NYC Holiday Hotel Packages for Every Traveler

by Lisa Palladino (RSS feed)
Nov 5th 2008 at 11:02AM

Holidays in New York City can be a lot of things: charming, classic, thrilling ... overwhelming, chaotic, expensive. While some travelers arrive in search of the quintessential Silver Bells experience, others may want to discover something new or stick within a budget. Luxist's friends at Nancy J. Friedman Public Relations, Gabrielle Etrog Cohen and Gina Masullo, came up with a comprehensive list of places to go and things to do for all NYC travelers as well as package deals, including hotels.

THE FAMILY: Crowd-pleasers for all ages-within a budget.

The show: The Off-Broadway production of The Gazillion Bubble Show is the first and only interactive stage production of its kind, complete with fantastic light effects, lasers, and jaw-dropping masterpieces of bubble artistry.

The sites: Gawking at the Macy's displays, a visit with the polar bears in Central Park, photo ops at the Rockefeller Center tree.

The meal: Dim Sum Go Go offers more than 24 kinds of dumplings, plus four variations on the dough-wrapper theme, four sauces, and microwave-safe takeout containers. Kids will love the creative finger food and parents will love the dim sum delicacies (beet flavored dumplings?).

The hotel: Apple Core Hotels -- a family-friendly vibe in the city's most exciting neighborhood.

The deal: Apple Core Hotels invites guests to explore New York -- including a trip to Toys "R" Us Times Square to create a stuffed animal at the Filled-With-Love interactive design shop. Apple Core's "Filled with Love" package is available January 2 - February 14, starts at $159.99 and includes accommodations in the heart of New York City, stuffed animal and breakfast, and in-room coffee. Children under 13 stay free.

For more packages, click on the continued link.

Gallery: NYC Holiday Hotel Packages for Every Traveler

THE EXPLORER: Tired of Rockefeller Center and Macy's? This year, celebrate the holidays downtown.

The show: Catch Stephen Sondheim and John Weidman in their Public Theater debut with their new musical, Road Show, the story of two brothers' quest for the American dream.

The sites: The recently opened New Museum of Contemporary Art has multiple exhibits for the winter season including Mary Heilmann's "To Be Someone" exhibit. The building is an exhibit of its own -- take time to check out this architectural masterpiece that The New York Times called "a hypnotic urban object." Explore the Essex Street Market, a Lower East Side staple since the 1940s and home to more than 20 merchants specializing in culinary products including gourmet cheeses, meats, fresh fish, and general grocery items.

The meal: Warm up with a hot chocolate tour! Take advantage of the multitude of bakeries and chocolate specialty shops downtown, sampling a unique hot chocolate at each chocolaterie. At MarieBelle, taste the signature Aztec Hot Chocolate, or stop by Jacques Torres for distinctive Wicked Hot Chocolate that features allspice, cinnamon, sweet ancho chili peppers, and smoked chipotle chili peppers

The hotels: Snag a reservation at the classic European style Bowery Hotel, where guests can warm up in the lobby with wintry cocktails and snacks as they cocoon up in one of the oversized vintage velvet armchairs. In 1912, it sheltered Titanic survivors, and now, following the restoration of this landmark building, The Jane hotel is opening in stages in the West Village. With 100 micro rooms for the backpacking set, this edgy hotel will be completed in early 2009 and is currently renting the 20 completed rooms.

The deals: For Christmas week, The Bowery will offer special reduced rates starting at $450. The more intrepid traveler can relive history in one of The Jane's $99 cabin rooms -- ideal for travelers with more "dash than cash".

THE NON-TRADITIONALIST: With so many options, why stick to the basics?

The show: Direct from London, the recently opened Break Out is an electrifying, hip-hop and break-dance meet cops-and-robbers comedy show.

The sites: Sip Trinidadian mojitos (made with bitters) and take in Brazilian jazz at the subterranean Little Branch; shop the Antiques Garage flea market in Chelsea for collectibles, vintage clothing, and antiques.

The meal: Max Brenner, Chocolate by the Bald Man: This Wonka-esque eatery serves chocolate pizza -- need we say more?

The hotels: Located in the Meatpacking District, Hotel Gansevoort is an urban oasis topped by an expansive rooftop with 360-degree city views and the exclusive Gansevoort Spa. The nation's first Pod Hotel, launched in early 2007, offers rates starting at $89, a signature Pod Community Blog, an outdoor garden café, a rooftop deck, and concierge specializing in affordable activities.

The deals: Hotel Gansevoort has a package perfect for enjoying the cold weather season in style. The Coming in From the Cold package starts at $700 a night and includes a choice of one 60-minute or two 30-minute Peppermint Body Massages at Gansevoort Spa, relaxing scented candles and bubble bath gels, complimentary personalized Hotel Gansevoort robe, bottle of red wine, chocolate fondue welcome amenity, Hotel Gansevoort music CD, and continental breakfast at Ono.

THE NEW CLASSIC: For a modern spin on tradition, visit some of the city's newer and lesser-known gems.

The show: Forgo the Rockettes and experience the original Christmas Spectacular at New York City Ballet's The Nutcracker at Lincoln Center.

The sites: The free Bryant Park ice skating rink; the breathtaking Top of the Rock observation deck; holiday lights and animals at the Holiday Lights at The Bronx Zoo.

The meal: Rolf's French Bavarian Brasserie, where locals and visitors throw back German pilsner and hearty fare under a jaw-dropping number of holiday lights, garland, and traditional dolls that hang from the ceiling.

The hotel: Located within close proximity to Union Square, Chelsea, and the Fashion District, The Carlton Hotel on Madison Avenue serves as the perfect home base during the holiday shopping season.

The deal: The Carlton's Winter in the City package combines cozy delights including a comfort foods menu at Country, a Geoffrey Zakarian restaurant; a private consultation with a Saks Fifth Avenue furrier; an NYC snow globe and free passes to ice skate at Rockefeller Center's iconic rink. Rates start at $385.

Tags: Christmas, holidays, hotel packages, HotelPackages, hotels, New York, New York City, NewYork, NewYorkCity, NYC