The Big Apple – and some little surprises

Iconic skyscrapers. A melting pot of cultures, sights and sounds. Brownstone blocks where life spills out onto the stoops. We all know about NYC. But there’s a whole world to discover beyond Manhattan, including everything from whale watching to wine tasting. Take your very own road trip, and stay in a luxury hotel in New York at every stop.

We could tell you about the views from the Empire State, the shops on Fifth Avenue, the vastness of the Met. But you’ve been there, done that. So this itinerary takes a different look at New York, both city and state.

Get your bearings in Lower Manhattan by walking the High Line, a converted railway line that’s part garden, part boardwalk. Take a bus up the spine of Manhattan to the Cloisters, an art museum in a French monastery. Travel by cable car to Roosevelt Island, a haven of tranquillity under the Queensboro Bridge. Visit the Children’s Center at the Public Library and meet the original Winnie-the-Pooh, plus his friends Tigger, Eeyore and Piglet.

If you truly want to go off the tourist map, a train from Penn Station takes you to Long Island, where you can head out to the deep Atlantic by boat for some whale watching. And if you’re feeling like taking a dip yourself, head to the Hamptons for glorious Gatsby-era beaches and some of the best surfing spots on Long Island.

Want to stay at the core of the Big Apple? A 45-minute taxi ride from JFK will deliver you to Midtown’s Westhouse Hotel. The decor is inspired by 1920s New York – there’s even a speakeasy downstairs. Or if you’re in NY for its trendsetting style, why not stay among it too? Refinery Hotel New York sits at the centre of Manhattan in one of the city’s most creative districts, famed for its association with fashion. The chic décor and artistic ambiance throughout this hotel reflects the building’s rich history as the former Colony Arcade Building that once housed a 19th century milliner and a tearoom.

If you’re looking to escape the bustle of the big city, Topping Rose House is the ideal island refuge. A renovated 19th-century mansion near Long Island’s eastern shore, it blends stylish heritage with cool, contemporary comforts. Suggested stay 4 nights.

Ever wondered where New Yorkers go to burn off all that energy? The Adirondacks are the state’s very own adventure playground. There’s lots of skiing on the cards here in the winter, and in the warmer months it’s the perfect place to hire a mountain bike and explore the trails.

There are 46 peaks in the Adirondacks – climb all of them and you’ll become an honorary ‘Adirondack 46er’. However you choose to explore, Lake Placid is the perfect base for your stay. If you’re here in the summer, head to the beach on Mirror Lake for some serious R&R. There are lots of spas and fine restaurants to keep you properly pampered while you’re here.

Is all that outdoor air making you thirsty? New York State’s climate and soil are perfect for vineyards, and the wineries around Lake Placid are gaining a reputation for their sparkling and Riesling wines. There are plenty of organised tours and tastings available.

You’re here for the landscape – so make sure you soak up the sights. Mirror Lake Inn Resort & Spa‘s beautiful lakeside setting puts you at the heart of some breath-taking scenery. There’s a choice of eateries, including an award-winning restaurant. But if you just can’t tear yourself away from that view, how about a picnic breakfast on Mirror Lake itself? Suggested stay 4 nights.

Making your way back to Manhattan, there’s time for one more stop. Saratoga Springs is named after its mineral waters, and you can take the plunge at Roosevelt Baths & Spa. You might want to dive into a good book too – Saratoga has played host to many famous writers, including Truman Capote and Sylvia Plath. Speaking of writing, ask the staff at The Adelphi Hotel to point you in the direction of Tin & Lint – the bar where Don MacLean wrote the lyrics to American Pie. Have a whisky and rye in his booth. Suggested stay 1 night.

Spend a day at the races: If you’re visiting Saratoga during the summer months, you’ll witness the town swell to twice its size as New Yorkers come to watch the races. Don’t worry if you miss the excitement, the National Museum of Racing is well worth a visit, and not too far away from The Adelphi. 

Make a last stop in NYC before you head home and stay in a very special addition to SLH, HGU New York. This boutique hotel embraces the past, but looks firmly to the future. From the jazz nights and classic glamour to the state-of-the-art spa treatments and lobby turned art gallery, HGU is a vibrant clash of old and new in the NoMad district of Manhattan. The perfect stop for a relaxing indulgence before heading home. Suggested stay 1 night.

If you’re going to drive while you’re here, hire something with a bigger engine. What might be fine for city driving won’t cut the mustard when it comes to those big freeway distances. And remember – in the States, drivers can overtake on the inside lane too, so keep an eye on both wing mirrors.

To book the hotels on this independent itinerary, get in touch with our Voice Reservation Team on 0800 0482 314 (UK) & 1-877-234-7033 (US). You can find a full list of our dedicated toll-free numbers here. We’re ready and waiting to plan luxury adventures 24 hours a day, seven days a week. So whenever inspiration strikes, just get in touch.