Our Anniversary Trip to New York City

PART 2

This week I want to talk about our favourite Manhattan Hotel, the Hilton Garden Inn New York/Central Park South/Midtown West. 

https://www.hilton.com/en/hotels/nycwfgi-hilton-garden-inn-new-york-central-park-south-midtown-west/

We discovered this hotel when we started going to more concerts at Carnegie Hall (West 57th and 7th) than at Lincoln Center. It’s quiet with comfy beds, and a very helpful front desk staff.  While we’ve stayed there several times, this trip was the first time we used their bar in the Empire Steak House on site. Its staff is mostly from Turkey and Russia and the bartenders are knowledgeable. They have great martinis and wine selection.  

On our first full day in NYC, our 18th wedding anniversary, I decided to surprise my husband with visits to 2 spots I knew he would enjoy.  The first was the Rescue 1 Firehouse. Rescue 1's firehouse is located on 530 West 43rd Street, in the Hell's Kitchen neighborhood. 

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/New_York_City_Fire_Department_Rescue_Company_1

We then walked over to Grand Central Station just to explore –the ceilings are amazing.

We then found our lunch location – the Campbell Bar.  It’s one of those places where you have to really focus to find it, but it’s worth the trouble!  Here’s a blurb from their website:

“The Campbell Bar is an iconic New York institution, thoughtfully restored to its original grandeur by Gerber Group. The restoration, directed by internationally renowned design firm Ingrao Inc., maintains the integrity of the property’s historic architecture while introducing contemporary design elements, which together create a refined yet approachable atmosphere. 

Paying  homage to the legacy of John W. Campbell, a Jazz Age financier who converted  the space to his private office and reception hall in 1923, The Campbell showcases many of the thirteenth century Florentine-inspired design intricacies that upheld its legendary allure, including soaring, 25-foot hand painted ceilings, a grand  stone fireplace, Campbell’s personal steel safe, a century-old leaded glass window and original millwork.”

Here are some pics: 

The cocktails, wine and small bites menus are fantastic and Ben the bartender was friendly and fun. We enjoyed the meatball sliders, the mini-chicken salad rolls, and the snack trio of kettle chips, salted almonds, and cheese crisp crackers. A fun early lunch before our Anniversary Dinner!  We’ll talk more about restaurants and bars next week! 

I’m happy to help you with your planning! 

Happy Travels!