Why This Guide Is Long Overdue
I’ve been meaning to do a New York City series on the blog for at least a few years, but just never got around to it. It’s silly, because I’ve been working on New York editorial for almost six years now. I can give NYC recommendations almost as easily as I can give Vegas suggestions. I don’t get lost because I’ve all but memorized the map. I can even keep pace with the local rush hour. This series is overdue. Maybe I haven’t written this guide yet because I’m tired of writing about New York, but I really do love the city and almost everything about it. So here we go!
The Ultimate NYC Bucket List
My last visit was probably my favorite because it was the first visit in years that I didn’t have to make alone! One of my good friends had NEVER been to New York, and since I was due for a content and research trip, I decided to plan the ultimate NYC bucket-list getaway.
There are a few must-do experiences I highly recommend to first-time visitors: A rooftop bar, an observation deck, a trip out on the water, an outdoor green space, a kick ass Broadway show, and a hotel in Midtown Manhattan. I’ll tell you more about everything else later, but for now, I want to talk about our hotel.
Where We Stayed in Midtown Manhattan
Why Midtown Manhattan Works for First-Timers
While Midtown isn’t always the best place for some visitors, it’s close to everything you’ll want to see on your first visit. My friend comes from another large city, so I knew she would be comfortable staying in this area. I actually always stay in Midtown when I visit, since most of my research and content takes me to parts around Manhattan. It’s also surrounded by subway stations, bus stops, and easy transit.
The Fifty Sonesta: Penthouse Luxury
We were so fortunate on this trip because my friends at Misfit Toys Communications hooked us up with the most amazing room I’ve ever stayed in, possibly anywhere. Since I was covering the hotel for multiple editorial features, we were upgraded to a full penthouse suite with a wraparound balcony at The Fifty Sonesta.
I cannot thank the hotel staff and the Misfit Toys team enough for this phenomenal experience—the room was flooded with light and had multiple outdoor sitting areas, a full living room, a patio entry from our bedroom, a kitchenette, and every amenity we could have wanted or needed. A mini fridge (not to be confused with a mini bar) in a New York hotel is rare, so we were thrilled to have somewhere to store our plentiful pastries and leftovers. We were also greeted with a charcuterie board, bottled water, and a bottle of bubbly to welcome us to the most epic Manhattan stay ever.
Room Comforts & Balcony Views
The room at The Fifty Sonesta was super comfortable—the bed was the perfect place to relax and unwind after a long day exploring (and we had very long days cramming as much as possible into a three-day, two-night stay). The bathroom was perfectly equipped with a fantastic shower since there was a bit of a heat wave during the day (it was in the 80s in mid-April). Both mornings, I woke up to my friend soaking in the view and the street atmosphere from our balcony.
Now about that balcony—this space was a stunner. The patio wrapped from the kitchen all the way to our bedroom. The space was equipped with an outdoor couch, a table with seating for four, and a smaller table right outside the bedroom entrance that was perfect for a quick morning coffee and vibe check. I know the NYC street noise can be a bit much for a lot of travelers, but to me, it’s part of the city’s charm.
I truly cannot think of a better place for my friend to enjoy her first NYC visit, and I already told her I can’t top this stay!
