complimentary morning newspapers, and L'Occitane spa and bath amenities are among the posh extras guests can enjoy.

For New York meetings and social events, Ink48 is a great venue option. With 5,000 square feet of space, the NYC hotel can accommodate everything from a corporate board meeting of 12 people to an elegant New York wedding reception of 100 guests. Ink48's catering services add a special touch, crafting seasonal menus that incorporate local produce, meats and fish from the New York area.

Ink48 is a perfect urban retreat for New York meeting guests and business travelers. Its eco-friendly spa includes the signature "Ultimate Urban Facial" and "Jet Lag Recovery" treatments, while the its rooftop restaurant and lounge is the perfect place to kick back with a glass of Champagne. And of course, for guests who want to get right in the action, the hotel is located just blocks from the New York convention center and attractions such as the Intrepid Air and Space Museum, Central Park South, and the American Museum of Natural History.

View more information about Ink48 on the Cvent Supplier Network

You've probably heard the saying, "Champagne taste on  beer budget" and know that it's no easy feat. You want more, you pay more, right? Well, in today's tough economy, that's no longer the case, including at luxury hotels.

Though the entire hotel market is suffering due to the recession, no segment has been hit harder than luxury hotels. Smith Travel Research has reported that occupancy rates for luxury hotels worldwide fell 57 percent this year through July, a bigger drop than other accommodations. As such, upscale properties are cutting room rates; STR reports that average daily rates of luxury hotels around the globe have dropped as much as 16 percent.

"Most luxury hotels are facing occupancy shortfalls, they are lowering rates to entice consumers to come in," Jeff Higley, vice president at Smith Travel Research, recently told Bloomberg News. "There rarely has been a better time to stay at a luxury hotel than right now."

Take Las Vegas, where high supply and low demand have resulted in a budget traveler's paradise. In fact, back in May, Budget Travel writer Andrew Lincoln took a trip to Las Vegas to see just how low the luxury hotels though would go. On the phone, he got rates as low as $129 at the Wynn Las Vegas, and ultimately booked a room online for $90.

Last week, Orlando hotels were slashing rates just as much. The Orlando Sentinel reported that The Monumental Hotel was offering rooms for $10 one night mid-August. Meanwhile, Marriott's Orlando World Center Resort was running an Orlando hotel deal of 25 percent off for any guest booking a four-night stay.

New York hotels find themselves among those markets suffering the most, and thus are cutting rates quite a bit. For the week of August 9-15, 2009, Smith Travel Research reported that New York saw revenue per available room decreases of 30.2 percent, leading the six markets that reported RevPAR decreases of 25 percent or more.

"I know I could come across sounding like the convention bureau, but New York really is a good buy right now," John A. Fox, a senior vice president at the New York offices of PKF Consulting, recently told The New York Times.

As such, Manhattan hotel operators have responded by cutting room rates by nearly one-third over last year, averaging $200 a night in July, according to the NY Times. New York luxury hotels in NYC saw average daily rates of $289.

The Tribeca Grand Hotel, which opened in 2000, marks the first boutique luxury hotel in this eclectic and artistic neighborhood.  Located close to the restaurants and galleries of Tribeca, the Tribeca Grand Hotel provides a state-of-the art meeting facility with style.

The grand screen room, which resembles a luxurious mega movie theatre, is a perfect venue for your meeting. The room fits 100 people and includes classic plush leather seating, surround sound, and a top-of-the-line projection system. For a more intimate event, the penthouse rooftop terrace offers a panoramic view of downtown Manhattan.  The city skyline creates an elegant atmosphere for your New York events.

The luxury New York hotel also offers a variety of other amenities, including an iPod loan program, so guests can use iPods preprogrammed with music selections created by the hotel’s creative director. The lobby desk is adorned with goldfish bowls that welcome the guests. The guests are able to request one of these goldfish in their rooms for the duration of their stay.

View more information about the Tribeca Grand Hotel on the Cvent Supplier Network.

If you're planning a large New York City meeting or conference, you probably have to host a lot of overnight guests, but want to keep their accommodations as close and convenient as possible. Now, you can book rooms at three neighboring properties thanks to Hersha Hospitality's new New York hotels.

Hampton Inn Times Square South, Holiday Inn Express Times Square (the 1000th relaunched Holiday Inn hotel) and Candlewood Suites Times Square are the three adjacent New York City hotels occupying 39th Street between 8th and 9th Avenues. The Hampton Inn features 184 guest rooms; the Holiday Inn Express, 210 rooms; and the Candlewood Suites, 188 guest suites. Each property offers business traveler-friendly features such as complimentary high-speed Internet access and business centers.

The three hotels place guests near plenty of New York attractions, including Central Park, the Empire State Building and the Broadway Theater District. The hotels are also convenient to the New York convention center.

To find more information about these hotels and other New York City venues, make sure to check out Cvent's New York venue directory.

InterContinental Hotels Group opened its 1000th relaunched Holiday Inn hotel today, the Holiday Inn Express New York City Times Square. The relaunch of this New York hotel is part of the $1 billion makeover project of the Holiday Inn brand, in which over 3,200 of the hotels around the world are being updated.

"Despite the tough economic climate, we've relaunched, on average, four hotels a day for the past six months, and we're committed to completing the global relaunch by the end of 2010," said IHG's CEO Andy Cosslett in a statement. "The economic environment has changed since we started the program, but this is a once in a lifetime opportunity to show people that the Holiday Inn they came to know and love over the last 50 years is still a hotel that's right for them today."

The relaunch project includes features such as:

• Upgraded and decluttered lobby areas
• New bedding
• Upgraded showers and bathroom amenities
• New signage with a redesigned logo

Holiday Inn employees are also participating in an extensive "Stay Real" training program so that every guests receives top-notch, professional service.

The project, which began in earnest in 2007, also brought about some new ads featuring the "Stay Smart" motto, like the one below:



In addition to the 3,200 open hotels, Holiday Inn has another 1,050 in the pipeline due to open in the next three to four  years.

Don't forget, you can search the Cvent Supplier Network to explore these renovated Holiday Inn properties across the globe!

The Big Apple is full of landmark hotels, and the legendary Plaza Hotel in New York is no exception. A popular spot for New York City events of all kinds, this hotel in downtown NYC was most recently selected as the venue of choice for the TODAY show's popular "TODAY Throws a Wedding" summer series. In the past, the venue has hosted nuptials of celebrity couples such as Donald Trump and Marla Maples and Catherine Zeta Jones and Michael Douglas, as well as parties such as Truman Capote's Black & White Ball and Sarah Jessica Parker's 40th birthday.

Located at Fifth Avenue and Central Park South, The Plaza re-opened in March 2008 after a $400 million hotel restoration. New York meeting guests can now enjoy 21,000 square feet of event space at the stunning Beaux Arts property, which also offers 282 guest rooms. Venues include the opulent Grand Ballroom and seven meeting rooms that, when combined, accommodate up to 450 guests.

Also at the Plaza are the new Champagne Bar and the Rose Club, which join legendary dining facilities the Oak Room and Oak Bar. Three health and wellness facilities are on-site (Caudalie Vinotherapie Spa, Fitness Center by Radu, and Warren Tricomi Salon) along with the world-class Shops at The Plaza.

View more information about The Plaza Hotel on the Cvent Supplier Network

Marriott and Starwood are going high tech with their meetings. Both brands announced separate plans this week to introduce Cisco's TelePresence remote conferencing technology to several properties this year.

Using high-definition video and real-time audio, telepresence is growing in popularity for its ability to help small groups meet and collaborate no matter where attendees are located across the world. Companies without Telepresence capability, or remote regional employees, can connect "in-person" with people in various locations by renting the rooms.

"As the 24/7 world economy becomes more interconnected, the need to hold small global meetings that cross continents and oceans will only grow," said Arne Sorenson, president and COO, Marriott International, in a statement. "We believe telepresence will create more business meetings because people can travel shorter distances and easily connect with colleagues and clients around the world.

Marriott, who is partnering with At&T's fully-managed AT&T's Telepresence Solution, plans to offer telepresence meeting suites at its Marriott Hotels & Resorts, JW Marriott Hotels & Resorts, and Renaissance Hotels & Resorts brands in 25 cities, including New York, San Francisco, Hong Kong and London. Starwood, partnering with Tata Communications, will have telepresence in 10 of its new facilities, including Sheraton New York Hotel & Towers, Sheraton on the Park in Sydney, and Sheraton Centre Toronto Hotel.

"The partnership with Tata Communications is yet another opportunity for us to bring innovative, cutting edge technology to our properties, and add true value for our business and conference facilities' guests," said Christie Hicks, senior vice president of global sales for Starwood, in a statement. "With global companies under increasing pressure to foster productivity at the least cost, the need for public telepresence rooms is greater than ever. Telepresence that is available on a per use basis enables affordable, high quality communication for the small and medium business or remote regional office worker."

Hotels in New York are some of the best, most sought-after venues in the world for both leisure and business travelers. This comes as no surprise when the properties set the bar so high. At The Pierre New York luxury hotel, which recently completed a $100 million hotel renovation, New York guests are treated to award-winning concierge service, first-class dining and and luxe accommodations.

The flagship of Taj Hotels, The Pierre revealed its new look Monday, which includes renovated guest rooms and baths, redesigned first floor public areas and a brand new restaurant and lobby lounge. This project comes on the heels of an initial renovation completed in January 2007 of the Grand Ballroom, the Cotillion Room and Foyer.

Located on New York's Fifth Avenue, the 140-room hotel is dedicated to hosting stunning Manhattan events; all its banquet and meeting rooms were open, fully-staffed and operating during the most recent renovation.

Today, planners can take advantage of this NYC luxury hotel's six rooms, totaling 18,000 square feet. From the premier Grand Ballroom for up to 1,500 reception attendees to the Versailles-inspired Garden Foyer, The Pierre's facilities are sure to impart a touch of class to all your New York events.

View more information on The Pierre on the Cvent Supplier Network