When I go to New York City (which happens a lot, I am almost a New Yorker in my own mind), I am less worried about where I stay and more worried about what I do. The City is your backyard, and being inside feels like a crime against the privilege of being in such an incredible place. That, though, is a sentiment that can fade fast if you overdo it. Getting overwhelmed by the hustle and bustle. Being overfull from the incredible amounts of food. Most of these things happen daily, and if you are not staying at a great place, it can kill the experience. If you are someone who loves unique extravagance, there is a hotel for you. One that was built with you in mind. The Crowne Plaza HY36 Midtown Manhattan is not just a place to lay your head. It is a work of art in the middle of the city.
At its core, what sets our property apart is our ability to reflect the spirit of New York City itself. We adapt, we celebrate, and we always aim to make every guest feel like they belong no matter what brings them to the city. – John Beck, General Manager
The definition of first impression
When I first looked for the hotel, I was looking for a basic, run-of-the-mill building like every other hotel in NYC. That was until I got my first look at it. The entire front of the hotel looked like Superman’s Fortress of Solitude (nerd alert). No, it isn’t ice; it is an 80-foot-tall glass facade that shimmers in the sunlight. While I thought that was an interesting way to grab attention, I figured it would be all downhill from there. How could you top that? The answer? A collection of chandeliers, 60 feet tall. That had to be it for the first impression, right? Well, it was until I stepped back out of the building at night and saw the chandeliers glowing through the glass facade. A true work of art in the center of Midtown.
“The 80-foot-tall glass atrium was inspired by our desire to transport guests into a completely modern environment the moment they step in from the streets of Midtown Manhattan. Many guests have affectionately described it as walking into an art gallery. The space is anchored by our 60-foot custom chandeliers, which are true showstoppers both inside the building and from the street at night. Passersby can see the dramatic illumination, and guests dining in our restaurant often find themselves pausing just to look up and take in the scale of the space. We intentionally wanted to avoid being a cookie-cutter Midtown hotel with defined walls and low ceilings. Our goal was to create something bold that very few properties could replicate. The height of the atrium, combined with the custom chandeliers, creates an open, natural, and awe-inspiring environment. It also allows for interior-facing windows from our meeting spaces that overlook the atrium, giving those venues a sense of connection and energy that’s uncommon in traditional hotel design.”
The definition of a good burger
I have been spending a fair amount of time in New York City. And it can be overwhelming trying to find what you like. There are so many options. But then I realized something about the city: It isn’t a big city. It is a ton of small neighborhoods with no distance between them. Locals find the neighborhood of the city they love, and they create a small pod for themselves. For me, I haven’t found my pod yet, so I am experiencing the city through food. Monday is burgers, Tuesday is tacos (obviously), Wednesday is Chinese, Thursday is Italian, Friday is Mexican, Saturday is hole in the wall or reservation day, Sunday is diner day. Oh, and if you’re asking where the pizza is…it is always lunch. And bagels are breakfast. Duh. So, Monday is the day when I am on the search for the best burger in NYC. And HY36’s Burgerology makes a damn good run at my favorite thus far.
“I’ll start by saying our burgers are absolutely amazing. Between our signature menu offerings and the build-your-own-burger option, we can truly satisfy any palate. Guests can put just about anything they can imagine on a burger, which is part of the fun and creativity behind Burgerology. That said, my personal favorite is our French dip sandwich. We take a lot of pride in it, from seasoning and slow cooking the prime rib in-house, allowing it to rest properly, then thinly slicing it onto fresh loaves. It’s served with an incredible au jus that, on a cold winter day, I’d happily drink on its own as soup. French dip sandwiches have always been a comfort food for me, dating back to high school when I worked at a restaurant known for its stuffed burgers. The French dip was my go-to then, and ours today is without question the best French dip in New York City and one of the best I’ve had anywhere in the world.”
The definition of a NYC experience
Most New Yorkers will tell you that staying in a hotel in the city is no way to experience the true New York. No matter what you do, you will always be a tourist as long as you are staying in a hotel. Especially in Times Square. However, those hotels all over the city end up being a destination for a lot of New Yorkers for events, pop-ups, gatherings, etc. HY36 is diving deep into the city around them to bring in the tourists, a place to stay for a visit, and the locals to build the community around them.
“Just like New York City itself, our hotel is constantly evolving to meet the needs of both residents and visitors. We pride ourselves on being quick and nimble, able to transform the property based on what the city is experiencing at any given moment. That has meant becoming a tennis-themed hotel during the US Open, or leaning into pop culture with themed experiences tied to major tours like Taylor Swift’s Eras Tour or Beyoncé’s Cowboy Carter tour. We are also huge sports fans, and whenever teams are playing at Madison Square Garden, from the Big East Tournament to visiting NBA or NHL teams, we make sure our guests feel welcomed, supported, and at home. Even during events like Comic Con, we embrace the energy and creativity, giving guests a sense of familiarity while celebrating the fun and individuality of the characters and costumes around them.”
Next time you’re in New York, ditch the run-of-the-mill and elect a true work of art with Crowne Plaza HY36 Midtown Manhattan. Oh, and have a burger for me.
