Category: GRAND CENTRAL
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
Meet John Fitzpatrick
John Fitzpatrick, is a well known hotelier and philanthropist, and owner of the Fitzpatrick Hotel Group New York. He was born in Dublin, and with his father, brothers and sisters worked in many of the Fitzpatrick Hotel Group’s Irish hotels in the 1970’s and 1980’s. He has called New York home since he opened the doors of the Fitzpatrick Manhattan in December 1991. The Fitzpatrick Manhattan hotel, was the only Irish owned and operated hotel in New York. Today, Fitzpatrick Manhattan and it’s sister hotel, Fitzpatrick Grand Central are still the only Irish owned and operated properties in Manhattan.
John learnt everything about the hotel business from his father, Paddy Fitzpatrick, who worked in many hotels in Ireland prior to buying the Killiney Castle Hotel in Dublin. He soon added the Fitzpatrick Shamrock Hotel in Bunratty, County Clare, and the Fitzpatrick Silver Springs in Cork. His mother Eithne, a former Miss Ireland, was also hugely influential on his career. She worked with his father on building up the family business and on every aspect the hotels interior design.
The second eldest of Paddy and Eithne’s five children, John wanted to get international experiences, and headed to the United States at an early age. He worked in various cities including Las Vegas and Chicago, before he come back to the family business in Ireland. In 1990 he returned to New York to look for a suitable property to renovate and turn into a Fitzpatrick Hotel. To save money he stayed in the empty hotel during construction, padlocking the door after the crews went home at night. The hotel opened its doors in December 1991. The hotel has become hugely popular with heads of state, Irish stars and the Hollywood A-list alike. Due to its success, a couple of years later John opened another New York hotel – The Fitzpatrick Grand Central.
Such is John’s reputation in the hospitality industry that he has served terms as chairman of the New York Hotel Association, chairman of the American Hotel and Lodging Association and is currently chairman of The Ireland Funds.
When his parents passed away, John decided to commemorate her with an annual golf tournament. To date this event has raised millions of dollars, these funds have been used to support various charities including Corrymeela Centre, County Antrim, Barrettstown, County Wicklow, and Barnardos. All of the funds are distributed via the Paddy & Eithne Memorial Fund.
Christmas Markets in Manhattan
NYC is famous for many things leading up to the Christmas Holidays and one the most famous is their Christmas Markets around Manhattan. It is the most festive time of year and this is displayed beautifully at the top markets in Manhattan. If you have come to shop in New York at this time of year you will be overwhelmed with the choice at the Christmas Markets. You will find a great variety of items such as arts and crafts, jewellery, clothing and much much more. And if shopping isn’t on the agenda, the markets are still great to soak up the atmosphere with great food and warm drinks. Here are our top three favourite christmas markets around NYC leading up to christmas this year.
Grand Central Holiday Fair
The Holiday Fair at Grand Central Terminal is a fantastic spot to start off your Christmas Market shopping. Located in the Grand Central building it is easy to get to and offers the luxury of warmth while shopping at the market. In the fair you will find a wide variety of items from clothing for all ages to artwork to toys and chocolates. If you have made the trip to the Grand Central Holiday fair be sure to visit The Lode Man Shop to see some fantastic candles on sale. The fair runs for six weeks in the lead up to Christmas opening from 10am-8pm Monday – Friday, 10am-7pm Saturday and 11am-6pm Sunday. The fair closes at 6pm Dec 24. More information can be found by clicking here.
Bryant Park’s Winter Village
Bryant Park’s Winter Village surronds a 17,000 square foot outdoor ice skaking rink making it one of the prettiest Christmas Markets in New York. With over 100 stalls there is sure to be something for everyone. Some of the items on sale include jewellery, decorative goods, winter clothing, handbags and of course there are plenty of kiosks with hot food and drinks to keep everyone warm while they soak up the Christmas atmosphere. Oh and the big ice rink isn’t just for show, you can ice skate for free! Bryant Park’s Winter Village starts Nov 25 through to Jan 2 with opening hours of Monday-Friday 11am-8pm and Saturday-Sunday 10am-8pm. For more information on this click here.
Union Square Holiday Market
The Union Square Holiday Market can boast to being one of the biggest Christmas Markets with over 100 red and white vender booths. Not only is the Union Square Holiday Market big it is also very affordable which is always welcomed at this busy time of year. At the unique Union Square Holiday Market you will find some really impressive items on sale from Tibetan crafts to hand blown glass housewares and you certainly won’t go hungry with the choice of food available. The Union Square Holiday Market is open from Nov 17 – Dec 24 with opening hours of 11am-8pm Monday – Friday, 10am-8pm Saturday and 11am-7pm Sunday. The market closes at 4pm Dec 24. To find out more information on this click here.
Christmas is a special time of the year and where better to do your Christmas shopping that in Magical Manhattan. Make sure to visit Fitzpatrick Hotels and have a drink, unwind and relax in our warm and welcoming surroundings.
The Best Events in New York This Memorial Day Weekend
Memorial Day Weekend has arrived!! For many this weekend signals the official start of the summer, with parades and BBQs being held throughout the city to get you into the summer swing! For those outside the US, Memorial Day is on the last Monday in May every year. This special day remembers the sacrifices our troops made for the United States. The events and parades are for honouring the men and women who died while serving for the country. Fleet week also runs at the same time adding to the holiday feel in the city.
The celebrations start at the beginning of the 3 day weekend and we want to help you salute the troops and the start of summer at any these Memorial Day weekend events.
Fleet Week
The seven day celebration that is Fleet week honors the members of the United States Navy, Coast Guard and Marine Corps finishes on Memorial weekend. You can help celebrate the Naval arrival with a one-hour dance party in Times Square. The Sveltana and Delancey Five play their biggest brassiest swing numbers much to the delight of the crowd and want to be jivers! Get your dancing shoes on and join in the jiving!
Little Neck Douglas Memorial Day Parade
The largest of the city’s Memorial Day parades. You can honour those lost in battle by cheering on veterans, the local members of the military, marching bands, brownie troops and boy scouts marching from Northern Boulevard in Queens from Great Neck to Douglaston. A wreath lying ceremony at the Veterans Monument in the courtyard of St. Anastasia Church elegantly finishes off the parade.
The Great Brooklyn Grill Out
The king of all the summer BBQ’s, this culinary grill out is hosted by NYC Hot Sauce Expo producers Food Karma. Chefs like Michael Yapi and George Motz dish out portbello burgers, porchetta, hot dog and more! You can have your senses blown away at the hot sauce pavilion or witness the spectacular grilled cheese competition! Then it is time to wash down all that spice and cheese with craft beers, ciders and ice creams. This is a BBQ extravangza you won’t want to miss!!
The Wheeltapper
The Wheeltapper is another great option for the weekend, it offers great food and drink with the lively atmosphere you only get in an authentic Irish pub! The outdoor patio is perfect for the summer time and serves breakfast, lunch and dinner as well as a bar menu for lighter snacks. We look forward to welcoming our sailors and saluting the troops this long weekend!
If you are staying in either of our hotels in New York, our helpful conceirge will be able to advise you on the best activities and events taking place in the city.
Your New York Wedding
New York is one of the most magical and enchanting destinations to either tie the knot or to experience your honeymoon! In the city where dreams are made of you’ll certainly create memories that will last a lifetime!
For those coming to say I do….
New York offers a spectacular backdrop for those coming to say your vows! Some of the iconic venues include:
1. Central Park
Located right in the heart of the city- Central Park offers a stunning setting to say ‘I do’. With several enchanting locations to choose from including the Conservatory Garden, the Belvedere Plaza and the Ladies Pavilion, you’ll be spoilt for choice!
2. The New York Botanical Gardens
Another popular venue for NYC wedding ceremonies is the New York Botanical Gardens. Located in the Bronx, the Botanical Gardens offers a spectacular venue for anyone planning a New York wedding. Featuring over 50 acres of forest, rolling hills and a vast array of plant collections this venue offers a truly beautiful and elegant background for your NYC wedding.
3. City Hall
New York’s City Hall is another great place to get married. Located right in the heart of NYC, it offers a convenient location close to many of the famous sights of NYC. For those wishing to be close to all of the action City Hall is the perfect choice!
Here to Honeymoon….
Your Honeymoon is an experience you’ll never forget and New York is the perfect destination. With so many famous sights and attractions to enjoy you’ll be sure to create memories that are truly unforgettable.
1. Broadway
New York’s Broadway offers a night not to be missed. Transport yourself for an evening of theatre and drama which is a New York must!
2. The Metropolitan Museum of Art
The Met (as it’s known to true New Yorkers) offers the perfect opportunity to ignite your inner art connoisseur and immerse yourself in some of the world’s best loved art collections!
3. The Statue of Liberty
Located on Liberty Island in New York Harbor, the Statue of Liberty is indeed synonymous with NYC. This is one of New York’s most famous landmarks and as such, no trip would be complete without a visit to see this historic statue.
So whether you’re getting married or here in the city for your honeymoon- New York is the perfect destination! Here at Fitzpatrick Hotels we’re centrally located to all the iconic sights and attractions that the city has to offer, so contact us today about making your cherished New York wedding and honeymoon memories.