True, January is known to be the coldest month of the year in New York City. Snow, cold winds and wet weather make many escape the city for warmer regions, however if one comes prepared for the elements, there are some wonderful reasons to visit New York during this month. 

Because January is the month after the holiday rush, visitors will be able to find some super deals in accommodation and travel. Hotels are vying for tourists and will offer excellent promotions during the winter months. One should bear in mind that snowy weather may hamper travel trips and flexibility should be the name of the game when it comes to holiday planning.  

Less visitors to the city also means that tourists need not stand in long lines to find tickets to a Broadway show. Besides ticket availability, prices are usually cheaper as well.  Post-holiday sales are also an excellent reason to visit New York during January and visitors can pick up designer clothes and other specials at the fraction of their price throughout New York City stores.  

New York is a culinary lover’s delight in January, especially during New York City Restaurant Week where visitors can dine at some of the city’s top eateries at greatly reduced rates.  

Visitors are advised to dress well for their visit in January. With temperatures reaching average highs of 36 degrees Fahrenheit (4 degrees Celsius) and dropping to below freezing, obviously warm coats, gloves and scarves are a necessity. However, visitors are advised to dress in layers as stores, subways and museums are heated. The constant leaving and entering of locations may require the removal and addition of layers as the situation calls for. Wind and rain may also cause puddles and visitors should ensure that their footwear is warm and waterproof. A little forethought in terms of what to bring will ensure that visitors enjoy all the wonderful things that New York City has to offer in January.

Head to NewYorkJourney.com for great deals on New York City hotels.

Since it opened up in 1930, the Carlyle Hotel has welcomed guests through its luxurious doors to find a graceful and tasteful location that has been compared to a private pied-a-terre in the heart of the city. The Carlyle boasts an exclusive ambience, one that has been enjoyed by political, business and industry leaders for over 70 years. Luxury accommodation, tasteful in-house shops, celebrated dining and top quality amenities add to this hotel’s legendary status in New York City.

The Carlyle Hotel is Perfectly Situated
The Carlyle Hotel could not have been situated in a more perfect place when it comes to location in New York City. Standing proudly on Madison Avenue in Manhattan’s
Upper East Side neighborhood, known as the Gold Coast, the hotel is just a heartbeat away from all the spots that the city is so famous for. Guests can enjoy the proximity of upmarket shopping, art galleries, top museums and Central Park.

Pampering in True New York Style
No details are overlooked when it comes to luxury and pampering throughout the 181 rooms and suites that make up the Carlyle Hotel. Tasteful interior decoration prevails through the rooms, thanks to the work of top designers in the field – both past and present. Guests can enjoy pampering in the form of his and her toiletry sets, monogrammed bathrobes, TV’s and DVD players, up to three telephones in each room and many more. The hotel also offers a twice-daily in-room maid service and other extras such as babysitting services and a pet-friendly policy.

Dining in the Carlyle
To dine in the famous Carlyle dining room is an experience in itself. The restaurant is regularly frequented by visitors and locals alike, including the who’s-who of New York society, who come to enjoy the exclusive yet intimate atmosphere of this landmark location. Diners can choose from two dining rooms, and try the exquisite food of Chef Jimmy Sakatos in dishes ranging from authentic Greek to classic American. All in all, the Carlyle remains a timeless classic oasis in the heart of the New York City for the ultimate in luxury accommodation.

Click for NewYorkJourney.com’s review of The Carlyle Hotel or for more hotels in the Upper East Side.

Every year, at exactly one minute to midnight on December 31^st, the famous Times Square Ball makes its majestic descent that lasts a full minute until it ushers in the New Year. Millions of people take part in the ceremonious countdown that peaks at 10..9..8… until the final ..2..1 and “HAPPY NEW YEAR!” Nowhere is the celebration felt in New York as it is in Times Square on this night. 

The Times Square ball has been a firm New York tradition since 1907, although crowds would regularly gather in the square to welcome in the New Year long before this date. New Yorkers and visitors alike have witnessed this spectacular ritual for every year since, with the exception of two years during the Second World War due to ‘dimout’ restrictions.  

The original ball was made of iron and wood, was decorated with 100 25-watt light bulbs and weighed a whopping 700 pounds. From 1955 until the 1980s, an aluminum ball was used, temporarily turning into a giant apple to promote the “I Love New York” tourism campaign for several of those years. The new Millennium called for a totally new look for the Times Square Ball and Waterford Crystal was approached to create a ball fit for the occasion. The result was more than stunning – an interesting geodesic sphere, almost six feet in diameter and weighing over 1000 pounds. The effect of the lighting and more than 500 Waterford crystals was a fitting welcome for the 21^st century.  

2008 heralds the 100-year anniversary of the much-loved Times Square Ball and in honor of this event, a new LED crystal ball was unveiled. Visitors to this year’s celebrations at Times Square will thus be able to enjoy a fantastic sight that promises to be twice as bright as the Millennium ball. Seasons Greetings!

For a directory of New York hotels in the Times Square area, head to NewYorkJourney.com.

The Radio City Christmas Spectacular is a not-to-be-missed annual show that is performed at the Radio City Music Hall, Rockefeller Center in New York City. This show combines elements of world-class dancing, dazzling costumes and incredible backdrops to bring together one of the best-loved performances in the world. Indeed, the Christmas Spectacular is viewed by over 1-million people every single year!

The show runs over a period of six weeks and stars the famous Rockettes – a precision dance company based in Manhattan. A total of 140 dancers and actors take part in the Radio City Christmas Spectacular each year, from the beginning of November to the final days of December. While the show started out in 1933 as two simple acts between movie screenings, in 1975 it took on its present length of 90 minutes. Over the years, technology has enabled the show’s creators to take it to dazzling heights, such as the introduction of a 3D movie at the beginning.  

In keeping with tradition, the story outline of the show remains very much the same from year to year. The movie recounts the tale of Santa Claus making his way towards the Radio City Music Hall and the show begins once he lands. Over the years, several new songs and items have been added and, incorporated into the show with much-loved classics such as the act with a theme from The Nutcracker ballet and the March of the Wooden Soldiers dating back to 1933, brings viewers one of the most magical performances in the world. 

This year’s Christmas Spectacular celebrates 75 years in the making of the show. As a result, patrons are promised one of the most extraordinary experiences that they will ever see, including snow, fireworks and incredible new songs and dances performed by the Rockettes. For anyone in New York City over the holidays, this is definitely a show that HAS to be seen.

Click to book tickets for the Radio City Christmas Spectacular.

When world famous choreographer George Balachine created the New York City Ballet in 1933, among the first performances he put on was the much-loved Nutcracker, set to the beautiful music written by Peter Tschaikovsky. Since then, one of the most popular Christmas traditions among New Yorkers and visitors to the city has been a visit to the theater to see one of the most beautiful ballets ever performed.

Ballet patrons are immediately transported to the magical world of fantasy and dreams from the moment that the show begins. The dancing in this version of the Nutcracker has been described as world-class – a standard that has come to be expected from such as prestigious ballet company. In addition, some of the best sets, instruments and lighting are used to create an all-encompassing audio and visual delight. Nearly 60 people work backstage to ensure that scenery, lighting and costumes are coordinated to perfection. During the entire production, over 600 lighting instruments are used to create breathtaking scenes, including the trademark giant, 1-ton Christmas tree on stage, that grows to a full height of 41 feet.

The Nutcracker incorporates the highly professional team of dancers from the New York City Ballet of all ages, including young children. Costumes are designed for all participants and there are an average of 150 magnificent costumes onstage for each performance of the show. The audience will never forget the Sugar Plum Fairy’s tutu, which is made up of 7 layers of tulle!

One of the reasons that the Nutcracker is so popular is Tschaikowsky’s incredibly haunting music on which the tale is based. Over 60 musicians play in the orchestra during a typical performance, bringing home the magic of 19^th century theater and culture.

The Nutcracker traditionally runs from the last week of November to the final days of the year and should definitely be slated in as a ‘must-see’ in any itinerary these holidays.

Click for the official site of the New York City Ballet - The Nutcracker.

The Exchange Hotel, situated on Front Street, New York City, is a small, stylish hotel that provides luxury accommodation to its guests. This hotel takes its definition of boutique hotel quite literally and offers top, personalized service, exclusive features, competitive rates and other reasons why it remains such a popular venue for out-of-towners.

Try the Exchange Hotel for Luxury Accommodation
Renovated in 2005, the Exchange Hotel boasts 53 rooms to suit any traveler’s needs. From its standard guest rooms to its one-bedroom suites, visitors are sure to find a restful place to put their feet up after exploring the exciting city of New York. All rooms are decorated with style and exquisite taste and all offer televisions, fax machines, internet access, bathtubs and little extras such as coffee makers. The Exchange Lounge is where visitors can enjoy a complimentary breakfast every day or use the area for events of up to 100 people. A fitness center and business center is also available the use of hotel guests.

Central Accommodation in the Heart of New York
Whether you need to attend an important meeting in the busy Wall Street District or simply want to take in the attractions of the area, the Exchange Hotel is perfectly located for you to take your pick. The hotel is close to the Historic Front Street and the South Sea Seaport, giving you the opportunity to truly savor downtown New York in luxury. Take a leisurely stroll to classic New York sites such as the Statue of Liberty, Trinity Church and the New York Stock Exchange. For an intimate, luxurious New York experience that affords you one of the most ideal locations in the city, the Exchange Hotel is truly not to be overlooked.

NewYorkJourney.com features a detailed review of the Exchange Hotel along with other hotels in the Financial District.

One of the greatest cities to visit in the world in December is undoubtedly New York. This is the place where visitors and locals alike can truly experience the magic of the holiday season, as the whole city gets dressed up for the occasion. From the magnificent Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree, to the angelic Christmas carol singers on every street corner, to the wonderful department store window displays along Fifth Avenue, New York in December is a treat for all the senses. There are countless holiday concerts and shows to take in, as well as the ultimate ‘Christmas in New York’ experience – ice-skating in one of the parks or at Rockefeller Center under the tree. New Year’s Eve in New York is one huge party, with street events, restaurants and bars participating until the early hours of the morning. Visitors can choose the classic New Year’s Eve experience by watching the ‘ball drop’ in Times Square at the stroke of midnight.    

Temperatures are quite cold during December in New York. Average highs are around 44 degrees Fahrenheit (7 degrees Celsius), while average lows can hit 32 degrees Fahrenheit, or a chilling zero degrees Celsius. This is no reason, however, to avoid the great things happening in the city over this time period. By packing appropriate clothing – long, wind and waterproof jackets, warm trousers, comfortable, waterproof walking shoes, gloves, hats and scarves – visitors will still be able to enjoy all that New York has to offer in December and more! 

New York is also a great time to get down to some serious Christmas shopping. With so much abundance and variety, it would be difficult not to find that right something for everyone! New York department stores simply vie with each other to get shoppers through their doors, with great products, enticing bargains and the most beautiful decorations ever seen.  Happy Holidays!

Set in the heart of New York City, this chic hotel has the aura of a traditional gentleman’s club, combined with all the pampering and amenities that the contemporary traveler is seeking in an establishment. This small, luxurious hotel started out its days as a private political club and its owners have managed to retain the atmosphere of exclusivity and discretion through subtle New American Classical décor and handsome rooms.

City Club Hotel Offers Great Location
The City Club Hotel offers 65 rooms housed in a discreet nine-story building and is conveniently situated in the middle of mid-town New York. Guests can enjoy close proximity to many of the city’s legendary sites, including Broadway, the New York Public Library, Grand Central Station and Time Square. The hotel is also a stone’s throw away from the greatest shopping areas in the city, Fifth and Sixth Avenues and in easy traveling distance to Rockefeller Center, Bryant Park and top New York entertainment and nightlife spots.

Luxury Dining at DB Bistro Moderne
Owned and operated by celebrity chef Daniel Bouloud, guests at the City Club can enjoy luxury dining at DB Bistro Moderne in the hotel’s lobby. There are two dining options, divided by an excellent wine bar, in the restaurant – a casual front area and more intimate and traditional back dining area. Guests can try Bouloud’s renowned French American menu for a truly excellent dining experience.

Top Class Accommodation at the City Club Hotel
Guests will enjoy quality accommodation at City Club Hotel, including luxurious features and extra perks to make them feel extra welcome. Feather down bedding, C.O. Bigelow stocked bathrooms and complimentary newspapers are just some of the ways that hotel management makes guests feel welcome. In addition, the hotel offers complimentary passes to the famous New York Sports Club and state-of-the-art entertainment features in every room. For definitive luxury in a small and intimate setting with character, the City Club Hotel is a must-try for New York visitors.

Click for a review of City Club Hotel at NewYorkJourney.com

Nothing quite epitomizes Christmas in New York City like the legendary Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree, which stands tall and proud in one of the greatest cities on earth during one of the most beautiful seasons of the year! The tradition of lighting up a Christmas tree outside this famous center began as far back as 1933 during the dark days of the Depression, in a bid to bring some Christmas cheer to weary laborers. Since then, without fail - except for the wartime period – New Yorkers and visitors are awestruck each year by the splendor of this crowd-stopping, truly magnificent creation.

The beauty of the Rockefeller Christmas Tree lies both in its size and the fact that it is decorated by thousands of lights threaded through its limbs – making it one of the most majestic sites of the season. Below the tree lies the famous Rockefeller ice rink where skaters can glide their way under the branches of the tree and experience the real magic of Christmas in New York City. Christmas carolers take their place under the tree to sing the beautiful psalms and traditional tunes of the season in the weeks leading up to the holiday. Famous horn-blowing angels customarily occupy the plaza that leads to the tree.

Every year, the official lighting of the Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree is broadcast coast to coast, with a celebrity host and all the pomp and celebration expected from such a happy event. This year’s official tree lighting is planned for November 28th at 7 pm. The tree will stay lit each day from 5.30 am through to 11.30 pm. until approximately January 6th. For a true ‘Christmas in New York’ experience, this is definitely not something that should be missed over the holidays.

Click for more information on the Rockefeller Center at NewYorkJourney.com.

If it’s a cosmopolitan yet intimate New York experience that you’re after, look no further than the Flatotel – a tower of 258 rooms that combines custom designed rooms, excellent service and state of the art entertainment features to provide you with exactly what you are looking for in a New York hotel. While Flatotel prescribes to all the characteristics of a boutique hotel, it nevertheless offers you luxury-sized rooms to make your stay just that more comfortable.

Great Rooms and Amenities
Most rooms at Flatotel have been remodeled and are therefore of the highest standard when it comes to décor, design and comfort. Snuggle up on custom designed beds that come with 100% cotton Egyptian bed linen. All deluxe rooms come with modern entertainment and technology features such as dual phone lines, fast internet connection, flat screen televisions and much more. Enjoy the convenience of large rooms that can fit in those little extras to make your stay more homely such as a compact fridge, a microwave and a coffee maker. If you’re visiting with a larger group or family, try one of the hotel’s family suites. Take in a delicious meal at the Moda restaurant that offers a delightful Italian menu amidst beautiful décor. Seasonal outdoor dining is available from May through to October.

The Flatotel is Ideally Located
Situated in midtown New York City, Flatotel could not have been more conveniently located for the contemporary traveler who enjoys stepping right out into the excitement of this amazing city. Enjoy walking to all New York’s favorite attractions, including St. Patrick’s Cathedral, CBS, Rockefeller Center, the Museum of Modern Art and the Museum of Television and Radio. You are also in perfect proximity to the Broadway Theater District and Times Square, making this truly one of the best-placed hotels in the city. Try the Flatotel for all the convenience, luxury and personal service that it is so famous for.

Click to make an online reservation or head to NewYorkJourney.com for a review of Flatotel.