It’s safe to say that fall in New York truly does feel like something out of a movie. I’ve lived in Manhattan for over five years now, and autumn is consistently my favorite season—the weather is pleasant, there’s a renewed sense of energy in the air, and there’s plenty to do and see around town, both indoors and out. If you’re considering making a fall visit to the city, my advice is to go ahead and book the trip!
If you haven’t visited NYC in a while or are overwhelmed by countless hotel options to consider, allow me to introduce you to one of my new favorites: Hotel Park Avenue. Located less than a 15-minute walk away from Penn Station, Hotel Park Avenue is a convenient home base for those traveling to and from the city by Amtrak. Plus, once you arrive, you’re just steps away from the 6 train, which will take you further uptown and downtown in minutes—and in the meantime, there’s plenty to explore on foot in nearby Flatiron, Nomad, or Union Square, too.
Speaking of exploring, one of my favorite aspects of Hotel Park Avenue is how close it’s located to my regular weekend haunt, the Chelsea Flea Market. Open on Saturdays and Sundays from 8 a.m. until 4 p.m., this is my absolute favorite spot in Manhattan to hunt for secondhand treasures. You’ll find everything from small furniture items to artwork to jewelry and clothing and beyond, with inventory changing every weekend. When I did a recent staycation at Hotel Park Avenue, I walked over to the flea market bright and early with coffee in hand before enjoying a delicious brunch back at the hotel’s ground-level restaurant, Park Rose. The Chelsea Flea is also right near the gigantic grocer and restaurant Eataly, which is an excellent place to stock up on prepared foods, baked goods, and gifts for those back home.
Speaking of food, it’s sometimes easiest to grab a bite where you’re staying (you might be pressed for time or simply have decision fatigue!), and fortunately, the Hotel Park dinner menu can’t be missed. My top recommendations for entrees? The stuffed shells, along with the Atlantic salmon. For dessert, be sure to order a jumbo scoop of the restaurant’s gelato, which will transport you to Italy in an instant.
Have a reservation elsewhere but find yourself looking for a place to chill out over drinks and small bites? Hotel Park Avenue is also home to Seed Library NYC, an indoor cocktail lounge, and Golden Child, a rooftop bar and lounge that boasts incredible views of the Manhattan skyline. What more could you want?
About the Author
Sarah Lyon is a New York City-based freelance writer, originally from Bethesda, MD. She contributes to a number of national design and lifestyle publications like Architectural Digest, Apartment Therapy, MyDomaine, the Washington Post, and more. Sarah also works with designers to help them style spaces for photo shoots. Follow her on Instagram @sarahlyon9.
