Category: MANHATTAN
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.
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.
Top 5th Avenue Shopping Tips
A trip to New York would not be complete without a visit to New Yorks’ most famous shopping district Fifth Avenue. For visitors looking for the ideal Manhattan New York Hotel, Fitzpatrick Manhattan Hotel is located a mere stone throws away form Fifth Avenue making it the perfect location for your 5th avenue shopping.
In the heart of Manhattan, and considered one of the most famous and expensive shopping streets in the world, 5th avenue shopping is one of the not to be missed experiences of New York. The famous shopping district starts at Washington Square in Greenwich Village and stretches up to West 143rd street in Harlem. If you are looking for a more exclusive and prestigious 5th avenue shopping experience, the midtown section between 49th and 60th street boasts the highest concentration of the most prestigious shops and flagship stores.
Versace, Tiffany’s, Prada, Gucci and Bulgari are just some of the high-end stores you will find here. If you have the kids in tow, 5th avenue is also home to the world’s largest build- a-teddy bear-do-it-yourself store. FAO Schwarz is a must as well for those with kids and those big kids! For those after more budget conscious shopping, there are a few high street stores such as Abercrombie & Fitch and H & M.
If all that 5th avenue shopping has gotten the better of your wallet, the famous shopping district is full of interesting architectural buildings with neo-gothic, neo-classical and art noveau- elements such as the Aeolian Building, the Gorham Building and the Rizzoli Building to name a few. Iconic New York landmarks also feature greatly on 5th avenue, the Empire State Building, the Rockefeller Center, St. Patricks Cathedral and the Public Library are all well worth a visit. Many of New York’s best museums can be found on the aptly named “Museum Mile”, the section of 5th avenue that passes the Upper East Side. The Metropolitan Museum of ART, the Museum of African Art, the Jewish Museum and the Guggenheim Collection are all found on this cultural strip. For those visiting New York during the holiday season, they will be treated to wonderfully creative window displays from Saks, Tiffany’s and Bergdorf Goodman. The parades also traditionally march through 5th avenue, those visiting around Saint Patrick’s Day and Thanksgiving will be able to see the parades from this famous avenue.
Fitzpatrick Manhattan Hotel provides the perfect base for those looking for a central location in New York and a relaxing comfortable retreat after an active day in the city. Unlike other hotels in Manhattan, the Fitzpatrick Manhattan Hotel is both spacious and relaxing despite its extremely central location. The rooms range from our deluxe rooms to suites and presidential suites all providing a relaxing comfortable haven to escape the city after a long day sightseeing, shopping and exploring the city. The Fitz in Fitzpatrick Manhattan is ideal for a leisurely breakfast, quick business lunch or cocktail after a full day of exploring the city. The soothing blue tones and rich dark wood panelling create a relaxing atmosphere. The Wheeltapper in Fitzpatrick Grand Central Hotel part of the Fitzpatrick Group is renowned as one of the best Irish pubs in New York. The Wheeltapper celebrates the best of a traditional Irish pub, providing its patrons with contemporary food and drink in a relaxed informal atmosphere. This restaurant and bar are the perfect spot for a drink, lunch, breakfast or dinner all year around with a heated outdoor Patio comfortable seating and indoor fireplace.
To find out more about Fitzpatrick Hotel Manhattan as well as the other hotels in the Fitzpatrick Group please click here and book your stay today!
Spring Guide to Midtown Manhattan
With Winter fading into our memories its time for spring in Manhattan. While its not time just yet to get out the summer clothes, there is still lots to see and do this time of the year. Manhattan has everything from festivals, parades, exhibitions an of course shopping.
The Macy’s Flower Show
Spring means its time to smell the flowers at the annual Macy’s Flower Show. Hosted at the iconic Macy’s Department Store Herald Square, this annual event is a display of flower arrangements and boutiques. This years theme is America the Beautiful, and will showcase native flowers from around the country.
This free event takes place from Sunday, March 20th, through Sunday, April 3rd, 2016.
Asia Week
This annual ten-day celebration of Asian art offers non-stop exhibitions, auctions, films, lectures, curator talks, and tours presented by leading international Asian art specialists. The Asian week association attracts curators from all over America and an international clientele from all over the world. The aim of this festival is to educate people on the importance of Asian art and culture in the city and nationwide.
This event takes place from Thursday, March 10th, through Sunday, April 3rd, 2016.
Times Square
You cannot visit Manhattan without venturing to the world famous Times Square. This is a bustling hive of activity that is adorned with billboards and advertisements. Times Square is often referred to as the crossroads of the world with more people passing through it every day than any other place in the world.
Times square is within minutes from many of New York’s greatest attractions with Central Park, the Bronx Zoo, countless museums, galleries and of course many shopping outlets to choose from.
After a long day discovering Manhattan you will need to relax and unwind. Fitzpatrick Manhattan Hotel is the perfect place to meet with friends and family where a warm welcome and a friendly smile awaits you. Our comfortable bar is the ideal place to sit back and relax with a newspaper, a pint of Guinness and unwind at the end of a busy day and when you are ready to start all over again the next day we have the best breakfast in Manhattan that will set you up for the day.
To find out more about Fitzpatrick Hotel Manhattan as well as the other hotels in the Fitzpatrick Group please click here and book your stay today!
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.