| The New York Optimist |
 |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
SHARE
| © MMIX, The New York Optimist. All Rights Reserved. The New York Optimist & www.thenewyorkoptimist.com is a registered trademark of The New York Optimist. The New York Optimist is a registered service mark of Thenewyorkoptimist.com. The New York Optimist logo and original photos are a registered trademark of The New York Optimist . All other photos are property of the advertiser. And are rightfully protected under their copyright protections. |
| TRAVEL |
Deep in the Catskill mountains, amidst the colorful autumn foliage, through colorful country
backroads bordered in cascades of red, brown, ochres, bright yellows and oranges you will
find the Inn at Lake Joseph a 135 year old victorian estate . This past weekend, The New York
Optimist was invited to take part in this country, storybook experience where peace quiet and
tranquility is the theme if that's what your looking for in a vacation. I have to admit that being
able to breathe fresh clean mountain air was a nice change from the harrowing feeling of
inhaling exhaust fumes from the taxi traffic in this crazy city. But the real catch for a New
Yorker like myself is to have the convenience of a luxurious surrounding while still being able
to experience nature in all its splendor.
backroads bordered in cascades of red, brown, ochres, bright yellows and oranges you will
find the Inn at Lake Joseph a 135 year old victorian estate . This past weekend, The New York
Optimist was invited to take part in this country, storybook experience where peace quiet and
tranquility is the theme if that's what your looking for in a vacation. I have to admit that being
able to breathe fresh clean mountain air was a nice change from the harrowing feeling of
inhaling exhaust fumes from the taxi traffic in this crazy city. But the real catch for a New
Yorker like myself is to have the convenience of a luxurious surrounding while still being able
to experience nature in all its splendor.
Inn at Lake Joseph
162 Saint Joseph Road Forestburgh,
New York 12777
Phone: 845-791-9506 Fax: 845-794-1948
162 Saint Joseph Road Forestburgh,
New York 12777
Phone: 845-791-9506 Fax: 845-794-1948
In the small town of Spring Lake, New Jersey just a hop skip and a jump from the city, (well maybe about an
hour and a half drive excluding heavy traffic), there is the most comfortable little hotel called The Château Inn. We
arrived around six o' clock in the early evening in the very last week of August. Greeted by Robert, the gracious
general manager at the front desk, we were given the key to the room in which Robert mentioned was a favorite of
Cindy Crawford's. We took our lightly packed bags and walked one flight up the narrow Colonial rug steps and entered
our room. From the very first glance I knew I was going to love it. The lighting was moody and atmospheric, adjusted
just the right way as to accentuate the looks of the guests staying here.
hour and a half drive excluding heavy traffic), there is the most comfortable little hotel called The Château Inn. We
arrived around six o' clock in the early evening in the very last week of August. Greeted by Robert, the gracious
general manager at the front desk, we were given the key to the room in which Robert mentioned was a favorite of
Cindy Crawford's. We took our lightly packed bags and walked one flight up the narrow Colonial rug steps and entered
our room. From the very first glance I knew I was going to love it. The lighting was moody and atmospheric, adjusted
just the right way as to accentuate the looks of the guests staying here.
Picture a night sky so clear that the moon seems to be conducting the constellations in a symphony played for your ears only.
The perfect selection of restaurants to dine and have cocktails (i was referred to The Hide away Restaurant where the food was some of
the best Ocean Beach has to offer, stay tuned for a review of The Hideaway in next weeks edition) all with in a short walking distance
of each other. Quaint quiet streets where no cars are driving by you to spoil the air quality.
A tiny island oasis where the people are friendly and the ocean is a stone throw away.
The perfect selection of restaurants to dine and have cocktails (i was referred to The Hide away Restaurant where the food was some of
the best Ocean Beach has to offer, stay tuned for a review of The Hideaway in next weeks edition) all with in a short walking distance
of each other. Quaint quiet streets where no cars are driving by you to spoil the air quality.
A tiny island oasis where the people are friendly and the ocean is a stone throw away.
The Chateau Inn & Suites
500 Warren Avenue Spring Lake, New Jersey 07762
Phone: 732-974-2000 • Toll Free: 877-974-5253
500 Warren Avenue Spring Lake, New Jersey 07762
Phone: 732-974-2000 • Toll Free: 877-974-5253
THE PALMS HOTEL FIRE ISLAND
168 Cottage Walk
PO Box 431
Ocean Beach, NY 11770-0431
Ph. (631) 583-8870
168 Cottage Walk
PO Box 431
Ocean Beach, NY 11770-0431
Ph. (631) 583-8870
Quite simply, there's no destination quite like it. The Roger offers astute travelers something
special, something rarely encountered at traditional Midtown NYC hotels - a warm sense of place.
Upon arrival, the design amazes as our staff's friendly welcome soothes. Atrium ceilings and soft
candlelight set a dramatic complement to bold architectural strokes and rich, jewel-toned-colors.
special, something rarely encountered at traditional Midtown NYC hotels - a warm sense of place.
Upon arrival, the design amazes as our staff's friendly welcome soothes. Atrium ceilings and soft
candlelight set a dramatic complement to bold architectural strokes and rich, jewel-toned-colors.
Hotel Roger Williams
131 Madison Avenue New York NY 10016
Midtown Hotel Res -- 888 448 7788
New York Tel -- 212 448 7000
131 Madison Avenue New York NY 10016
Midtown Hotel Res -- 888 448 7788
New York Tel -- 212 448 7000
“Good deal for the money”
Given the price and location, it's a good deal for NY. Would stay there again. Well located, clean, with very friendly, helpful staff.
The rooms are bare bones, small, and not well insulated - from sound or cold - a bit hard to sleep at night because of taxi horns. Used
my jacket, over blankets and bedspread, to keep warm. Room had everything I needed, including safe and hair dryer.
There is a small restaurant on 1st floor; there's a "library" on 2nd, where you can use the internet for free if you buy something from
the restaurant. Can get internet connection in room at very reasonable price. Excellent location, with nearby shopping
Given the price and location, it's a good deal for NY. Would stay there again. Well located, clean, with very friendly, helpful staff.
The rooms are bare bones, small, and not well insulated - from sound or cold - a bit hard to sleep at night because of taxi horns. Used
my jacket, over blankets and bedspread, to keep warm. Room had everything I needed, including safe and hair dryer.
There is a small restaurant on 1st floor; there's a "library" on 2nd, where you can use the internet for free if you buy something from
the restaurant. Can get internet connection in room at very reasonable price. Excellent location, with nearby shopping
Gershwin Hotel
.7 E 27th St New York, NY 1001
.7 E 27th St New York, NY 1001
Nestled between the banal grayness of east 25th street there is a red door painted with gold olde English lettering,
beckoning the weary, broke traveler to his/ her temporary home. From the outside, you would expect a dumpy,
mildew-ridden hostel, but upon opening the door you will feel as though you have entered a WS Burroughs-esque
dreamworld induced by LSD and a magic mushroom omelet.
The people who work here make you feel less cool than a bar in Billyburg. I am convinced they have the greatest job in
the world. They sit in Wonderland and come up with rock songs on guitars they schlepped over from their loft in a
neighborhood in Brooklyn that has not become conventionally cool yet. That's how cool they are. They are on the
EDGE. Plus they're hot. Yelp.com
beckoning the weary, broke traveler to his/ her temporary home. From the outside, you would expect a dumpy,
mildew-ridden hostel, but upon opening the door you will feel as though you have entered a WS Burroughs-esque
dreamworld induced by LSD and a magic mushroom omelet.
The people who work here make you feel less cool than a bar in Billyburg. I am convinced they have the greatest job in
the world. They sit in Wonderland and come up with rock songs on guitars they schlepped over from their loft in a
neighborhood in Brooklyn that has not become conventionally cool yet. That's how cool they are. They are on the
EDGE. Plus they're hot. Yelp.com
Ye Olde Carlton Arms160 E 25th St
(between 3rd Ave & Lexington Ave)
New York, NY 10010
(between 3rd Ave & Lexington Ave)
New York, NY 10010
People have reported seeing ghosts in New York City for hundreds of years. These famous locations in New York City are
purported to be haunted -- while you may not see a ghost in any of New York City's haunted spots, some of the stories that
explain the haunting are just as scary. Many guests at the Algonquin Hotel have claimed to spot members of The Round Table, a
group of writers that met at the Algonquin for lunch daily after World War I. Members of The Round Table (who called
themselves the Vicious Circle) include Dorothy Parker, Robert Benchley, Franklin Pierce, Robert Sherwood, Harpo Marx,
Alexander Woollcott, Herold Ross, George S. Kaufman, Heywood Broun, Marc Connelly and Edna Ferber.
purported to be haunted -- while you may not see a ghost in any of New York City's haunted spots, some of the stories that
explain the haunting are just as scary. Many guests at the Algonquin Hotel have claimed to spot members of The Round Table, a
group of writers that met at the Algonquin for lunch daily after World War I. Members of The Round Table (who called
themselves the Vicious Circle) include Dorothy Parker, Robert Benchley, Franklin Pierce, Robert Sherwood, Harpo Marx,
Alexander Woollcott, Herold Ross, George S. Kaufman, Heywood Broun, Marc Connelly and Edna Ferber.
| The Algonquin Hotel 59 West 44th Street Between Fifth and Sixth Avenues New York, NY 10036 212-840-6800 |
The Library Hotel in Midtown Manhattan stands alone among boutique hotels in New York City
The Library Hotel is one of Midtown Manhattan's most celebrated concept luxury boutique hotels in New York
City. Fashioned from a landmark 1900 brick and terra cotta structure, this boutique treasure has been beautifully
restored into a small luxury New York City hotel of the highest caliber. An oasis of modern elegance, the Library
Hotel in New York and its attentive staff provide a thought provoking experience to sophisticated Midtown
Manhattan leisure and business travelers with a passion for culture and individual expression. Each of the ten
guestroom floors at the Library Hotel in New York City are dedicated to one of the ten major categories of the
Dewey Decimal System*: Social Sciences, Literature, Languages, History, Math & Science, General Knowledge,
Technology, Philosophy, The Arts and Religion.
The Library Hotel is one of Midtown Manhattan's most celebrated concept luxury boutique hotels in New York
City. Fashioned from a landmark 1900 brick and terra cotta structure, this boutique treasure has been beautifully
restored into a small luxury New York City hotel of the highest caliber. An oasis of modern elegance, the Library
Hotel in New York and its attentive staff provide a thought provoking experience to sophisticated Midtown
Manhattan leisure and business travelers with a passion for culture and individual expression. Each of the ten
guestroom floors at the Library Hotel in New York City are dedicated to one of the ten major categories of the
Dewey Decimal System*: Social Sciences, Literature, Languages, History, Math & Science, General Knowledge,
Technology, Philosophy, The Arts and Religion.
Library Hotel
299 Madison Avenue at 41st Street, New York, NY,
10017 p: 212.983.4500
299 Madison Avenue at 41st Street, New York, NY,
10017 p: 212.983.4500
| New York Hotels and Destinations |
Imagine an urban oasis—a New York City hotel just steps from the city's renowned theater district.
Inspired by its vibrant Manhattan setting and boutique hotel hospitality, The Muse Hotel, a Kimpton
Hotel, offers comfort with creativity, service with style and function with form.
The Muse Hotel New York, fresh from a multi-million dollar renovation, inspires with a chic, timeless
design and stunning elements, like the lobby's dual-sided "fireplace" and the dreamlike forest of trees.
Our Times Square hotel offers travelers a welcome haven, a fashionable NYC boutique hotel with 200
uniquely styled guestrooms and suites that are sinfully spacious by New York City standards.
Inspired by its vibrant Manhattan setting and boutique hotel hospitality, The Muse Hotel, a Kimpton
Hotel, offers comfort with creativity, service with style and function with form.
The Muse Hotel New York, fresh from a multi-million dollar renovation, inspires with a chic, timeless
design and stunning elements, like the lobby's dual-sided "fireplace" and the dreamlike forest of trees.
Our Times Square hotel offers travelers a welcome haven, a fashionable NYC boutique hotel with 200
uniquely styled guestrooms and suites that are sinfully spacious by New York City standards.
THE MUSE HOTEL
NEW YORK 130 West 46th Street, New York, NY
10036Reservations: (877) 692-6873Phone: (212) 485-2400
NEW YORK 130 West 46th Street, New York, NY
10036Reservations: (877) 692-6873Phone: (212) 485-2400
The Mercer is Soho's foremost luxury hotel, offering 75 guest rooms on six floors of a landmark
Romanesque revival building in one of New York's most exclusive neighborhoods. The first hotel to offer
an authentic taste of loft living, The Mercer is both home and hotel.
Sister hotel to Hollywood's Chateau Marmont, The Mercer bespeaks elegance, subtlety and intimacy. An
all-encompassing philosophy of distinction extends to every detail. At The Mercer, we regard every staff
member as our guests' personal concierge and the front desk as their private secretary-an impeccable
level of service that only a small luxury hotel can provide.
The Mercer's 75 loft-like rooms and suites all have the seductive qualities of high ceilings, large windows
that open and abundant natural light. Renowned interior designer Christian Liaigre has created soothing
modernist interiors emphasizing comfort, harmonized proportions and calming, subtle color palettes.
Romanesque revival building in one of New York's most exclusive neighborhoods. The first hotel to offer
an authentic taste of loft living, The Mercer is both home and hotel.
Sister hotel to Hollywood's Chateau Marmont, The Mercer bespeaks elegance, subtlety and intimacy. An
all-encompassing philosophy of distinction extends to every detail. At The Mercer, we regard every staff
member as our guests' personal concierge and the front desk as their private secretary-an impeccable
level of service that only a small luxury hotel can provide.
The Mercer's 75 loft-like rooms and suites all have the seductive qualities of high ceilings, large windows
that open and abundant natural light. Renowned interior designer Christian Liaigre has created soothing
modernist interiors emphasizing comfort, harmonized proportions and calming, subtle color palettes.
The Mercer
147 MERCER ST NEW YORK, NY 10012
PHONE (212) 966 6060
TOLL FREE (888) 918 6060
147 MERCER ST NEW YORK, NY 10012
PHONE (212) 966 6060
TOLL FREE (888) 918 6060
| Los Angeles Hotels and Destinations |
The destination was Su Casa, a boutique hotel right on the board walk in Venice Beach.
After winding down a few side streets and backing out of the wrong parking lot, I decided to call my connection at the
hotel. “Hello can I speak with Rafi?” “He’s not in right now. Can I help you?” came the reply. “Yes, this is The New
York Optimist. I am here to review your hotel but I can’t seem to find it.”
“Not a problem”, he assured us, “in a few minutes just look toward the end of the parking lot and I will be standing on
the corner”. I got out of the car to meet Sammy, a very cool and laid back artsy-looking Latin man in horn rimmed
glasses. With a squint he said, “I am sorry but I was not informed of your arrival.” A mild pang of anxiety overcame me
which Sammy noticed and said, “not to worry we will straighten everything out and take care of you”. We walked over
to the next tiny street and down the narrow sidewalk to Su Casa. The smell of the ocean lingered in the air and a few
people passed by on the boardwalk.
After winding down a few side streets and backing out of the wrong parking lot, I decided to call my connection at the
hotel. “Hello can I speak with Rafi?” “He’s not in right now. Can I help you?” came the reply. “Yes, this is The New
York Optimist. I am here to review your hotel but I can’t seem to find it.”
“Not a problem”, he assured us, “in a few minutes just look toward the end of the parking lot and I will be standing on
the corner”. I got out of the car to meet Sammy, a very cool and laid back artsy-looking Latin man in horn rimmed
glasses. With a squint he said, “I am sorry but I was not informed of your arrival.” A mild pang of anxiety overcame me
which Sammy noticed and said, “not to worry we will straighten everything out and take care of you”. We walked over
to the next tiny street and down the narrow sidewalk to Su Casa. The smell of the ocean lingered in the air and a few
people passed by on the boardwalk.
Su Casa Venice Beach
431 Ocean Front Walk.
Venice Beach, CA 90291
Phone:310-452-9700
431 Ocean Front Walk.
Venice Beach, CA 90291
Phone:310-452-9700
That evening it was time to head to our next destination, The Topanga Canyon Inn, to bunker down and get some
rest. Owner Warren Roche has hand built this paradise high in the hills of Topanga canyon surrounded by lush trees and
foliage.The Topanga Canyon Inn is an oasis untouched by the fast-paced beat on the Hollywood strip below.
Warren is a retired studio musician who decided to build a Mediterranean style mansion
on the side of a cliff, which in itself is more impressive than the skyscrapers that fill NY.
I may be exaggerating a bit but I am a city guy with a limited experience of the woods and forest living.
But that’s not what was so impressive to me, it was the angles this huge inn is built upon.
To give you an example after weaving up through the hills of Topanga Canyon we reach a precipice where the driveway
to this awesome structure begins. Driving up the entry way was like being turned upside down in a compression chamber
filled with salt water. It was out of control, literally an out-of-body experience
rest. Owner Warren Roche has hand built this paradise high in the hills of Topanga canyon surrounded by lush trees and
foliage.The Topanga Canyon Inn is an oasis untouched by the fast-paced beat on the Hollywood strip below.
Warren is a retired studio musician who decided to build a Mediterranean style mansion
on the side of a cliff, which in itself is more impressive than the skyscrapers that fill NY.
I may be exaggerating a bit but I am a city guy with a limited experience of the woods and forest living.
But that’s not what was so impressive to me, it was the angles this huge inn is built upon.
To give you an example after weaving up through the hills of Topanga Canyon we reach a precipice where the driveway
to this awesome structure begins. Driving up the entry way was like being turned upside down in a compression chamber
filled with salt water. It was out of control, literally an out-of-body experience
Topanga Canyon Inn
A Romantic Bed and Breakfast Getaway
in Topanga Canyon, California
(310) 600-1325, (310) 455-1124 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. PST
A Romantic Bed and Breakfast Getaway
in Topanga Canyon, California
(310) 600-1325, (310) 455-1124 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. PST
The Hemlsey Hotels The Waldorf Astoria New York The Four Season's New York The Hotel Chelsea The Gramercy Park Hotel The Helmsley Hotels W Hotels