Triumph Hotels, Washington Jefferson Hotel

Getting Back to Life

Thankfully life is, well getting back to living. Sort of.  Not 100% but thanks to the vaccine rollout many states are coming back and New York is one of them.

One example of this is the much-loved Broadway and its shows which for so long were amiss from our lives.   First of all, an additional two shows opened (‘Six’ and ‘American Utopia’) and second, there was the beginning of the Times Square’s three day outdoor event to celebrate the return of this entertainment sector.

And the classics re-opened too: Chicago, Hamilton, The Lion King and Wicked.

In addition, the bright lights were ignited as a tribute to one of the original Waitress company of Broadway’s very own – Nick Cordero – who passed away from COVID-19 last year.  It would have been his 43rd birthday last Friday.

All of these events take place right in town, in walking distance of Triumph Hotels’ Washington Jefferson Hotel, operated by Shimmie Horn. 

Entertainment, Featured, NY News, Restaurants, Tourism, Triumph Hotels

Writers Taking Up Residence at New York City Hotels

New York City’s hotels have long been a spot of inspiration for writers and authors. Arthur Miller and William S. Burroughs were known to do their most creative work while living in and working from the Chelsea Hotel; Kay Thompson’s Eloise series features life from the top of the Plaza hotel; Maya Angelou always rented a hotel room to focus on her poetry and prose.

The coronavirus pandemic, for all its hardships, tragedies, and chaos, has many of the City’s creatives adopting this habit. Hotels are thirsty for business, the writers are desperate for reclusive spaces– it’s a win/win situation.

Writer Stan Parish, for example,  has always been fond of hotels. Now, he says, he has been using them as ad hoc home-office space while simultaneously enjoying the amenities. For Parish it is the “neutrality” of the hotel environment that is most enticing. With minimal distractions and maximum simplicity, he can get a lot of writing done.

The restrictions on indoor seating at restaurants and coffee shops had many writers scrambling for space. Other authors point to the quiet as their primary reason for booking a hotel room. With most living rooms turning into classrooms and homes becoming makeshift offices, the serenity of a hotel room can be critical to the creative process.

Entertainment, Featured, NY Environment, NY News, Restaurants, Shimmie Horn, Tourism, Transportation, Triumph Hotels

How to Help NYC’s Tourism Rebound This Holiday Season

2020 presented many paths to virtue and kindness; simple acts, once considered frivolous, took on added aspects of virtue. Staying home was how we helped ease the burden for healthcare workers and frontline responders. Social distancing kept our family and loved ones safe. Ordering dinner was a way to support a struggling local eatery.  And as the year winds down, New York City’s tourism industry is encouraging residents to plan a “staycation,” including overnight accommodations at hotels, and safe visits to museums and venues.

Places like the Empire State Building, the September 11 Memorial Museum, and the Met are open with modified visitation regulations. In the past, New Yorkers tended to avoid these places, particularly during the holiday season, because of the long lines and overload of tourists. But now, city dwellers have the chance to explore the best of New York, learn about local attractions, and support city-run businesses.

Another good way to take in the Big Apple this season is on Big Bus Tour New York’s double-decker buses. The open-top transportation is both COVID-safe and an effective way to see over 40 famous locations.

The buses have been equipped with plexiglass dividers to protect employees and passengers; capacity is limited to 30 passengers. All riders are required to wear face masks and seating is designed to adhere to social-distancing regulations.

Belleclaire Hotel, Chandler Hotel, Cosmopolitan Hotel – Tribeca, Entertainment, Evelyn Hotel, Frederick Hotel, Iroquois Hotel, NY News, Restaurants, The Edison Hotel, The Evelyn, Tourism, Tribeca, Triumph Hotels

Have the Ultimate New York Winter Experience

It is busy, it is bustling, it is even a bit brassy, but New York City winter is also irresistible. Here are some tips to have the best time in New York City this (and every) winter season.

New York City winter lights

Plan Ahead: Do your research and get as many reservations on the books as early as possible. Tables at that new place(s) you want to try, rooms at the hotel in the midst of all the action, tickets to the show(s) you want to see…get it all in advance.  

Come Prepared: The previous tip notwithstanding, expect long lines and crowded attractions. Dress in layers and bundle up warmly. It can get mighty cold outside as you visit many of the outdoor attractions, especially those that are prettiest at night.

Turn on the Glitz: Midtown Manhattan is the center of New York’s winter fete. Trek up trendy Fifth Avenue from 40th St to Central Park and see all the lights and glamour. Go to Saks Fifth Avenue’s light display, Tiffany’s dazzling diamonds, and the iconic trees at Rockefeller Center, the New York Public Library, the Empire State Building, Bryant Park, and others.

Make a List: Check it Twice: New York’s winter markets are charming venues worth exploring. They are filled with local artists and designers selling gifts and trinkets that you and your family will adore. Grand Central Terminal holds a unique Holiday Fair, in the stunning Vanderbilt Hall, focusing on socially responsible business and handmade craft gifts.

The wind-down of every calendar year is an exciting time in New York City. Come enjoy the post-Thanksgiving magical air; see the city transformed into a singing, dancing, sparkling Tinseltown.

Chandler Hotel, Entertainment, Featured, NY News, Tourism, Transportation, Triumph Hotels

New York Through Instagram’s Lense

New York City is full of noteworthy places to take fun and beautiful pictures. With so many quaint corners and iconic buildings, it is no wonder that Big Apple has so many Instagram-worthy spots for any visitor. Try these top picks:

#1: #GrandCentral—  Not all train stations are created equal. Grand Central Terminal is an international architectural beauty known for its glorious façade and remarkable main lobby.

#2: #FlatIronBuilding—the building, shaped like a common household appliance, was designed in 1902 by architect Daniel Burnham and remains one of Manhattan’s most memorable landmarks to this day.

#3: #DUMBO—an acronym for the Down Under Manhattan Bridge Overpass (DUMBO), this history-filled ex-warehouse neighborhood is now home to art galleries and artisanal coffee shops.

#4: #TheOculus—standing where the 9/11 attacks occurred, The Oculus is a transport hub and the new World Trade Center. Designed by architect Santiago Calatrava, the building is an impressive and significant site for Insta stories.

#5: #WallStreet – get up close and personal with the legendary Charging Bull or just walk around the cobblestone streets.

#6: #NYPublicLibrary—continuing on the animal-sightings, come snap a picture with the celebrated Library Lions standing guard outside the third largest library in the world.

Between photo shoots, whether you are looking for a place to sleep or a place to eat, you should check out any of the Triumph Hotels or Hotel Chandler in Manhattan. Luxurious amenities alongside personalized service make them the perfect option on an instagramable tour of New York. Chic, trendy, and tasteful, these hotels are great for tourists or veteran New Yorkers.

Triumph Hotels

Triumph Hotel Recognition

Exciting news for the Triumph hotel brand. With its top class amenities set in a luxurious environment, the Triumph hotels – and their contribution to New York – have now been recognized with their own Wiki page.

 

Featuring six unique hotels, the first of Shimmie Horn’s Triumph brand was built in the 19th century.  Originally known as The Cosmopolitan Hotel – Tribeca, today it is called The Frederick and is decorated in a combination of old and new, and a meeting place for both style and comfort.

 

Over the years, a number of famous people have stayed in one or two of the Triumph hotels.  This includes: Mark Twain and James Dean.  Of the latter – who stayed in The Iroquois – there is now a James Dean Suite. Hotel Edison was where, at its grand opening, the building’s namesake – Thomas Edison – turned on the lights.

 

Today, the Hotel Belleclaire offers both business travelers and vacationers a comfortable spot right by some of New York’s most popular attractions such as Lincoln Center, Central Park and the Beacon Theater.  Restaurants, boutiques and bars are in close proximity also to this Upper West Side delight.

 

Located at 7 East 27th Street, The Evelyn Hotel (built in 1903) is certainly keeping up with modern times.  Featuring a fantastic restaurant with offerings such as Cannolis filled to order with Foccacceria e Pasticceria thanks to LeonelliNYC, this makes for the perfect holiday indulgent spot.

 

With a wonderful breakfast package offered through Giorgio’s Restaurant, the Washington Jefferson Hotel offers guests valet parking, this NYC Theater District hotel offers a true respite from the hubbub of Times Square.

 

New York City is a central theme to many from all parts of the world who want a taste of the Big Apple.  The Triumph Hotel brand does not take this responsibility lightly.

 

 

Triumph Hotels

Garden Parties, Movie Nights and More

Near to Shimmie Horn’s Triumph hotels – spanning Tribeca, Upper East Side, central New York, etc. – are fabulous spots for enjoying some superb summer events.  Here, we take a brief look at three of them.

The Spring Garden Party – hosted each year by The Frick Collection – opens itself up for locals to check out.  Once a year the amazing garden becomes accessible to those invited to the event.  To get an invite to the event featuring a live jazz band, pop-up bars and more, you have to have made a bit of a name for yourself as a fashionista, musician, restaurateur, or philanthropist. Once you get it, check out the official “off-limits area” on the second floor.

For something lower key that requires you to have zero recognition or award-winning qualities, the  Bryant Park Movie Nights series this year has a wonderful lineup including such classics as Driving Miss Daisy and When Harry Met Sally.  Enjoy the best vendors the city has to offer via the Hester Street Fair offering music, biking, art and film. With a secret show, cinematic shorts, BMX display, a Joyride Art exhibition and more, the annual event that in now in its 18th year, continues to be a “major catalyst for the urban bike movement, one of the most powerful and culturally relevant forces of the last decade.”

Triumph Hotels

Getting Fit While Traveling

Forbes contributor Allison Olmsted recently discussed different ways of staying fit while traveling for business.  Over the years business people have spoken about the difficulties staying true to their exercise regime had been.  As such a new company – Routinely – is trying to alleviate some of these issues.

But also featured in the article, was Shimmie Horn’s Triumph Hotel Group.  Partnering with a flexible class program FitReserve, guests at any of these hotels get access to New York City’s Top Studios.  In addition, FitReserve launched an entire new TravelPack option especially for use by Triumph hotel guests.