Tag: Shimmie Horn

Shimmie Horn

New York Hotels – Great Package Deals

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new-york-cityThe US offers so many hot-spots and vacation destinations. New York City will always be one of the most popular destinations for domestic and international tourists alike. When vacationing in New York, finding just the right hotel deal can make-or-break one’s visit. These days, many top hotels in the central areas – right by the tourist attractions – offer great deals for each person’s needs.

From romance to divorce packages, executive deals to theme hotels, New York has it all. While the Gideon Putnam Resort & Spa has been traditionally known for its top-class weddings, it is moving with the times and now offering a $5,000 package to divorcing couples. With the “Divorce Hotel” program, the couple is given separate rooms, and can use all the amenities. And, if desired, the couple can be filmed for a reality show as they embark on to the next stage of their lives.

This is quite a leap from Shimmie Horn’s Triumph Hotels’ romance package that focuses on “seclusion in upscale setting.” As well, one of its recent packages was the Key to New York City where visitors who booked 3+ nights at any of these six hotels received – free – a one-way car service between the hotel and NYC’s three airports, or a complimentary experience in one of the six neighborhoods.

There are always new and exciting packages being offered in New York’s top hotels. Check them out before booking for the best and most useful deal for your needs.

Shimmie Horn

New York Fashion Week

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new-york-fashion-week-spring-summer-2013-537x402For New York, it’s that time of year again… New York Fashion Week. There was so much happening last week at one of The Big Apple’s most-watched-and-talked-about annual events that it could have been a bit overwhelming for some.  What to look out for?  What must be seen?  What cannot be missed?  For any of those vacationing in an exclusive hotel in town such as one of Shimmie Horn’s Triumph hotels, a bit of advice might not have gone unheeded to prevent missing the best of fashion, 2014.

One really cool presentation at last week’s festivities was the one that came from the students.  Each year they seem to get younger and younger.   And this year was no exception.  Perhaps the designer who garnered the most attention – and rightly so for being so talented, so young – was Isabella Rose Taylor. The 13-year old from Austin, TX, presented her first New York Fashion Week collection, off the backdrop of its debut at Nordstrom stores nationwide!

Some other hot items to spot this year included designs made from foam embellishments and digital prints (brought to us by Carolina Herrera) a dedication to Joan Rivers, technology-enabled immediate purchasing through www.versusverace.com (cheaper than the company’s regular high-end line), Diane von Furstenberg breaking into song at the end of her fashion presentation.

Also this year there appeared to be a lot of color at the show, such as bright red and blue trench coats presented by Tim Coppens.  Well, New York can get a bit dreary so why not brighten the place up a bit?

One just can’t help but try to imagine “what will they come up with next?”  Well, 2015 will be sure to show us.

Shimmie Horn

Gearing Up for Manhattan’s EstroGenius Festival

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EstroGeniusEvery year, for close to a decade-and-a-half, the Manhattan Theatre Source has been presenting its EstroGenius Festival – a true celebration of the power and wonder of women.  This multimedia festival brings together a slew of female voices from an array of different disciplines, including: short plays, dances, visual arts, special performances and more.

This year the festival will take place between October 2nd and November 1st at Stage Left Studios.  Located nearby some of the nicest hotels in the area (including Shimmie Horn’s Gershwin Hotel on East 27th Street, the Courtyard New York Manhattan/Times Square South on West 40th Street and the Crowne Plaza Times Square on 1605 Broadway to name but a few), this festival is a lot of fun for tourists looking for something different to do with their time in the Big Apple.

There will be special performances by teen program Girl Be Heard that uses theater to empower young women, boosting their confidence, in spite of their own personal challenges.  Watch this space for more details, as next month EstroGenius artists will be announced for this year’s festival.

Shimmie Horn

Merging the Old with the New in Manhattan

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cocktailsFor those looking for custom-made cocktails in the heart of Manhattan, Lantern’s Keep is a great spot.  With its delightful ambiance, nestled in Shimmie Horn’s Iroquois Hotel, this tasteful bar brings together modern Manhattan with old fashioned traditions.  Its philosophy is to figure out what techniques were used to make classic drinks survive through the ages and replicate the method.

In addition, the bar seeks to stick with what happened in the late 19th and early 20th centuries – whereby American hotel bars provided the environment for bartenders to develop their craft and offer customers “luxurious libations” not available in standard bars.  Recalling this tradition, Lantern’s Keep uses top quality ingredients to develop unique concoctions prepared in classic style.

And if one is not so knowledgeable on what cocktail to order, all they have to do is choose a spirit and let the bartender surprise them!

Shimmie Horn

Memorial Day in New York City

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US FlagAs our nation returns to its daily routine following Memorial Day weekend, it’s a great time to reflect on all of the gifts we have been given by the armed men and women who have fought on our behalf. All of the vibrant culture that we enjoy in the Big Apple, the wonderful attractions, parks, and landmarks, are all made possible by the sweat and tears of our armed forces. As we head back to the bustle of New York City living, let’s take a moment to salute those heroes that have sacrificed on our behalf.

Next time you’re out touring the city, and your eyes catch a glance of a United States flag, stop for a moment. Think about who made it possible for us to enjoy and take advantage of the treasures around us. We may take it for granted some of the time, but Memorial Day reminds us of these heroes.

Shimmie Horn

Manhattan’s First Commuter Ferry: Water Taxi

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NY-water taxiThis week sees the first commuter ferry travel on the Hudson River to Manhattan.  Far West Side residents will be able to take advantage of this new mode of transport, that, until now, has not been available to the midtowners.  In addition, tourists in the neighborhood – such as those staying at Shimmie Horn’s Iroquois Hotel – can benefit from the New York Water Taxi.  These boats will transport people between the World Financial Center and West 44th Street, every quarter-of-an-hour during morning and evening commutes.

For those who catch the taxi the first week of travel mid-June, no payment is required.  From the second week on  however, a round trip will cost $8 with a discounted rate offered for frequent users.

This is the first Manhattan-to-Manhattan ferry service.

Shimmie Horn

Goodbye Sugar-Soda Ban

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Coca_ColaThe ban that was set to go into effect a couple of weeks ago on large sugary drinks being served in New York restaurants, was overturn, at the eleventh hour.   For anyone living – or vacationing – in New York this is likely to be welcome news.  Even if one does not regularly consume a large soda, to be told they are not allowed to, is somewhat disconcerting.

Last year, the NY City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene decided to ban sugary drinks in containers larger than 16 ounces.  But New York Supreme Court Judge Milton Tingling interceded at the eleventh hour, and ruled that this ban was “capricious” and “arbitrary.”  He added that bans like these were beyond the scope of the Health Department and that it “would not only violate the separate of powers doctrine, it would eviscerate it.”

Shimmie Horn

New Taste of the Upper West Side

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On May 31 and June 1, for those in the upper west side – perhaps vacationing in Shimmie Horn’s Belleclaire Hotel – the Columbus Avenue Business Improvement District is hosting the ‘New Taste of the Upper West Side.’

In its sixth year, this festival is set to benefit the Wellness in the Schools program at the O’Shea School complex and P.S. 87 and the Columbus Avenue Streetscape Project. The goal of the latter is to enhance the avenue between West 76th and West 77th streets.  Approximately 1,500 people attend the event each night which is usually sold out.  Every year those involved in the project try to improve it from the year before.  Tickets are on sale for $105 for Friday night and $135 for Saturday or $250 for Saturday VIP tickets.

Shimmie Horn

Take in a Show

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Broadhurst-TheaterThe west side of New York City is home to much culture, including upscale restaurants, recreational parks, theaters and more.  For those who happen to be vacationing in the area, perhaps at Shimmie Horn’s Washington Jefferson Hotel, Marriott Downtown or Hilton Garden, it is probably worth checking the theater schedule ahead of time.

Previews have already started for the upcoming show ‘The Last Five Years,’ a two-character musical by Jason Robert Brown showing at the Second Stage Theater, West 43rd Street.  Or, Broadhurst Theater at 235 West 44th Street is soon to be home to ‘Lucky Guy,’ set in the mid-80s in NYC with Mike McAlary and Nora Ephron.  Whatever your taste in culture, New York City sure does have something for everyone.

Shimmie Horn

TriBeCa – The Venue for Culture

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soul-foodFor anyone looking for a bit of extra culture, north of TriBeCa (which also is located right by one of Shimmie Horn’s luxurious hotels – the Cosmopolitan – Tribeca), they will find the bohemian West Village.  There, visitors will be treated to an intimate yet buzzing atmosphere.  The area boasts a variety of eateries, stores and nightlife to thrill even the most adventurous seeker, for hours.  More than that, Harlem has quite an impressive history and today offers something a bit different that has lovingly become known as “soul food restaurants.”

Soul food does not actually traditionally hail from New York.  It originates in the Deep South and arrived on the East Coast via waves of economic migration.  It dates back to slavery during the time African-American families were basically taking whatever food they had access to and then made something with it.  It was a bunch of anything no-one else wanted or stuff from the ground they found.  Since at that time pork scraps were left, today one of the traditional “soul food” dishes to be found in Harlem’s soul food restaurants is pork flavors imbuing collard greens.  For sides, candied yams are quite common too.  It’s definitely food with a difference so worth checking out.