When I asked one of the friendly concierges at The Langham, New York for a breakfast recommendation within walking distance of the hotel, I didn’t expect I would find one of my new favourite local breakfast bagel haunts around the corner; Pio Bagel West on 58 West 36th Street, New York.
Rubbing shoulders with the locals and with so many topping selections to choose from, it was a great way to start a day in New York.
Likewise, when I asked about department stores, they recommended Bergdorf Goodman and Macy’s (which has had a revamp since my last visit), also both well worth visiting.
Centre of the City
Based right bang in the heart of the action, The Langham, New York, Fifth Avenue is close to everything you want to visit and more, especially if you are a first time-visitor and want to be close to all the main attractions.
Within walking distance of the Empire State Building, tick; Grand Central Terminal (don’t forget the secret whispering wall), tick; The Met along Museum Mile, tick; Broadway, tick; Madison Square Garden, The Lincoln Center and Carnegie Hall, tick, tick, tick; and, of course, Central Park, tick.
Upscale in size and luxury
All of the rooms and suites are surprisingly large for New York and are luxurious, featuring lots of quirky details and the sophistication you’d expect from a hotel brand like The Langham.
Some suites have terraces and look out over Fifth Avenue, with views of the Empire State Building.
My Executive Suite was on the corner of the hotel and overlooked Fifth Avenue and Midtown Manhattan. It had a large marble bathroom with both bath and shower, an office desk space and lots of room for suitcases: it was also quiet. It was a beautiful space and difficult to say goodbye to.
Always something to do in New York
The Fitness Centre is full of Peloton bikes and high-tech gear where you can also try virtual fitness classes for a guided workout on your own.
Breakfast in house for exclusive Club rooms and suites was delicious in The Langham Club. The Ai Fiori restaurant, inspired by the French and Italian rivieras, is open for breakfast and dinner, too.
Brooklyn born artist Alex Katz is the subject of a major retrospective exhibition currently at the Guggenheim in New York.
What is most impressive, however, is that The Langham, New York is home to one of the best small collections of Katz originals, with 10 original pieces hanging in public spaces, plus some 200 reprints, many of which were reprinted especially for the hotel by Katz himself, and are located around the hotel.
Walking into the hotel feels like you are walking into a modern gallery, with a striking large Katz canvas behind reception. You will not be disappointed, but impressed; and left with the desire to come again.
