Is a week-long Valentine’s getaway slightly out of your budget? Try a sleepover party (for two) at one of the Big Apple’s sexiest hotels.
Hudson Hotel
356 W 58th St, 212-554-6000
hudsonhotel.com
The Hudson Hotel recalls a seaside lodge with slick, modern touches. New Design master Philippe Starck helmed the Hudson’s handsome, innovative interior: dark African wood walls, nautical chairs, stainless steel and leather furniture pieces fixed with brass, and an Old World-style library complete with an antique billiards table. Most rooms overlook the Private Park, a space of rustic quiet with high trees and ivy-covered brick walls. Outgoing couples can spend an evening in the renowned Hudson Bar, where a glass floor is lit from below, bathing everything in color. Visit the ultramodern Hudson Cafeteria beforehand for dinner, where the goat cheese ravioli and king salmon please. The Valentine’s Day Package, from $299, includes a buffet breakfast, a bottle of chilled champagne and a surprise from upscale boutique Henri Bendel.
Marriott Marquis
1535 Broadway, 212-398-1900
marriott.com
Times Square has its own busy, neon romance, and couples may find it perfect for an active Valentine’s Day of Broadway shows and big restaurants. The Marriott Marquis is ideally located on Broadway near television studios and Carnegie Hall. Rooms on top floors yield gorgeous city views, and each suite offers marble bathrooms and down comforters. The Concierge service will help navigate the many nearby dining and entertainment options, and the Marquis’ Romance package for two includes champagne, truffles and dinner. Romance Packages range from $419 to $759.
On The Ave
2178 Broadway, 800-509-7598
ontheave-nyc.com
Few views are more awe-inspiring than those of sprawling, sky-scraping Manhattan. On The Ave, an upscale boutique hotel on the quiet Upper West Side, offers unparalleled panoramic views of the city from its 16th-floor balcony open to all guests. For a more of a splurge—to, say, propose, or simply distance yourselves from the chaos of the metropolis—couples can get rooms with panoramic views, or a penthouse with a private terrace. From Standard to Penthouse, though, each room comes with thoughtful amenities, including: Godiva coffee, plush bath robes, Egyptian cotton sheets, and flatscreen HD televisions. Rates start at $190; Penthouse Suites start at $550. The Winter Special, good until March 31, 2008, offers three nights at 15% off.
Night Hotel
132 W 45th St, 212-835-9600
nighthotelny.com
Couples craving a dramatically private Valentine’s Day rendezvous will certainly be pleased with the “Modern Gothic” Night Hotel. Here, all colors of the spectrum are banned save for black and white. Night offers 24-hour room service, and velvet curtains ensure concealment for whatever your romantic night will entail. Bose audio systems include iPod hookup in every room, along with plasma TVs, luxurious Frette linens and ultra-soft duvets. If the dark setting ultimately makes you long for a touch of domestic innocence, your dog or cat can accompany you for an extra $50. Rates range from $275 to $525. In-room champagne service available.
W Union Square
541 Lexington Ave, 212-253-9229
starwoodhotels.com/whotels
At the edge of Union Square, where all kinds of protests, farmer’s markets and social gatherings take place year-round, the W Hotel is a classic choice. The rooms pamper and soften with plush velvet armchairs, signature pillowtop mattresses and terry bathrobes. Taste buds are equally indulged by the renowned Olives restaurant, helmed by executive chef Todd English, who uses wood-fired ovens in an open kitchen, warming you with gourmet flatbreads, local fish, veggie and meat dishes. Later, dress formally for the Underbar, a low-lit, subterranean lounge beneath the hotel. Rates start at $429. The Valentine’s Day “Feel the Wuv” Romance Package includes champagne and chocolate, call 877-822-0000; rates vary.
SoHo Grand
310 W Broadway, 212-965-3000
sohogrand.com
To share a hip space with celebrities and other well-heeled travelers, SoHo Grand is a sure destination. Eight-foot windows bathe each room in natural light, while modern offerings like Bose Sound Docks, Egyptian linens and gourmet mini-bars round out your amenities. The hotel is a special boon for couples who can’t bear to leave pets at home; dog beds, pet snacks and doggie daycare ensure your canine’s comfort as well as your own. And if you don’t have a pet, the staff will supply you with a complimentary goldfish upon request. Rates start at $381. A romantic weekend package includes champagne and rose petal turn-down service.
Dream Hotel
210 W 55th St, 800-323-7500
dreamny.com
Dream is an ethereal Midtown getaway, led by the same innovators who created the nocturnal Night hotel. By contrast, Dream’s blue and white motif offers a calming effect, while amenities like complimentary shoeshines, unbelievably soft bathrobes and spa services assure a worry-free stay. With the famously delicious restaurants Serafina and Amalia located on the premises, lovers of Italian and Mediterranean cuisine will feel doubly fulfilled. Rates start at $389. Champagne bottle service and spa packages are available for couples; rates vary. Pets are welcome.
Hotel On Rivington
107 Rivington St, 212-475-2600
hotelonrivington.com
Manhattan’s Lower East Side boasts a history of art and grit, and Hotel on Rivington—with its 360-degree views and walls of windows—gives a full look of a richly changing neighborhood within its luxurious confines. A complimentary breakfast is available to all guests, along with wireless Internet access and heated floors in the bathrooms, while some rooms go so far as to offer Japanese soaking tubs, steam baths and balconies. A private lobby assures a confidential stay, and in-house spa services will leave you and your partner relaxed and happy. The Hotel on Rivington restaurant, Thor, boasts a huge atrium, where you can dine together on rib-sticking, homey German dumplings in real sunlight. Rates start at $375.
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