Teddy Fitz Short Story Competition

Now that the kids are at home, how about keeping them occupied and testing their creativity? We, at Fitzpatrick Hotels, are asking you to share your Teddy Fitz short stories and artwork. We want to hear all about Teddy Fitz’s adventures, travels and exciting experiences!

Teddy Fitz is the Brand Ambassador for Fitzpatrick Hotels New York. Born in Dublin Zoo, Teddy Fitz travelled to New York in 1991 to join Fitzpatrick Hotel Manhattan on its opening day. When he’s not welcoming families at Fitzpatrick Hotels, Teddy Fitz loves exploring his home in New York City and on his time off you’ll find him wandering through Central Park, walking the High Line or visiting his cousins at the Bronx Zoo. On his holidays, Teddy Fitz loves to travel, whether it’s back to Ireland or to an exotic country, Teddy Fitz is always a busy and mischievous bear!

Can you come up with a short story about some of the mischief or adventures that Teddy Fitz has gotten into? We can’t wait to read your stories and please feel free to
share your pictures and artwork too! Each week, we will pick one short story to share on our website and social media channels, The lucky winner will receive a Teddy Fitz bear in the post. At the end of the competition, we will pick an overall winner who will get a three day stay in a suite at Fitzpatrick Hotels New York – with their family, of course!!

We look forward to reading all of your short stories!

 

Error: Contact form not found.

 

Terms & Conditions Apply:

  • End date of competition will be determined at a later date, based on current events.
  • Winner will be selected based on fair objective opinion of hotel management, and that selection will be final.
  • The grand prize consists of one three day stay in one suite. Dates are subject to availability at the hotel’s discretion at the time the request is made.
  • The winner will be given a prize voucher outlining all terms and blackout dates. The voucher will be valid for one year from the time of issue.

What’s On: The January Edition

Are you visiting us this January? We’ve put together a list of the top things you can do while you’re in the city! Don’t forget to ask our team for help with ideas, attractions and bookings when you stay with us at Fitzpatrick Hotels New York.

Jazz Festival
Date: 8 Jan – 18 Jan | Location: Various Locations

NYC Winter Jazzfest is a destination for avid jazz fans, industry professionals, and new listeners to get together and experience the exciting and vibrant contemporary jazz scene in New York. Winter Jazzfest’s programming is inclusive of a broad spectrum of musical styles under the banner of jazz.

Shop The Sales

January is a great time to snap up some bargains in New York! The post Christmas Sales are in full swing, so why not treat yourself to something extra special to commemorate your stay in New York? We recommend visiting the department stores including Macy’s and Bloomingdale’s or visiting the different stores located along 5th Avenue.

Big Apple Circus
Date: 8 Jan – 2 Feb | Location: Lincoln Center

The Big Apple Circus is a circus based in New York City. Opened in 1977. It has become a major tourist attraction. The circus is also known for its community outreach programs, including Clown Care, as well as its humane treatment of animals. It makes for a great family day or night out!

NYC Winter Outing
Date: 21 Jan – 9 Feb| Location: Various Locations

Back again, NYC Winter Outing is the perfect excuse to get out an enjoy all that the Big Apple has to offer this winter! With fantastic offers on a selection of Broadway shows, museums, attractions and tours will be available at a two-for-one price, and nearly 400 restaurants will offer prix-fixe menus, it’s the best reason to get out and about this January and February!

New York City Wine Fest
Date: 25 Jan | Location: The Tunnel Building

Travel through the world of wine at The Tunnel Building! You will have the chance to enjoy wine samples for their entire session paired with live entertainment, food and interactive games.

If you’re planning a trip for later in year, check out some of our exciting special offers.

What To Do In New York: The April Edition by Teddy Fitz

Teddy Fitz loves Spring in New York! This month, he decided to share his favorite things to do in the city during April.

Take A Bus Tour
There are lots of different bus tours of New York, that will give you a great tour of the city! If it’s your first time in New York, it will give you a good overview of the city and if you’re short on time then it’s the perfect way to make sure you see all the sights!

Visit Central Park
Now that the weather is starting to warm up, it’s the perfect time to visit Central Park! With the warmer weather, the park comes to life and it’s a great way to pass a day! Make sure you check out our blog on everything there is to see and do in Central Park.

Orchid Show New York Botanical Garden
Running until 22nd April, 2019, the Orchid Show takes place at the New York Botanical Garden. The theme for this year’s festival is The Orchid Show: Singapore. The display features thousands of orchids in a variety of colors, shapes and sizes. There are also a number of special evenings so that visitors can enjoy this wonderful show are dark. With lots to see and do, this is worth a visit.

Easter Parade
Each year, on Easter Sunday (April 21st) the streets of Manhattan come alive with spring colors and flowery bonnets as part of the annual Easter Parade and Bonnet Festival. Visitors and residents alike have the opportunity to see “paraders” wander along Fifth Avenue from 49th to 57th Streets! Beginning at 10am, all wearing an Easter Bonnet are welcome to join.

Earth Day
An annual event, now in it’s 50th year, Earth Day is being held in New York City on the 22nd April, at Union (E. 17th and Broadway) Artists will create live works of art on site during the event around various environmental themes inspired by the conversation around the Green New Deal. This event is free and open to the public.

Sakura Matsuri Cherry Blossom Festival NYC
Noted as one of the prettiest festivals in New York, The Sakura Matsuri Cherry Blossom Festival includes the best and most beautiful elements of Japanese culture. Enjoy lots of different activities all while being surrounded by gorgeous, pink-petal trees at the Brooklyn Botanic Garden. The Sakura Matsuri is on Saturday, April 27 band Sunday, April 28, 2019. The event runs from 10am to 6pm each day.

Easter Parade
Each year, on Easter Sunday (April 21st) the streets of Manhattan come alive with spring colors and flowery bonnets as part of the annual Easter Parade and Bonnet Festival. Visitors and residents alike have the opportunity to see “paraders” wander along Fifth Avenue from 49th to 57th Streets! Beginning at 10am, all wearing an Easter Bonnet are welcome to join.

A Letter From John Fitzpatrick

To Our Valued Loyal Guests:

With so many things in a state of flux right now, I wanted to reach out to you personally to give you an update on what we are doing at Fitzpatrick Hotels to remove some of the uncertainty you may have about any travel plans that you have in place, or that you may make going forward.

Health and Wellness

Before anything else, our absolute first priority is the safety of our guests and employees. As such, we always have high standards for cleanliness and hygiene in place, but in response to the coronavirus (COVID-19) developments, we have elevated those standards even higher in an effort to maintain a more sterile environment for our guests and employees. Towards that end:

  • Monitoring Developing Information Closely:We have been closely monitoring the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and World Health Organization statements regarding the coronavirus (COVID-19), and sharing that new information with our employees. On a daily basis, both of our New York hotels are working to ensure that they meet the latest guidance on hygiene and cleaning. Our hotels’ health and safety measures are designed to address not only COVID-19, but a broad range of contagions.
  • Employee Health, Safety and Hygiene Knowledge:Training our employees to have a high level of health, safety and hygiene knowledge is absolutely essential to having a successful health, safety and hygiene program.
  • Hand Hygiene:Proper and frequent handwashing is vital to help combat the spread of viruses. In our daily meetings, our teams are reminded that cleanliness starts with this simple act. It’s important for their health and that of our guests.
  • Cleaning Products and Protocols:We work with our supplier and vendors to make sure our hotels can procure and use virus-killing products approved by the United States Environmental Protection Agency as well as the protective equipment they need to use them. Our hotels use cleaning products and protocols which are effective against viruses.
  • Guest Rooms: Our hotels use cleaning and disinfecting protocols to clean and sanitize rooms after guests depart and before the next guest arrives, with particular attention paid to high-touch items like door handles, desk tops, faucets, toilet handles and seats, televisions, remote controls, light switches, and telephones
  • Public Spaces: Both of our hotels have increased the frequency of cleaning and disinfecting in public spaces, with a focus on the surfaces of our front desks, elevators (and elevator buttons), door handles, public bathrooms, bar and table tops, chair rails, and shared computer keyboards
  • Back of House: In the spaces where our employees work out of public view, our hotels are increasing the frequency of cleaning and focusing on high-touch areas like stairway entrances, locker rooms, laundry rooms and staff offices.

Revised Reservation and Cancellation Policies

For the next sixty days, all reservations booked directly through Fitzpatrick Hotels, whether already booked or made between now and May 13, 2020, can be cancelled right up to the expected day of arrival at no charge, without penalty. This only extends to reservations booked directly through our website, www.fitzpatrickhotels.com, or through our reservations office, as third parties and online travel agencies may have their own policies in place on bookings made with them.

Finally, I just want to thank you for your loyalty to Fitzpatrick Hotels. At times like these, we believe that giving people a warm Irish welcome and providing them with personal service and comfort is more important than it ever was, and we will continue to do just that for our guests. We look forward to seeing you soon.

 

Best regards,
John Fitzpatrick
President & CEO
Fitzpatrick Hotel Group, North America

What To Do In New York: The March Edition

The Armory Show
March 7th – 10th

Now in its 25th year, The Armory Show takes place at Piers 92/94. It is a premier art fair and a leading cultural destination for discovering and collecting the world’s most important 20th- and 21st-century art. Welcoming over 65,000 visitors each year, the show aims to provide a platform for new artists to present.

St. Patrick’s Day Parade
March 16th

The St. Patrick’s Day Parade is one of the oldest parades in New York City. The parade usually starts at 11 AM on 44th Street and 5th Avenue and then runs north along Central Park, turning east on 86th Street and finally ending on 3rd Avenue. For more information on the parade, make sure you check out the official website https://www.nycstpatricksparade.org/parade/

St. Patrick’s Day
March 17th

Make sure you visit us at Fitzpatrick Hotels New York to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day! We’ll have lots happening and it’s also Teddy Fitz’s birthday so it’s double the celebrations!

Macy’s Flower Show
March 24th – April 7th

The Macy’s Flower Show is a sure sign that Spring is here! The whole department store at Herald Square is filled with flowers, making for a unique shopping experience! This year the theme is ‘Journey to Paradisios’, allowing their customers to immerse themselves in an experience that’s out of this world!

Explore the Park’s of New York City

March is the perfect month to explore the parks of NYC! There’s nothing we love more than a trip to Central Park on a sunny Spring day, make sure you check out our previous guide to Central Park if you’re looking for everything to see and do!

Don’t forget to check out our Spring Fling and Easter Things offer if you’re planning a trip to New York in the coming months!

What To Do In New York: The June Edition

It’s officially summertime in the city, meaning it’s the perfect time to explore! New York is known as the city that never sleeps and we agree, there is always something to do or see, which is all part of the fun. We’ve decided to put some of our favorites for the month of June in one place so you can make sure you don’t miss out!

Museum Mile Festival
June 11th, 6pm-9pm

Known as New York’s biggest block party – The Museum Mile Festival is an annual celebration hosted by some of New York’s largest cultural institutions such as the Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum, Neue Galerie New York and the Metropolitan Museum of Art. You can get into some museum exhibitions for free and there are lots of special events and performances! This year’s festival takes place on Tuesday, June 11, 2019, 6–9pm.

Philharmonic in the Park
June 11th-16th

One of New York’s iconic events, Philharmonic in the Park has been running since 1965! Parks are transformed with after work picnic-ers (Check out our Parks, Picnics and Perks special offer to make sure you have your picnic blanket!) If you’re a music lover, make sure you don’t miss out on your chance to hear the best classical music under the stars of New York City!

Father’s Day
June 16th

Looking to treat your Dad this Father’s Day? Why not start with a delicious breakfast in our Grand Central or Manhattan hotels then head out to New York to explore, we’ve put together some exciting things that you can do with Dad!
– Head for a cycle or row a boat in Central Park
– Pay a visit to New York’s newest attraction – The Vessel
– Take a trip to Smorgasburg in Prospect Park in Brooklyn
– Visit The Intrepid Sea, Air and Space Museum
There’s always lots to see and do in New York City but if you’re looking for something to do, make sure you ask our team who will be more than happy to help!

Shakespeare in The Park

Shakespeare in the Park runs from May 21 through August 11, 2019. With few exceptions, performances are Tuesday through Sunday at 8pm and is held in the Delacorte Theater in Central Park. It’s a popular event which means tickets aren’t always easy to come by. For more information check out The Public Theater’s website.

SummerStage in Central Park

SummerStage is an outdoor festival of the arts held each year at Rumsey Playfield in Central Park. Performances are mostly free, with the exception of a few big-name benefit concerts! Events happen almost every day of the summer including concerts, dance parties, live theater, ballet and an outdoor opera series.

New Year’s Eve In New York

Spending New Year’s Eve in New York is one of the best ways to ring in a new year and a new decade in 2020! Everyone knows that the Times Square New Year’s celebrations are some of the biggest and the best in the world and we have to say we agree! We have had a look and we want to share some of our top tips and tricks if you plan on spending the evening in Times Square and also some alternative options should you wish to ring in the new year elswhere!

Our Top Tips For New Years Eve in Times Square

If you want a prime spot for all of the performances, it is recommended that you get there by noon. If you’re heading to Times Square after 3pm, we recommend entering from the north. As the ball drops at the southern end, the area fills up from the bottom which means it’s a lot busier! Don’t forget you can only access Times Square from Sixth Avenue and Eighth Avenue only on New Year’s Eve.

What time do the festivities start? Well, at 6pm, the Times Square New Year’s Eve Ball is raised to the top of the pole at One Times Square. Shortly after, the Times Square Alliance sanitation crew usually distribute thousands of party favors, including hats, glasses, noisemakers – so make sure you don’t miss out and join in the fun. The live, televised show and performances start at 8pm.

If you need any additional help to organise your trip to Times Square on New Year’s Eve, just ask any of our team who will be happy to help.

Watch The Fireworks

When the clock strikes 12, the New York skyline is lit up with numerous fireworks! We want to make sure you have the best view of the cities spectacular firework displays, so we have put together a list of where to watch them

  1. Times Square – join the crowds for one of New York’s biggest events
  2. Spend the evening in Central Park – They are set off from Cherry Hill, Bow Bridge and the Belvedere Castle
  3. Brooklyn Bridge – look back at the city as the famous skyline is lit up with some of the best fireworks

If heading out into the cold this New Years Eve isn’t for you, don’t forget to join us at The Fitz Bar or The Wheeltapper Pub, our team will be making sure all of our guests are set and ready for the evening’s festivities and if you’re joining us for midnight – we’ll be happy to provide each guest with a glass of bubbly to toast to the New Year!

Is your New Year’s resolution a trip to New York city? Make sure you check out our exciting new 20+20 in 2020 Special Offer where you can enjoy 20% off our best available rate and 20% off food and beverages in our bars. Find out more.

Family Fun In New York City

So you’re planning a trip to New York with the whole family, but you’re not sure what to do or where to go? We’ve got you covered with our top 6 list of family-friendly activities for you and the kids.

Central Park:
Kicking off our list is Central Park in Manhattan. It’s a great place to visit if you want to get some fresh air or fight back against your jet-lag after travel. With luscious green grass, plenty of playgrounds, and beautiful lakes, there’s always things to do in Central Park. Head over to the Central Park Zoo to see some unique animals, like the leopards, sea lions, and penguins. If you’re looking for more activities check out the central park website for full details on events being held in the park.

Top of the Rock:
Another fantastic attraction is the Top of the Rock observation deck in the Rockefeller Center. From 70 storeys up in the sky you get a fresh perspective of the New York skyline. Most notably you see the Empire State building at elevation and up close, like you’ve never seen it before. Pair up the visit with a guided tour of the building and learn about the history, art, and architecture of New York.

The Empire State Building:
You knew it was coming! The Empire State Building offers you New York’s most breathtaking view. On a clear day you can see all of Manhattan and the neighbouring boroughs. With 360º views in every direction you can see every building in New York. Be sure to take in the incredible lobby, with its 24-carat gold ceilings and walls, and the beautiful engravings. On the way up you can stop off at the museum, where you can learn about how the famous building was designed and built.

Times Square:
This one is a quintessential New York landmark and an absolute must-see, especially at night. The atmosphere at Times Square is electric and brightly lit by the flashing billboards and signs that light up the sky; the perfect family photo opportunity. Once the wonder and awe has worn off you can grab a bite to eat or head into one of the huge shops nearby. Be sure to check out the Disney, M&M, and Hershey stores and watch your kid’s eyes light up! You can also visit Broadway to see a show at one of the many theatres nearby.

Statue of Liberty:
It wouldn’t be a trip to New York if you didn’t visit the Statue of Liberty. Located off the coast of Jersey, the Statue of Liberty is only accessible by ferry. Keep in mind that this ferry is public transport, so you may not get a seat or a perfect view of the statue. The ferry goes to Staten Island and you can choose to simply see it from the boat or take another straight to the island it stands on.

9/11 Memorial at Ground Zero:
One of the more emotional locations on the list is the 9/11 Memorial at Ground Zero. The sight features a museum and memorial, both of which are stunning pieces of architecture. There are countless exhibitions and events being held at the museum, giving you the full history of the tragedy. The memorial features two one acre large pools at the base of where the North and South World Trade Center towers once stood.

What To Do In New York: The May Edition

If you’re visiting New York this month, then make sure you check out our favorite things to do in the city.

 

Visit Governors Island

Come the 1st of May, Governors Island is open to visitors. Governors Island is a 172-acre island, located in the heart of New York Harbour, it’s only a short ferry ride from Manhattan or Brooklyn.  Throughout the summer, numerous events are held on the island so it is always worth checking their website before making the trip.

Cinco De Mayo
May 5th, 2019

Cinco De Mayo is a Mexican Holiday that commemorates the Mexican defeat of the French army at the Battle of Puebla in 1862. All over New York, there are different events and celebrations. If you’re looking for something to do then why not check out the Cinco De Mayo Parade that is hosted Uptown on Central Park West at 106th St to 97th St.

Mothers Day
May 12th, 2019

If you’re celebrating with your Mum in New York this year, why not call in to Fitzpatrick Grand Central or Manhattan to enjoy a bite to eat? You might even bump into Teddy Fitz!

Shakespeare in the Park
May 21st, 2019 – August 11th, 2019

Shakespeare in the Park runs from May 21 through August 11, 2019. With few exceptions, performances are Tuesday through Sunday at 8pm and is held in the Delacorte Theater in Central Park. It’s a popular event which means tickets aren’t always easy to come by. For more information check out The Public Theater’s website.

Fleet Week

Fleet Week offers members of the Navy and Marines the opportunity to experience New York City, while giving the public a chance to meet members of today’s maritime services. You can tour Navy ships, watch military formations and see a special screening of Top Gun on the deck of the USS Intrepid.

For a full list of events taking place, make sure you check out their website. Many of the events are free so if you’re in town be sure to check them out.

Visit the Vessel – NY’s newest landmark

Located in Hudson Yards, The Vessel is New York City’s newest landmark! Already loved by tourists, it’s worth visiting The Vessel if you’re in that part of town. If you would like to go inside The Vessel’s centrepiece spiral staircase, then you can book tickets on their website in advance of your visit but same-day tickets are also available.

What’s On In New York: The February Edition

Are you looking for something to do this February in the city? Check out our guide to our top ways to spend your time in New York!

NYC Winter Outing – runs until February 10th

Make sure you don’t miss out on the last few days of NYC & Company’s NYC Winter Outing! Don’t forget that a selection of Broadway shows, museums, attractions and tours will be available at a two-for-one price, and nearly 400 restaurants will offer prix-fixe menus.

New York Fashion Week – February 8th – 16th

Love Fashion? Well then you need to visit New York during Fashion Week. With shows all over the city, prepare to see all of your favorite celebrities, fashion icons, designers and models as New York is filled to capacity with the who’s who of the fashion world! When walking around the streets of New York, make sure you keep your eyes peeled!

National Pizza Day – February 9th

At Fitzpatrick Hotels New York it is no different, we really love pizza. And we think it’s an essential part of New York life! So we have decided to share some of our favourite Pizza Spots with you!

Lombardi’s New York City was founded in 1905, it was the first pizzeria in The United States and the pizza is still great. With great pizza and good atmosphere, Lombardi’s is a good one if you are visiting New York as a family.

Joe’s Pizza – They call themselves ‘The Greenwich Institution’ because they really are! Open since 1975, they are a true classic and have been sharing their delicious pizzas with New Yorkers for over 38 years!

Robertas – Based in Brooklyn, don’t miss this spot, although be prepared to queue if you’re heading there! With really creative toppings, Roberta’s never fails to satisfy that pizza craving.

And last but not least, don’t forget about joining us for a slice at The Fitz! You might even catch Teddy Fitz tucking into his favorite!

Valentines Day – February 14th

We think New York is one of the most romantic cities out there, we may not have the Eiffel Tower but we do have The Empire State Building! We have listed out our favorite things for you to do with a loved one in the city that never sleeps!

Visit the Empire State Building, open until 2am, you can spend your evening on top of one of the iconic locations for many romantic films. Why not try to recreate the famous scene from An Affair To Remember with your loved one?

Take a romantic stroll around Central Park – another setting for many famous romantic scenes, a walk or cycle through Central Park with a loved one is the perfect way to enjoy Valentines.

Take in a Show – head to see your favorite shows on Broadway or head to a more intimate setting by visiting one of the numerous comedy clubs located across New York.

Don’t forget that if you ever need any advice on what to do in New York, you can ask any of our team members who will be more than happy to help you make the most of your time in the city!