Midtown West, Hell's Kitchen and Koreatown
Midtown West is mostly a commercial, business and tourist area that includes NYC's famous Diamond District, Hell's Kitchen and Koreatown. Hell's Kitchen, within midtown, is the most western section and and an "up-and-coming residential area of New York City with new shops and restaurants opening often. Koreatown, just a block from the Empire State Building, is known for their restaurants and karaoke bars and clubs.
Things to Do
Empire State Building (350 5th Ave, 33nd/34rd) – $20 Adult, $14 ages 6-12, under 12 free. Go early to avoid the lines, or get an Express Pass ($42). There are 3 lines to get in: 1) security line, mandatory for all, 2) ticket line, unless you have pre-purchased tickets. 3) Elevators to the Observatory. Express Pass holders get priority at all three lines. While I've heard the Skyride is a tourist trap, I have never personally experienced it.
Intrepid Museum (Pier 86, 166 W 46th St at 12th Ave) - centered on the aircraft carrier Intrepid (CVS-11), and features a range of interactive exhibits and events about heroism. Educational, planes, war and a view of the Hudson River. $19.50 Ad, $14.50 C, $15.50 Sr, under 2 free.
Madison Square Garden/ Penn Station (7th Ave, 31st/33rd) – catch the Rangers (hockey), Knicks (basketball) or concert in the main arena or a show at the WaMu Theater. Offer an All-Access Tour, daily every 30 min, 11am -3pm, $18.50 adult, $12 under 12. Visit team locker rooms, learn how basketball court turns into an ice-rink, meet a Knicks City Dancer, and history, such as where Joe Frazier took on Muhammad Ali for the first time.
MoMA - technically, the Museum of Modern Art is in Midtown West, but I've grouped with it the attractions in Midtown East.
See Also: Times Square.
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Midtown West Recommended Restaurants
Cognac (55th, Bway) - Have a cocktail while sitting outside, people watching. Same owners as Serafina.
Molyvos (7th Ave, 55th/ 56th) - excellent Greek, small plates, near Central Park. Carnegie Deli right across the street.
Le Bernardin (155 W 51st, 7th Ave) – French/Seafood. One of the city’s top restaurants, many swear it’s their all time favorite meal. Service, food and décor is impeccable. Also great for lunch (prix-fixe: 3 course lunch, $66; 4 course dinner, $109)
Meskerem (468 W 47th , 10th Ave) – Ethiopian. Inexpensive, interesting, and if you’ve never eaten by using spongy bread to pick up your food (no utensils), it’s fun and a must-try. Most spicy and many vegetarian friendly.
Restaurant Row (46th St, 8th/9th Aves) – 30 restaurants on one block, most “touristy,” all for Broadway theatre crowd, serving prix-fixe specials.
Esca (402 W 43rd St., 9th Ave) Italian /seafood. Another Batali gourmet winner.
41 ½ (622 10th Ave, 44th St) – Nouveau American (mac n cheese, fried chicken, ribs), less touristy than other theater restaurants, outdoor bamboo garden.
Rosa’s Pizza (in Penn Station) – believe it or not, some say this is their favorite pizza in NYC. And the cheapest beer anywhere.
Koreatown – 32nd St, 5th/Broadway – most any restaurant is a great choice, and right next to the Empire State Building.
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Midtown West Shopping
Lord and Taylor (424 5th Ave, 38th/39th) – classic NY department store with elegant and stylish merchandise, great dress selection for all ages. Best suited for the over-40 crowd (it was my Grandmother's favorite back in the day!)
Macy’s (151 W 34th St, 7th Ave)– Herald Square – many people love the landmark, Macy's, founder of the most famous Thanksgiving Day Parade and backdrop of "Miracle on 34th Street." The store is huge (2 city blocks, 9 Floors). Crowded, very congested area, little else around it, lacking sales staff and probably little merchandise you can’t find at home or online.
Daffy’s (W 34th, 6th Ave) – great discount department store, lots of European labels. Hit or miss, depends on the day, but if you love a good bargain, and are in the neighborhood, worth a look.
More about New York City Shopping
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Midtown West Hotels
New York City Luxury Hotels - Midtown West
Ritz Carlton Central Park |
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From: $557 |
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The Ritz-Carlton New York, Central Park offers all the elegance and charm of a private home a few steps from Central Park. This New York City luxury hotel features 259 lavishly-appointed guestrooms, including 47 suites, and The Ritz-Carlton Club® Lounge experience for guests seeking a heightened level of luxury and privacy. In addition to superlative service and intimate surroundings, The Ritz-Carlton Club® Lounge serves five delectable culinary offerings throughout the day. Rates Reviews: Ritz Carlton Central Park |
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The Setai Fifth Avenue |
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From: $495 |
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Gracefully complementing Manhattan’s luxurious Fifth Avenue and boldly accenting New York City’s famous skyline, The Setai Fifth Avenue, A Capella Managed Hotel, is a renewed celebration of sophistication and style. Soaring more than 60 stories above the city, The Setai Fifth Avenue represents the new heart of the world’s most inspired metropolis. Accommodations exude the very essence of luxury and elegance. Duxiana beds, Pratesi linens, and floor-to-ceiling rain showers leave guests breathing easy, if not breathless. Rates and Reviews: Setai Fifth Avenue |
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New York City Boutique Hotels - Midtown West
Hudson Hotel New York City |
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From: $133 |
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Beautiful private park, like a mini Central Park, with full cocktail bar, chaises, floor cushions, ivy on the walls. Heated in the winter. A bit further West than the other main hotels in this area and quieter. Rates and Reviews: Hudson Hotel |
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Royalton Hotel
One of the few sophisticated hotels within minutes of Rock Center, Broadway, Times Square
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Suite Hotels New York City - Midtown West
Affinia Manhattan Hotel |
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From: $160 |
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Originally opened in 1929 as the Governor Clinton Hotel, Affinia has brought the place completely up to date. Yet it retains a certain Old New York charm in its bronze-relief elevator doors, its chandeliered Grand Ballroom, and its 526 generously sized suite rooms. A number of Terrace Suites offer especially appealing spaces with sweet city views. They have regular guest rooms as well as Studio, One and Two Bedroom suites equipped with Kitchens and separate Living Areas. Right near Madison Square Garden and the Garment District. Sister Hotels: Affinia Dumont, Affinia 50, Affinia Gardens and Affinia Shelburne. Rates and Reviews: Affinia Manhattan Hotel |
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Cheap Budget Hotels - Midtown West
New York Manhattan Hotel |
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From: $133 |
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Part of the Red Roof Inn Group, this hotel was recommended by a NY childhood friend, Pat Tighe, now an attorney in Florida who travels back here frequently for business. It has clean rooms, complimentary breakfast, free wireless internet and is just steps from the Empire State Building. Rates and Reviews: New York Manhattan Hotel |
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More Cheap Budget Hotels:
Salisbury Hotel - Rooms are particularly large because the hotel was designed to be a residential hotel. Guests can enjoy small kitchenettes with fridges, tea and coffee making facilities, microwaves, and sinks.
Holiday Inn Midtown New York City
Hotel Wolcott
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Romantic New York City Hotel Deals - Midtown West
The London NYC |
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From: $277 |
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Sophisticated urban luxury in the heart of midtown Manhattan, the award-winning London NYC sets a new standard for New York luxury hotels. Named to several "Best Of" and "Top 10 lists", you'll find detailed design, attentive service and the acclaimed Gordon Ramsay restaurant. 151 West 54th Street (6th/7th Aves) Rates and Reviews: London Hotel |
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The Classic Romance Package (through 12/31/2012) is a great romantic New York City Hotel Deal.
Surround yourself with all the ingredients for a classic and sophisticated evening among luxurious suite accommodations at The London. Upon arrival, you are greeted with a fragrant English Garden Bouquet en suite accompanied with a half bottle of champagne to toast and celebrate the decadent start to a romantic evening. |
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More Midtown West Hotels
Club Quarters, Rockefeller Center | 25 W 51st St at 5th Ave
Membership generally required for weeknights, but great rates and available to the public on weekends.
Hilton New York | 1335 Ave of the Americas (= 6th Ave) at 53rd St
Subways
- 1, 2, 3 along Broadway and 7th Ave
- A, C, E along 8th Avenue
- N, R, Q, W to Penn Station or Times Square
- 7 or Shuttle (S) from the east side (Grand Central) to Times Square
Compare New York City Discount Passes |
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NYC Insider Print Map and Guide to Manhattan |
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The Print Guide to New York City includes the BEST of the NYC Insider Guide website, with detailed maps, directions and my personal recommendations for shopping, restaurants, attractions and Insider Tips. Available for download and print immediately, you can make as many copies as you want and get FREE Updates for a year! Read more about the BEST Print Guide to New York City on the internet. |
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