The Midtown Manhattan neighbourhood has just the right mix of high-end and casual spots to do brunch at hotels that are a special experience onto themselves.

The Warwick - Midtown

Sleek and sophisticated, The Warwick occupies a very special place among the city's legendary hotels.

There's a great deal of glamour and history attached to this stately hotel. Built by magnate William Randolph Hearst in 1926, the Warwick was considered to be state of the art, for its' time.

In a very romantic gesture, Hearst dedicated his new hotel to the love of his life, actress Marion Davies. Hearst's mistress even lived at the hotel for a time. But Marion wasn't the only celebrity to call the Warwick home. Luminaries such as Elvis Presley, The Beatles and Cary Grant all stayed here, whenever they were in town.

Despite having every modern amenity that you could desire, the Warwick still retains a vintage vibe. It's a very unique ambience that keeps both business and leisure travellers returning again and again.

And, with 426 guest rooms and suites available, there's certain to be an inviting space that suits your fancy.

Apart from the beautiful rooms, breathtaking lobby, dining options and impeccable service, one of the biggest draw here are the Warwick's central location.

The hotel is within walking distance of Times Square, Radio City Music Hall, The Museum of Modern Art and the high-end stores and boutiques that line Fifth Avenue, making it a shopper's paradise.

Whenever you are in need of some really good food or liquid sustenance, the Warwick has two excellent options.

Murals on 54 are where New York does breakfast. Those words are so much more than merely a marketing tagline.

A truly elegant setting, Murals on 54features red banquette seating, white table clothes, polished silverware, decorative lampshades and warm wood tones throughout.

But, the undoubted centrepiece is a wall that is decorated with some striking murals. Created by Dean Cornwell, a famous early twentieth-century illustrator and muralist, these murals depict a series of historical scenes from the very early days of Manhattan Island.

No matter how delicious your breakfast is, (and it WILL be outstanding), you won't be able to stop looking at these colourful,life-like murals.

Starters range from Greek yoghurt with granola and steel-cut Irish oatmeal that will warm your tummy to smoked salmon and cream cheese on a bagel.

All breakfast entrees, egg scrambles and omelettes are served with breakfast potatoes, a grilled tomato and toast, buttered up or not, just the way you like it.

The Mural Scramble blends luscious avocado and juicy tomatoes with a generous helping of Monterey Jack cheese, giving things a spicy kick.

 

 

They also do a great egg white Frittata with mushrooms, tomatoes and spinach. You can also order a plate of Belgian Waffles, which is a treat that you don't see on too many breakfast or brunch menus any more.

Murals on 54's standout signature dish, though, is the healthy whole grain pancakes, topped with toasted almonds, sliced apples and grilled pineapple.

The place to see and be seen is Randolph's Bar and Lounge. The last word in style and gentility, Randolph's is named after the Warwick's billionaire founder. Hearst, in fact, must have entertained his high society pals many a time, in this very room.

With the captivating allure of a past era, Randolph's Bar and Lounge has been specifically designed to capture all the comforts of a very glossy, but cosy, living room.

Brunch is served weekends only, from 12 until 3 PM. Even if you've had a particularly hectic week and you want to sleep in, brunch at The Warwick is well worth getting up out of bed for.

You'll be wide awake after a cup of their delicious and strong coffee as well as a plate of the scrumptious Brioche French Toast. Beautifully presented, the French Toast is accompanied by poached strawberries and bourbon Bananas Foster.

Pro tip; if you order any of the scrumptious brunch entrees, like the adult grilled cheese and tomato basil soup, be sure to get a side of the Truffle Home Fried Potatoes. These spuds are tossed with Gremolata and they're something special, for sure.

One of the best things on the menu is the Randolph's Club Sandwich. Served on multi-grain bread, this filling sandwich consists of fresh-sliced roasted turkey, Applewood smoked bacon, a boiled egg, avocado and crisp lettuce and tomato.

Flatbread selections include grilled ham with pineapple and The Margherita, which is topped with tomatoes, mozzarella cheese and basil.

The Warwick is one hotel that gets the attention of even seasoned travellers who have seen and done it all. There's just nothing like it. In so many interesting ways, The Warwick IS New York.

Location and Contact Information

65 West 54th Street
New York NY 10019
(212) 247-2700
www.warwickhotels.com

Lotte New York Palace-Midtown

At Lotte New York Palace, the guest experience team, from the doorman and bellhops to the housemaids work hard to earn your trust and loyalty each and every day.

The hotel's multi-lingual and always personable and professional Les Clefs d'Or concierge team are your personal connection to a fabulous world of amenities. Think of these ladies and gentlemen as your very own personal assistants for the length of your stay. There is
no task that's too formidable for this " all-in" concierge team. Your wish is their command.
Hey, this premium service is even better than Aladdin's magic lamp and his all-powerful genie.

The Lotte is truly a palace in every sense of the word. Housed inside of an iconic mansion that was built in 1882 by financier Henry Villard, the hotel still retains many of the
original design elements that were put in place by the architectural firm of McKim, Mead and White.

Villard House was a collection of six magnificent neo-Italian Renaissance townhouses centred around a majestic courtyard. These gorgeous edifices make up the enthralling foundation that is the Lotte New York Palace.

A storybook setting, The Lotte is that rare place where old-world elegance and manners meet modern day style and live happily-ever-after.
Gilded walls, an unforgettable lobby adorned with works of art and sparkling chandeliers transport hotel guests and visitors to the glamorous world that Henry Villard lived in, during the late nineteenth century.

They call The Lotte, New York's prestige stay for a very good reason.

A sublime retreat. the guest rooms and suites offer unparalleled comfort with the latest amenities.
Every room has a luxurious marble bathroom as well as a living space that is designed with eye-pleasing, relaxing colours, vibrant furnishings and plenty of natural sunlight. This is what living in the lap of luxury is all about.

Upgrade your stay by booking one of the incredible Cathedral View Rooms, with large windows that give you a bird's-eye view of Saint Patrick's Cathedral and Rockefeller Center, in all their glory.

A hotel within a hotel, The Towers Rooms and Suites offer guests a one of a kind stay in the sky. Situated on the top 14 floors of the Lotte, these opulent spaces have their very own separate check-in and concierge team.

The Tower Suites encompass 1,075 square feet which include custom furnishings, a comfy, spacious King bed, a deep-soaking tub and a glass shower plus bed-side touchscreen technology.

All rooms come with signature toiletries, plush bathrobes and slippers.

The room service menu features a selection of light, healthy fare that was developed by the hotel's culinary staff in conjunction with Cooking Light Magazine.

However, during the course of your stay, you really should find the time to dine, at least once, in the spectacular Villard Room. 

The Villard is the type of restaurant that one usually reserves for special occasions such as anniversaries and birthdays. Yes, it's that nice. And, the best thing about The Villard is that the food definitely lives up to the superb atmosphere.

It doesn't matter whether you're staying at the hotel or not. Reserve a table for brunch and you won't be sorry. Better yet, make the Lotte Palace your staycation destination when you and your love need a weekend getaway from life!

Choose from either an American or Continental breakfast with all the trimmings.

Your American style feast consists of two eggs any style, bacon or sausage, roasted, seasoned potatoes, toast, juice and coffee or tea.

You can go European as they do on the continent. This option may be a bit less hearty but it is just as tasty with offerings like a butter croissant, pan au chocolat, cinnamon rolls, a cheese danish, freshly squeezed juice, plus coffee or tea.

A couple of other noteworthy brunch plates are country shrimp and grits with red pepper tomato jam and lemon Mascarpone pancakes that come with dulce de leche butter, berries and warm Bourbon spiked maple syrup.

If you like, order a few small plates that you can share with your friends at brunch. The banana and bacon Beignets come with an addicting caramel-rum sauce. You will also relish the Villard's signature farm House Popovers, made with Gruyere cheese, creme fraiche, sauteed onions and pancetta.

Now, as we all know, the perfect New York brunch is never complete without a tasty cocktail to go with it.

The bartenders here are guaranteed to make you happy and keep the drinks coming in a timely manner.

 

 

The brunch cocktail list has six wonderfully refreshing selections including the super-smoothHoney Lavender Gimlet with Nolet gin and a splash of lime juice.

A genuine mood-changer is the Pineapple Pulley. This drink's mix of Patron Reposado tequila, fresh pineapple and lime juice with a garnish of mint leaves will bring plenty of sunshine to your day.

There is also a Bloody Mary Bar replete with several variations of the drink that makes or breaks brunch for so many New Yorkers!

Going classic is always a good idea, especially at the Villard's bar. The bar keeps making their Bloody Mary with just the right amount of spice without overdoing it.

But, if you want to test your mettle, then, by all means, order the Wild West. The ingredients, though,( Ketel One Vodka, mezcal, tomato juice, Worcestershire sauce, black pepper, horseradish, salsa, lemon juice, bell peppers and jalapenos), demand that you have a side of ice water on hand to put out the fire.

The Lotte New York Palace is your antidote to the hamster wheel of life that can overtake even the best of us here in NYC. Feel special and come alive at the Lotte!

Location and Contact Information

455 Madison Avenue
New York, NY 10022
(212) 891-8100
www.lottenypalace.com

The Grand Hyatt New York-Midtown

Elevate your stay from good to absolutely grand at the HyattNew York. The Hyatt chain may be one of the biggest names in the business, but that doesn't mean that they don't know what it takes to create a one of a kind boutique hotel experience.

There's no cookie-cutter ambience going on here. All boutique hotels draw their strength from giving their guests a highly individual experience. The Grand Hyatt New York excels at making everyone who walks into the lobby feel pampered and appreciated.

Even though everything about the Grand Hyatt is thoroughly contemporary and pristine. there's a more than a little history looming in the background, as well.

Originally named The Commodore, the hotel opened on January 28th,1919.

A rousing success from the get-go, The Commodore managed to change with the times, always adding new guests to their existing customer base. but, nothing lasts forever and, in the 1970's, the hotel fell victim to the declining economy and overall malaise that had overtaken the city.

Things took an upturn, however, with the onset of the eighties when a young real estate developer by the name of Donald Trump purchased an interest in the hotel.

The Commodore was Trump's first major construction project and he did not disappoint. The outer facade received a much-needed facelift and the lobby and rooms, which had become rather dated, were completely modernized.

But some things, thankfully, never change.No matter what era you happen to live in, convenience is of paramount importance to both the business or leisure traveller.

Generations of guests have valued the fact that this beautiful hotel is not only close to, but adjoins Grand Central Station. If you have an important meeting to go to, skip the Uber or the effort of hailing a taxi and do as savvy New Yorkers do; take the subway,

The advantages of staying in such a prime location are almost endless, not the least of which is access to numerous subways, Bryant Park and some of the city's best dining and shopping. You are right on the city's fabled 42nd street. It doesn't get more iconic than that.

Recharge those batteries inside one of the Hyatt's spacious rooms or suites.

Standard rooms (which are anything but), have close to 300 square feet of space as well as touch panel lighting, a flat screen HDTV, a workstation and complimentary Wi-Fi.

Booking a suite grants you access to perks such as becoming a member of The Grand Club. Membership benefits include daily breakfast, evening hors d'ouevres, access to the hotel's seasonal outdoor patio and the inviting 16th-floor executive lounge.

A great spot to enjoy delectable cocktails, spirits or a glass of wine is The Lounge. Completely glassed-in and suspended high above 42nd street, the hip and sexy Lounge has grey and white leather chairs and an illuminated bar.

The Lounge is catching on as THE place for the neighbourhood's office workers to mix and mingle, making the most out of their downtime.

When you are on the prowl for a delicious meal, there is no place better than the New York Central Restaurant.

The chefs at The Hyatt have outdone themselves in creating a menu that focuses on locally sourced ingredients and dishes that are made with panache and flair.

Daron Lee, the chef de cuisine at New York Central Restaurant is particularly proud of his brunch offerings which combine AM comfort classics with a few unexpected surprises.

When Hyatt regulars come into the city and wish to treat a client or colleague to brunch they recommend chef Lee's open face Burrata skillet. A melange of flavours with fresh, creamy Burrata, Pomodoro sauce, chives, crispy capers and a poached egg, this is one dish that's sure to satisfy.

If you have had one too many Benedicts at brunch during the course of your lifetime and are so over this dish, then you might want to try chef's Lobster Newburg Benedict. Accompanied by garden greens, this delightfully different Benedict consists of chunks of fresh lobster meat, poached eggs, an English muffin and a superb Sherry Hollandaise sauce.

The NYC Brunch Burger is one of the better burgers that you'll find anywhere. Made with six marvellous ounces of prime, grass-fed Strauss beef, your patty is decorated with Raclette cheese, a fried egg, caramelized shallots, lettuce and tomato. The ketchup here doesn't come out of a mass-produced bottle, either. You can top your burger with made from scratch ginger ketchup. The flavour is unbelievable.

You can get chicken and waffles on just about any brunch menu in any city in the country. Nothing special about that. Unless, of course, you're enjoying your juicy chicken and light as air waffles together with chef Lee's apple mustard chutney and sriracha ranch sauce. That hint of heat makes this dish so worthwhile.

Weekend brunch cocktails are priced at a more than reasonable twelve dollars.

The signature libation at The Grand Hyatt is the Grand Mimosa which blends sparkling rose' with blood orange and Grand Marnier.

Uber-refreshing is the Whiskey lemonade, made with barrel-aged bourbon whiskey that's been infused with fresh lemon juice and honey syrup.

One of their most popular cocktails is the bacon and Bleu Mary. This cocktail is a traditional Bloody Mary that is garnished with blue cheese stuffed olives and a slice of cured bacon. Doesn't get much better than that, does it?

Location and Contact Information

109 East 42nd Street
New York, NY q0017
(212) 883-1234
www.newyork.grandhyatt.com

1 Hotel Central Park-Midtown

At 1 Hotel Central Park you will be close to nature everywhere you venture; in the lobby, throughout every guest room as well as inside the exquisite dining and event spaces.

A rustic-themed hotel, in terms of ambience and decor, it is only fitting that 1 Hotel is located just steps from the lush greenery of Central Park, which has served as the "backyard" for generations of New Yorkers.

At 1 Hotel you can put all of your cares aside and relax in comfort, surrounded by living green plants and thoughtful touches of nature. No matter how stressful your flight was, your mood will improve exponentially once you enter the lobby and feel the green vibe. 

Many of the walls within the hotel are decorated with hanging potted plants and vines. It's not just a visual treat. You can even smell the freshness. it's almost as if you were in a forest, somewhere up in the Hudson Valley. You'll say to yourself, "This can't be midtown Manhattan!"

The hotel's designers worked overtime with local building material designers and contractors to achieve just the effect they wanted. It had to be perfect.

Reusingbarn wood and antique bricks brought in from upstate, the design team also utilized wood from old water towers for wall panelling. Scouring country flea markets, the team also re-purposed discarded vintage lamps, bookcases, tables and chairs, giving these materials a new lease on life.

The hotel's second floor is home to Gather, a serene and welcoming social space that consists of a lounge area and long communal table. Here, amidst plants and millwork decor, guests can connect with each other, read a newspaper or magazine or simply sit back, chill and enjoy coffee or tea.

You can also get a little work done at The Hive, which is 1 Hotel's business centre. Fully loaded with e-kiosks,iPads and printers, The Hive is also home to five beautifully appointed conference and meeting rooms.

Just because you are on vacation or in town on business, that doesn't mean you have to skip your daily workout. Not when the Field House Fitness Center is available 24/7!

1 Hotel's fitness centre is better equipped than many small neighbourhood gyms. You'll find everything you need here to get your blood pumping, including Watt Bikes, Rowers and Kettlebells.
The cardio machines overlook the 58th street, so you can get in some people watching while you work out.

If yoga is your thing, you can stretch out on a yoga mat that is positioned on a wood floor that has been reclaimed from a neighbourhood public school's gymnasium.

The concierge team can, if requested, send a yoga mat up to your room, should you prefer to meditate or practice yoga in private.

Speaking of the rooms, they exceed all expectations. You will, in fact, have to tear yourself away from them when it's time to head out to that client meeting or do the tourist thing.

The Alcove brings the beauty of nature and the feel of Central Park right to you. The spacious room contains a live-edge wood desk, plants and a reclaimed barn wood ceiling.

Your comfy Queen-size bed has been made with all natural materials including a custom organic cotton mattress by Keetsa and 100% organic cotton sheets. Even the bed frame is composed of reclaimed white oak. As you can see, exquisite care has been taken, down to the very last detail.

So, you've had yourself a busy week zipping to and fro all around the city. On Saturday, you've vowed to take things easy and find a great place for brunch. Well, you won't have to wander far.

Jams, which is located inside 1 Hotel, is reputed to have the best brunch in town. One thing is for certain, though. Jams are the only restaurant where you can enjoy brunch dishes from the kitchen of noted celebrity chef Jonathan Waxman, the James Beard Foundation's 2017 Best Chef in New York honoree'.

The motto at Jams is "Eat farm fresh, done fresh." This is the ultimate farm to fork brunch experience.

Jam's mouth-watering menu is always changing to reflect the latest bounties and harvests available at local farms.

Commence the proceedings in a healthy but flavorful way with a parfait of Narragansett Creamery yoghurt topped with fresh berries and maple-roasted granola.

Feeling a bit egocentric? The menu has a multitude of delicious egg dishes that will satisfy those cravings. Chef Waxman's signature omelette is comprised of locally smoked ham, Cabot Clothbound Cheddar and ramps with a side of greens.

The wood-oven baked eggs are also quite popular. Savoury and sure to please, this dish is made with asparagus, roasted wild mushrooms and an array of fresh herbs. They give you a nice slice of sourdough bread for dipping.

 

 

The Griddled Berkshire Pork Terrine Benedict gives you a perfectly fried egg, spring onions and succulent slices of pork topped with the chef's special hot sauce Hollandaise.

Honey butter just seems to make everything taste better, whether it's spread on waffles or flapjacks. At jams, however, honey butter makes a welcome appearance on the fluffy biscuits that are served with Southern Fried Chicken.

On a sweeter note, you might wish to try the divine buttermilk pancakes with fresh from the farm maple syrup and dark Vahlroma chocolate bits.

The brunch cocktails at Jams focus on premium spirits, herbs and fresh-squeezed fruit juices.
A great example of the care that goes into their cocktail menu is the Rosemary Collins, made with London dry gin, Rosemary, lemon juice and a splash of soda.

Pear juice lays the foundation for a great sip in Who's The Bosc. Other ingredients are Ketel One Vodka, Saint Germain, lemon juice and cinnamon.
The Greenhouse consists of Greenhook Gin, kale, cucumber juice, celery juice and bee pollen.

Brunch is served only on weekends, between the hours of 10 AM and 2:45 PM. Please don't wait until the last minute. Avoid the lines and make your reservations early.

Location and Contact Information

1414 Sixth Avenue
New York, NY 10019
(212) 703-2001
www.1hotels.com

The Luma Hotel-Midtown

A beacon of next-generation hospitality, The Luma Hotel is centrally located between the bright neon lights of Times Square and one of the city's most beloved green spots, Bryant Park. You can go anywhere from here. you are at the centre of the action!

The Luma experience radiates eclectic energy, a sense of style and sophistication together with the independent spirit that has come to define New York City.

When it's time to check out possible hotels for your next trip, you'll find that the word premium pops up constantly.
It seems as though every amenity being offered is the very best that you can find anywhere. Sometimes, that may well be the case. But, all too often, the promises that are made are just a lot of hyperbole.

But, here at The Luma, promises made are promises kept. From the crazy fast, complimentary WiFi, courteous and efficient house-keeping services and valet parking to the Nespresso coffee experience in each of their beautifully decorated rooms, you will want for nothing.
Free tea and coffee have become the standard at most boutique hotels. But, how many of them offer a complimentary glass of Sangria in their lobby, every afternoon? We can only think of one; The Luma!

Luma's list of amazing amenities surpasses that which you will find at even the most exclusive boutique hotels.

All guest rooms have a fully stocked mini-bar with unique snack and beverage offerings that are exclusive to Luma. 

You'll definitely sleep tight on their deluxe ultra-comfy pillow-top platform beds that are covered in luxury Italian Frette linens. Select guestrooms offer L-shaped sofa beds that maximize space for daytime lounging. This is the perfect option for families that are travelling with kids in tow.

For those guests who are seeking to balance their busy day with an unforgettable wellness or beauty experience, Luma's Glow Concierge has got you covered.

Feel and look your very best by taking advantage of a menu of bookable experiences, all seamlessly handled by the hotel's get your glow-on team.

The hotel's glam squad will provide in-room beauty services that send a professional hair stylist and make-up artist straight to you.

Luma also offers their signature "gym in a bag" which has everything you need for a full body workout. This power-packed kit will be delivered to your room within minutes of your calling the front desk.

The Glow Concierge will be happy to provide you with access to Blink Fitness, one of New York's leading gyms, which is located close to the hotel.

Looking for a yoga, Tai Chi or Boot Camp class?

Luma has partnered up with the Bryant Park Fit Club, which offers free classes, some starting as early as 6:30 in the morning. So, you won't have any problem at all getting in a nice workout before you head out to see the sights.

Of course, you will enjoy interacting with Luma's staff. Everyone is so warm and friendly, you will be on a first name basis with the doorman and housekeepers in no time at all.

The one member of the "staff" though, who can always be counted on to make an indelible impression on guests is Alina.

The very latest in technological innovation, Alina is the hotel's robot butler. 

Alina is the ancient Greek word for light. She roams the hallways ready to fulfil the wishes of the hotel's guests. Of course, you may be somewhat startled when you first encounter Alina but don't worry, she is just as welcoming and professional as are her human counterparts.

Luma is one of the very few hotels in the city that utilizes robot butlers to help increase productivity for both staff and guests.

Luma also just happens to have one of the best in-house dining experiences in the hospitality industry.

Iron Chef Jose Garces helms the kitchen at Ortzi, which is located just off of the hotel's lobby.
The decor is inspired by Basque mythology. Symbols of ancient Basque culture adorn the restaurant's walls. The atmosphere is intimate and cosy with a hint of intrigue and mystery. It's the kind of restaurant that Indiana Jones would feel comfortable eating in.

Every Summer, chef Garces presents his much-anticipated signature Summer Paella for two.

A traditional feast that is well suited for date night, Pulpo Entero Paella is comprised of a whole roasted octopus, Bomba rice and black garlic aioli together with a luscious heirloom tomato salad. It goes well with the bar's blueberry mint rose' sangria.

Brunch at Ortzi is always considered to be a very special treat. Really, there's no other brunch menu in town that can compete with the Spanish-style brunch dishes that flow easily out of chef Garces' marvellous kitchen. There's magic in the air here.

The house Benedicto is made with chorizo, Swiss chard, a poached egg and Espelette Hollandaise sauce. Instead of the usual boring French or home fries, your side is a delectable and savoury potato hash.

Chef Garces' take on smoked salmon on a bagel makes a white fish salad the star of the show, along with capers and slices of red onion. His Bocadillo egg sandwich is layered with Manchego cheese and bacon atop brioche bread.

As you can see, there is nothing boring about this brunch menu.

Pancakes here are perfectly fluffy and are topped with stone fruit, Canela whipped cream and not the usual maple, but sangria syrup. Now that's a different kind of taste!

The French Toast also has a personality all its' own with a topping of Sidra glazed apples and imported Marcona almonds.

There is also a great deal more to their brunch cocktail menu than sangria, as delicious as this beverage may be.

Mimosas are made with a refreshing blend of sparkling wine and orange juice.

One of the most popular brunch drinks here, though, is the Getariako, which serves two. Poured out of a traditional, rusticPorron, this cocktail is a blend of Uriondo Txakolina liquor and grapefruit juice.

It's no wonder that Ortzi has become destination dining for both visitors to the city and local residents and corporate movers and shakers.

Location and Contact Information

120 West 41st Street
New York, NY10036
(212) 730-0099
www.lumahotels.com