- W + E -
Wake up in the city that never sleeps.
From accommodations to recommendations, here are your best bets for an unforgettable weekend in New York City.
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Accommodations
Due to the great number of hotels in the Midtown East area, we have not reserved any particular room block. We instead recommend any of these hotels.
Luxury Experience
The Lotte Palace
Billed as one of New York’s “most recognizable” hotels, the iconic Lotte Palace is known for its gorgeous European-inspired architecture that is reminiscent of the palace of Versailles.
The Benjamin
A favorite of Jim and Nancy Skochdopole, The Benjamin is chic, comfortable and contemporary. It is one of the closest hotel options, conveniently located a block away from St. Barts.
InterContinental New York Barclay
The InterContinental New York, formerly known as the Barclay, has welcomed guests to Midtown Manhattan since 1926.
Classic Stay
Courtyard by Marriott — Midtown East
Conveniently located at 53rd and 3rd, the hotel is a short jaunt from all the festivities of the wedding weekend.
Hilton Garden Inn — Midtown East
The Midtown East location is much closer to wedding festivities than the Midtown Park Avenue location. Look out when booking!
For the Adventurous
Pod Hotel — Pod 51
Those looking for something different should check out the Pod Hotel, where guests can choose from small-space options such as bunk beds. Not to worry, there are also double beds and private bathrooms in this functional, low-cost option.
AirBnb Options
Book for a group at an AirBnb! It’s a great option for those looking to accommodate multiple people or larger families.
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Recommendations
Looking for food to eat, art to see or experiences to enjoy? While we aren’t locals, here are some of our favorite ways to hit the town. Additions accepted and appreciated!
Midtown Restaurants
La Pecora Bianca Midtown
For light Italian bites, salads and cocktails, we love La Pecora Bianca. It’s a great spot for lunch or brunch on Saturday, for those looking to get the party started early.
La Villetta
A favorite of Dean and Ellen Wolfe, this delicious Italian restaurant is run by the awesomely-named Luigi Scarpelli. Perfect for dinner before the Welcome Party on Friday night.
Deux Amis
Our favorite little French bistro is right out of Paris. Enjoy a cozy fall dinner or brunch in this delightful brasserie.
La Bonne Soup
Nothing says Fall quite like a bowl of French onion soup, & this place has the best. Enjoy it with raclette, an omelette or, Ellie’s personal favorite, the Leeks Vinaigrette.
Morningstar Café
No trip to New York is complete without a bowl of matzoh ball soup, bagel chips & a really big pickle. We love this no-frills diner for a quick bite in the morning, afternoon or evening.
Art & Museums
Tenement Museum
Going to the Tenement Museum is truly life-changing. Their fully-immersive tours take you inside historic structures & encourage provocative conversations around social issues, past & present. We cannot recommend this enough.
The Tudors: Art & Majesty in Renaissance England
The Met must have known that Ellie Skochdopole was planning a wedding in October when they slated this on the exhibition schedule. If you go, be prepared to discuss Anne Boleyn at length.
Alex Katz: Gathering
Opening at the Guggenheim on October 21, this retrospective of a sweeping career was curated in close collaboration with the artist himself. An excellent opportunity for abstract art aficionados.
Barbara Kruger: Thinking of You. I Mean Me. I Mean You.
Bold and provocative, Barbara Kruger’s iconic style is as incisive as it is recognizable. The exhibition at MoMA has been the one to post on Instagram since it opened in July.
Native New York
The National Museum of the American Indian’s exhibition on indigenous communities past & present in New York is a must-see. Plus: it’s a Smithsonian!
Austrian Masterworks from the Neue Gallery
For a more intimate museum experience, Will & Ellie love popping in the Neue Gallery. Be sure to see the iconic portrait of Adele Bloch-Bauer by Gustav Klimt.
New York Experiences
Broadway Shows
Lea Michele is slated to be starring in Funny Girl during this time, & Ellie definitely wants to hear the tea if you manage to get a ticket. If you would prefer to see something different, save a few dollars by nabbing last minute matinee tickets on Today Tix.
Catacombs Tour
While we personally have never done this tour, it seems right up our alley. Explore the catacombs under the Basilica of St. Patrick by candlelight, & let us know what you find!
Ellis Island
It’s a bit of a hike from Midtown, but Ellis Island really does live up to the hype (if we can call it that?). Discover the history of immigration—and maybe a little bit about your own history, too—as you walk through the historic landmark. We recommend skipping the Statue of Liberty tour (they are often bundled together) & instead going to Native New York at NMAI (conveniently located in Battery Park) to gain a more complete understanding of immigration & land rights.