Hong Kong Madame - English https://www.hongkongmadame.com/en/ 2026-06-03T19:52:22+02:00 Webzine Maker Madame Travels – 3 days in New York (playing it chic in the Big Apple) 2019-09-19T07:13:00+02:00 https://www.hongkongmadame.com/en/Madame-Travels-3-days-in-New-York-playing-it-chic-in-the-Big-Apple_a2061.html https://www.hongkongmadame.com/en/photo/art/imagette/37400938-33042922.jpg 2019-09-25T00:00:00+02:00 Hong Kong Madame
by Aude Camus 
 
“Start spreading the news, I’m leavin’ today” … that’s basically me every time I get to go to New York. There definitely is something very special and quite unique about this city that gives me goosebumps every time. My last trip to the Big Apple was a short one – only 3 days – but God knows I did make the best of it so I thought I would share some ideas on how to spend 3 busy and thrilling days in New York. One thing though, if you are on a budget this might not be the right guide for you as, this time, I’ve decided to play it chic and indulge! But if you are in the mood for some serious Sex and The City inspo, you’ll definitely like the below.
 
 
 
WHERE TO STAY 
 
Madame’s tips: when spending 3 days only in New-York, you definitely wanna make sure your hotel is perfectly located making it easy for you to go out for a drink, a bite, a bit of shopping and some serious sightseeing. My fav neighborhood is Soho (because it simply has it all) but staying on the 5th Avenue, not too far from landmarks such as the MoMA or Times Square, is also always a good idea. 
 


 BACCARAT HOTEL NEW YORK

Madame Travels – 3 days in New York (playing it chic in the Big Apple)
A five-star hotel glowing inside out in Crystal Baccarat and situated just a few steps away from the iconic 5thAvenue and across the street from the MoMA. With its Grand Salon featuring 35-foot ceiling, custom-made crystal chandeliers and re-contextualized crystal elements incorporated art installations, its private pool and very chic Spa de La Mer in the basement, and its homey but elegant rooms Baccarat Hotel New York definitely is a gem! 
 
Madame’s tips: if you are not staying at the hotel, you might wanna consider paying it a visit as it is (so far) the only Baccarat hotel in the world. Why not going for a drink at The Bar  with its incredible design inspired by the stables of Versailles and its unique art collection? Afternoon Tea at The Grand Salon is also a great, and very chic, idea. 
 
REDISCOVER OUR REVIEW OF BACCARAT HOTEL NEW YORK
 
Baccarat Hotel New York
28 W 53rdStreet – New York  
 
 
 
THE MERCER

Madame Travels – 3 days in New York (playing it chic in the Big Apple)
A small luxury hotel in a Romanesque revival building perfectly located in the heart of Soho, The Mercer is no less than sister hotel to Hollywood’s iconic Chateau Marmont. You’ll probably bump into one or two famous faces in the loft-inspired hotel lobby. I’m in love with the very simple but super homey loft vibes of the place. 
 
Madame’s tips: breakfast at The Mercer is a serious affair and you definitely wanna treat yourself to their Avocado Toast before hitting the streets of Soho.  
 
 
The Mercer
147 Mercer Street – New York 
 
 
 
WHERE TO EAT 
 
One thing before we start: if you think cool restaurants in Hong Kong are expensive, you’ll be thrilled to hear that New York is even more expensive! Also always remember that whatever price you see on the menu, you’ll need to add 20% to that (taxes+tips) … 
 
by alphabetical order 
 
CECCONI’S DUMBO (Brooklyn) 

Madame Travels – 3 days in New York (playing it chic in the Big Apple)
A modern Italian restaurant serving hand-made pasta (the lemon and bottarga ones are to die for!) and pizzas with waterfront views of the Manhattan Skyline. And don’t hesitate and overindulge on food … the Brooklynn Bridge is just a few steps away so you can always go back to Manhattan by walking across the bridge, a nice almost 2km walk perfect for digestion. 
 
Madame’s tips: make sure to book your table ahead! If weather allows, ask to be seated outside to enjoy the fresh sea breeze and beautiful view over Manhattan Skyline. 
 
 
Cecconi’s Dumbo
55 Water Street, Brooklyn – New York
 
 
 
CHELSEA MARKET

Madame Travels – 3 days in New York (playing it chic in the Big Apple)
An urban foodcourt and indoor food market with around 35 different vendors, Chelsea Market is both a neighborhood market for people living or working in Chelsea and a very touristy place and one of the most written-about destination in New York. 
 
My two fav places for a bite at Chelsea Market are Mokbar, a Korean/Japanase joint where I had the best fermented kimchi Ramen of my life (not kidding), and The Lobster Place, a seafood market where you’ll get to try one of the best Lobster Roll you’ve ever had (but also probably one of the most expensive one: USD 25). 
 
 
Chelsea Market
75 9th Ave – New York 
 
 
 
DON ANGIE

Madame Travels – 3 days in New York (playing it chic in the Big Apple)
An Italian American restaurant that serves delicious homemade pasta to the cool kids of New York since late 2017. 
 
Madame tips: looking at social media prior to your visit, you’ll probably see that a lot of people are ordering the lasagna which are terribly good looking. The lasagna is good yes, but nothing compared to more inventive recipes such as the Sopressini & Smoked Mussels or the Buffalo Milk Caramelle (candy-wrapper-looking caramelle pasta filled with Buffalo-milk ricotta and with a brown butter sauce, honey-pickled persimmon, shallot, black sesame puree, and opal basil)
 
 
Don Angie
103 Greenwich Avenue – New York 
 
 
 
ELEVEN MADISON PARK

Madame Travels – 3 days in New York (playing it chic in the Big Apple)
One of the 5 only 3 Michelin Star restaurants in New York and voted as number 1 World’s Best Restaurant in 2017. Do I really have to say much more? Dining at Eleven Madison Park is a truly unique experience: REDISCOVER OUF FULL REVIEW OF ELEVEN MADISON PARK
 
 
Eleven Madison Park
11 Madison Ave – New York 
 
 
 
MINETTA TAVERN

Madame Travels – 3 days in New York (playing it chic in the Big Apple)
Fancying a good old burger? You’re right, it wouldn’t be living the proper American Dream without one of those pornfood babies. But instead of going for a not so good fast food burgie why not treating yourself to the Black Label Burger – featuring prime dry-aged beef cuts and caramelized onions - at Minetta Tavern, voted as one of the best burgers in New York (definitely not a cheap option thought! USD 33 for a burger). I’m also loving the classic old-school New York vibes of the place. 
 
Madame tips: Minetta Tavern is open and serving pretty late compare to many places in New York, making it the perfect place for a first night dinner in the Big Apple if you take the Cathay flight which lands at 7 pm in JFK (between immigration and traffic, you won’t be to your hotel before 9-9.30 pm and will probably be starving by then!)
 
 
Minetta Tavern New York
113 Macdougal St – New York 
 
 
 
TACOMBI (Bleecker Street)

Madame Travels – 3 days in New York (playing it chic in the Big Apple)
Anyone in the mood for tacos? Tacombi serves some seriously good elevated one along with other Mexican bites. Loving the funky vibes of the place. 
 
 
Tacombi
255 Bleecker Street – New York
 
 
 
TIME OUT MARKET (Brooklyn)
 
Fancying an affordable yet super yummy bite in a hipster place? Look no further than Time Out Market and its 21 food booths featuring the highest-rated local restaurants and some New York’s most-revered chefs. God, we wish we could eat a bite at each and every booth! 
. 
Madame tips: the market is on first floor but also make sure to go up and check fifth floor, you’ll discover a beautiful terrace boasting amazing view of the Manhattan Skyline. 
 
 
Time Out Market
55 Water Street, Brooklyn – New York
 
 
 
THINGS TO DO 
 
WALK THE HIGH LINE

Madame Travels – 3 days in New York (playing it chic in the Big Apple)
A 2.5 km long walk on this elevated linear park, greenway and rail trail created on a former New York Central Railroad spur. 
Starts the walk from the Hudson Yards, where you will spot newly opened and quite fascinating building The Vessel, then all the way to Chelsea where you will enjoy a yummy break at the Chelsea Market.
 
 
 
 
SHOP AT GLOSSIER

Madame Travels – 3 days in New York (playing it chic in the Big Apple)
Glossier? A beauty start-up launched in 2014 by former fashion assistant Emily Weiss who first started cult beauty blog Into The Gloss before moving to Glossier. The brand quickly ascended to cult status with its minimalist approach to beauty and its so recognizable millennial-pink packaging.  
The flagship store of the brand is located in Soho and worth a visit, whether you want to buy beauty products or not, because it offers a retail experience never seen before. 
 
Not sure which products to buy? HERE IS OUR TOP 8 PRODUCTS TO BUY AT GLOSSIER
 
 
Glossier
123 Lafayette St – New York
 
 
 
GO SEE THE LION KING IN BROADWAY

Madame Travels – 3 days in New York (playing it chic in the Big Apple)
Or any other musical but The Lion King definitely is a must seen. Believe me, you’ll love it! 
 
 
 
RIDE THE HARBOR ON A JETSKI
 
A 1h ride which will have you see New York from a totally different angle! 
 
 
New York Harbor Jetski
USD 149 for one on weekdays (USD 175 on weekends) / USD 199 for tandem on weekdays (USD 225 on weekends) 


















 

 

]]> Baccarat Hotel New York: noble heritage with a modern flair on the Fifth Avenue 2019-08-22T04:56:00+02:00 https://www.hongkongmadame.com/en/Baccarat-Hotel-New-York-noble-heritage-with-a-modern-flair-on-the-Fifth-Avenue_a2046.html https://www.hongkongmadame.com/en/photo/art/imagette/36643556-32647757.jpg 2019-09-05T00:00:00+02:00 Hong Kong Madame
by Aude Camus 
 
There are brands which name belongs to history and has always been synonymous of timeless luxury and craftmanship. French crystal manufacturer Baccarat, founded in 1764, is one of those. But did you know that, since 2015 and just a few steps away from the legendary Fifth Avenue and across the street from the MoMA, there was a five-star hotel glowing inside out in Crystal Baccarat? Welcome to Baccarat Hotel New York!

Baccarat Hotel New York: noble heritage with a modern flair on the Fifth Avenue
Walking on West 53rdStreet, you can’t help but being fascinated by the prismatic glass façade which fittingly recalls the radiance of Baccarat crystal and subtly reflects and refracts light across its 50 stories. If you are lucky enough to discover it under a bright shining sun like I did, it’s fair to say you are in for a sparkling first impression of the hotel. 
 
The minute you step inside the building you know you are in for something quite unique. I mean, how often can you see a LED lights illuminated wall formed with 1,824 crystal glasses? 

Baccarat Hotel New York: noble heritage with a modern flair on the Fifth Avenue
And not just any crystal glasses but actually Harcourt glasses, Harcourt being the oldest and most iconic Baccarat’s design. Hop on the elevator, it will take you to the check-in area on second floor. You might be surprised by the contrast between the very modern downstairs lobby and the French 18thcentury aesthetic of the elevator and check-in lobby. The entire hotel, designed by French duos Dorothée Boissiers and Patrick Gilles, is an elegant mix of French 18thcentury refined aesthetic and welcoming 21th century vibes paying tribute to both Baccarat timeless elegance and the modernity and vibrant atmosphere of New York city. 
 
While we are on second floor, let me show you the Grand Salon and the Petit Salon before we go up and discover our room. 

Baccarat Hotel New York: noble heritage with a modern flair on the Fifth Avenue
The Grand Salon is probably the chicest and plushest lounge in town with its 35-foot ceiling, custom-made crystal chandeliers, re-contextualized crystal elements incorporated art installations and rich materials such as pleated silk and silver-leafed boiserie. See this intriguing all white library? 

Baccarat Hotel New York: noble heritage with a modern flair on the Fifth Avenue
Each book is marked with a different year tag, starting from 1764, founding year of Baccarat, to today. Pick a book, leave a secret message for someone you know will be visiting New York soon and tell him/her to go and visit Baccarat Hotel and have a look at the corresponding yearbook. If you happen to be in New York somedays, I did leave you a little note in the 2010’s book (year of my first visit ever to New York). 

Baccarat Hotel New York: noble heritage with a modern flair on the Fifth Avenue
Speaking of the Grand Salon, it is opened to both hotel guests and outside visitors who will be treated to Michelin Star chef Gabriel Kreuther’s French-inspired cuisine featuring both exclusive dishes and Alsatian signatures from the chef namesake Gabriel Kreuther Restaurant (2 Michelin Star restaurant). Not lying when telling you craftmanship and elegance lays in all details at Baccarat Hotel. 
 
The Grand Salon is still a very confidential address but it can get slightly busy at breakfast and for Afternoon Tea so if you are a hotel guest and looking for peace and quiet, you can always decide to seat in the adjacent Petit Salon which is not open to outside visitors and welcomes you in the comfort of its smoked oak walls and emerald green velvet settees. 

Baccarat Hotel New York: noble heritage with a modern flair on the Fifth Avenue
There is also The Bar on this floor but it’s maybe still a bit early in the afternoon for a drink (anyway the bar doesn’t open before 4 pm) so let’s go and discover our room and we will be back later to visit this one and enjoy a cocktail. 
 
Before I open the door and unveil the beauty of our Classic King room, just want you to have a look at this statuette in the vitrine at the landing of the room. 

Baccarat Hotel New York: noble heritage with a modern flair on the Fifth Avenue
You will find similar ones at the landing of each guest room as 11 artists have been commissioned to revisit the Harcourt glass. Art truly is at the heart of the hotel’s design with more than 100 custom designed works of art being displayed throughout the hallways and public areas. 

Baccarat Hotel New York: noble heritage with a modern flair on the Fifth Avenue
Just like all the others 114 rooms and suites, the design of our Classic King one is homey but elegant featuring custom desk, scones and table lamps by Baccarat. I am loving all the luxurious details: the custom jacquard linens by Mascioni, the “Champagne” button on the telephone which allows you to order of bottle of your favorite vintage accompanied by signature  Baccarat fluted glasses, the lavish custom-designed Baccarat-red enamel minibar offering Baccarat glasses and Ladurée treats and the exclusive amenities imagined by Parisian perfumer Maison Francis Kurkdjian.

Baccarat Hotel New York: noble heritage with a modern flair on the Fifth Avenue
The epitome of chic. 
 
I know the Big Apple is waiting for us but there’s something about this hotel which makes you lose track of the time and wanna stay in. Let’s make a deal. Given that it’s already late afternoon, I suggest we enjoy a free time of 2h before meeting at The Bar, having a drink and then going out for dinner and some window shopping on the Fifth Avenue. Deal? How will you spend your free 2 hours? You’ll find me at the basement, being lazy on one of the canopied day beds sitting by the 50-foot swimming pool. I am just too lazy to hit the gym today, no matter how beautiful and perfectly equipped it is. If you are in the mood for ultimate indulgence, you might wanna book yourself in for a treatment at Spa de la Mer, the first (and so far only) spa dedicated to luxury skincare brand La Mer in the US. 
 
And it’s already time for our pre-dinner drink at The Bar.

Baccarat Hotel New York: noble heritage with a modern flair on the Fifth Avenue
How beautiful is the design of this room inspired by the stables of Versailles? Look at those chandeliers! See all those art pieces? They have been carefully selected by French curators Stéphanie and Frédéric Chambre who have created a one-of-a-kind art collection spanning important aesthetic movements since 1764, founding year of Baccarat. If weather allows, you might also choose to seat on the terrace overlooking the MoMA. 

Baccarat Hotel New York: noble heritage with a modern flair on the Fifth Avenue
Let’s order a drink, sip it and relax. We will then go out for dinner and will be back for a luxurious night in our room. You’ll then have plenty of additional time to explore the hotel tomorrow! 
 
 
Baccarat Hotel New York
28 W 53rdStreet – New York 


 
 
This write-up is based on a complementary 1-night stay offered by Baccarat Hotel New York. No money has been paid by the hotel for publishing this review. 









 

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