Exploring New York: A Luxury Holiday Itinerary Featuring Iconic Hotels and Unique Experiences Part 2

This is the second part of my Christmas/Holiday itinerary to the USA, a twin-centre between Boston and New York, and within New York, four different locations and hotels, all for different reasons. You can read part I here if you haven’t already done so. 

I always love putting an itinerary together, and this (now 17 day trip) started off with just the idea of flying to New York for Christmas to marvel at the splendour of The Plaza Hotel in the Holiday period. We had seen a while back a TV programme about the Plaza Hotel (albeit I think it was actually featuring the Thanksgiving Day brunch/buffet). Realising that we would want to travel before Christmas Day itself and stay through New Year’s, it felt a bit long to just stay in New York only, so I started looking at other locations nearby to make it a two-centre vacation.

Four Stunning Hotels in New York: The Plaza, Equinox Hudson Yards, The William Vale, and TWA Hotel

I came up with the idea of flying direct to Boston first, spending a few days there before travelling down to New York for Christmas on the train, and the obvious first stop of The Plaza. I then turned my attention to where we would spend New Year, and when I was actually booking the flights the BA representative suggested a quiet dinner in Brooklyn and watching the fireworks from that side of the water. We’ve stayed in Brooklyn before (last visit at 1 Hotel Brooklyn Bridge) so fancied a different location this time. Seeing how full on the view is from The William Vale is to Manhattan, that seemed like the perfect location, so another destination was secured. I’ve always wanted to visit the TWA Hotel at JFK, so with flying home from there, it seemed like another perfect choice to spend at least a night there. That then only left the gap between Christmas and New Year, and the realisation that we didn’t probably want to spend all the time at The Plaza, as amazing as it looks. Hudson Yards has always been an area of interest, regenerated from when we were last in New York quite a few years ago, so looking at hotels there, I quickly homed in on the Equinox. Trip sorted.

The hotels featuring in the post are:

• Sofitel London Heathrow

• Four Seasons Boston

• The Plaza New York (a Fairmont Hotel)

• Equinox Hotel Hudson Yards

• The William Vale (Brooklyn)

• The TWA Hotel at New York’s JFK Airport

Explore my comprehensive travel itinerary for this trip, featuring essential tips on:

• My top hotel recommendations for New York.

• An exploration of all four hotels we plan to visit.

• Things to do in New York.

• Once we’ve been, I will write a separate Travel Diaries series post, as well as spa reviews..

---

---

Best places to stay in New York

New York has a phenomenal selection of hotels, and we’ve already visited quite a few of their five star selections. New hotels are always opening up, like the Equinox, so it’s a good mix on this trip of more familiar locations with the new, and also historic hotels (like the Plaza), something we’ve looked at before (The William Vale across in Brooklyn), and also the momentous reinvention of the Eero Sarinen TWA terminal building into a super-large scale hotel.

Why Book with The Private Traveller in conjunction with Fora Travel?

If you book to stay at any of the other hotels listed below (as well as more available) with myself (in conjunction with FORA Travel) as well as getting your perfect stay crafted as part of an overall itinerary, you could benefit from a range of additional stay perks by utilising some of the available FORA booking programs.

Typical perks for preferred rates booked in this way could include:

• Daily breakfast for two

• $100 hotel credit (or often more for suite bookings)

• Room upgrade to next category (subject to availability)

• Early check-in (subject to availability)

• Late check-out (subject to availability)

• Potentially additional discount on activities or spa treatments

There are so many hotels to choose from on the FORA advisor portal, many having different program benefits and extras. Please do get in touch and we can start talking about putting your perfect itinerary together.

---

Fast Facts for The Plaza New York

Address - 786 Fifth Avenue, New York, NY 10019
Website - https://www.theplazany.com
Group website - https://www.fairmont.com
TripAdvisor ranking - #44 of 507 hotels in New York City
Contact - plazareservation@fairmont.com
Instagram - @theplazahotel @fairmonthotels
Nearest airport - New York’s JFK Airport (JFK) - 26 km or 16 miles (over an hour drive, traffic dependent)
Opened - 1907
Number of rooms / suites - 282 total (Guest Rooms, Legacy Suites, Suites, One-Of-A-Kind Suites, and Multi-Room Suites)
Number of floors - 18
Bars - 1 (The Champagne Bar)
Restaurants - 2 (The Palm Court & The Champagne Bar)
Wellbeing - The Plaza Fitness Center & Guerlain Spa (massage and treatments)
Spa Website - https://www.guerlainspas.com/reserve-spa-experience/
Visiting - December 2024

All images credit @theplazahotel

The Plaza Hotel in New York is an iconic symbol of luxury and timeless elegance, perfectly situated at the corner of Fifth Avenue and Central Park South. Since its opening in 1907, the hotel has been synonymous with New York City glamour, offering a blend of historic charm and modern sophistication. From its opulent suites to its renowned Palm Court, home to the city's most celebrated afternoon tea, The Plaza promises an unforgettable experience for every guest. Beyond its grand façade, the hotel has played host to countless moments in pop culture, including appearances in beloved films like Home Alone 2 and The Great Gatsby. Whether you're enjoying a cocktail at The Champagne Bar, indulging in a spa treatment, or simply taking in the view of Central Park, The Plaza exudes a sense of grandeur that makes it a must-visit destination in the heart of Manhattan.

---

Fast Facts for Equinox Hotel, Hudson Yards

Address - 33 Hudson Yards, New York, NY 10001, United States
Website - https://equinox-hotels.com/nyc/
Group website - https://equinox-hotels.com
TripAdvisor ranking - #62 of 507 hotels in New York City
Contact - guestrelations.hy@equinox-hotels.com
Instagram - @equinoxhotels
Nearest airport - New York’s JFK Airport (JFK) - 26 km or 16 miles (over an hour drive, traffic dependent)
Opened - 2019
Number of rooms / suites - 218 total including 48 suites (Deluxe & Premier rooms; Junior, Deluxe/Premier One Bedroom, Two Bedroom, & Equinox Penthouse suites)
Number of floors - 15 (of the tallest building in Hudson Yards)
Bars - 1 (Electric Lemon Lounge & Terrace)
Restaurants - 1 (Electric Lemon Restaurant)
Wellbeing - Equinox Club (gym, PT, group classes, Soucycle, indoor & outdoor pools), The Spa(integrated circuit treatments – inter-modal, multi-treatment experiences, cryotherapy, infrared sauna, NutriDrip IV drips, quantum harmonics sessions, massages, body work and skin therapies), Barrel saunas
Visiting - December 2024

All images credit @equinoxhotels

The Equinox Hotel at Hudson Yards is a modern masterpiece redefining luxury and wellness in the heart of New York City. Situated within the vibrant and innovative Hudson Yards development, the hotel offers a sleek and sophisticated retreat with stunning views of the city skyline. Designed with a focus on holistic well-being, it features state-of-the-art fitness facilities, a tranquil spa offering cutting-edge treatments, and a rejuvenating rooftop pool. Guests can also indulge in culinary excellence at Electric Lemon, the hotel’s stylish restaurant and lounge. With its emphasis on mindful living and contemporary elegance, the Equinox Hotel is an ideal destination for travellers seeking a unique blend of luxury, health, and innovation in New York City.

---

Fast Facts for The William Vale, Brooklyn

Address - 111 N. 11th Street, Brooklyn
Website - https://www.thewilliamvale.com/
TripAdvisor ranking - #22 of103 hotels in Brooklyn
Contact - https://www.thewilliamvale.com/contact/
Instagram - @thewilliamvale
Nearest airport - New York’s JFK Airport (JFK) - 21 km or 13 miles (about 45 mins drive, traffic dependent)
Opened - 2016
Number of rooms / suites - 183 total including many room and suite types
Number of floors - 22
Bars - 2 (Westlight & Leuca) 
Restaurants - 2 (Westlight & Leuca) 
Wellbeing - Fitness Center  & Winter Spa (featuring panoramic barrel saunas, & cedar hot tubs)
Visiting - December 2024

All images credit @thewilliamvale

The William Vale in Brooklyn is a chic and modern retreat that perfectly encapsulates the artistic and vibrant spirit of its Williamsburg neighbourhood. Offering breathtaking views of the Manhattan skyline and the East River, this architectural gem features spacious rooms with private balconies—an uncommon luxury in New York City. Guests can enjoy elevated dining at Leuca or sip cocktails with a view at Westlight, the hotel’s rooftop bar. With its focus on design, community, and innovation, The William Vale also boasts unique amenities like panoramic barrel saunas and hot tubs at the Winter Spa. Whether you're seeking relaxation or an urban adventure, The William Vale offers a luxurious yet laid-back Brooklyn experience.

---

Fast Facts for the TWA Hotel at JFK Airport

Address - One Idlewild Drive, New York, New York 11430-1962
Website - https://www.twahotel.com
Group website - https://www.mcrhotels.com
TripAdvisor ranking - #54 of 143 hotels in Queens
Contact - info@twahotel.com
Instagram - @twahotel @mcrhotels
Nearest airport - New York’s JFK Airport (JFK) - connected to the hotel from JetBlue terminal 5)
Opened - 2019 (original terminal opened in 1962)
Number of rooms / suites - 512 (many types including two presidential suites - Howard Hughes with runway view, Eero Saarinen with terminal view)
Number of floors - two 6 storey bedroom wings
Bars - 3 (The Sunken Lounge, The Pool Bar, & Connie Cocktail Lounge). Also seasonal Runway Chalet at The Pool Bar.
Restaurants - 2 (Paris Cafe by Jean-Georges and the grab’n’go Food Hall) 
Wellbeing - Fitness Centre (apparently the world’s largest hotel gym) with 14 Peloton Bike studio, Rooftop Pool (open all year)
Visiting - January 2025

All images credit @twahotel

The TWA Hotel at JFK Airport is a stunning revival of Eero Saarinen’s iconic 1962 TWA Flight Center, blending mid-century modern design with contemporary luxury. A destination in itself, the hotel offers a nostalgic journey through aviation history with its Sunken Lounge, vintage TWA memorabilia, and Connie Cocktail Lounge housed in a restored Lockheed Constellation airplane. The rooftop infinity pool overlooking active runways provides an unmatched airport experience, while its massive fitness centre and stylish rooms, featuring retro details and soundproof windows, ensure ultimate comfort. Perfect for an overnight stay or an extended layover, the TWA Hotel is a seamless fusion of history, innovation, and style.

---

Things to do in New York

I’ve lost count of how many previous visits I’ve had to New York, over what must span almost 40 years, and it never disappoints nor do you run out of things to do. There are always new areas to explore (and I’ve loved when we’ve ventured to stay in areas other than Manhattan, like Greenwich, Brookly, Soho etc.).

Here are just some of the things I’m planning for our trip:

• Top of the Rock VIP Experience: Includes expedited entry, priority elevator access, champagne toast, private experiences on the SkyLift and Beam, as well as a photo pass.

• Gypsy on Broadway: With Audra McDonald at the Majestic Theatre on W 44th Street 

• QC NY Spa on Governors Island

• The High Line

• The Vessel at Hudson Yards: Created by Thomas Heatherwick and Heatherwick Studio

• Little Island: A new public park, located in Hudson River Park, where all New Yorkers and visitors can experience nature and art in a unique urban oasis on the Hudson River.

• Whitney Museum of Art

• The Guggenheim Museum 

• The Edge at Hudson Yards: Skydeck

• SUMMIT One Vanderbilt

---

Full Travel Itinerary: Boston & New York, USA

• Day 1   Fly to London’s Heathrow (LHR) with British Airways

• Early evening domestic flight

• Overnight Sofitel London Heathrow

• Day 2  Fly to Boston’s Logan International Airport (BOS) with British Airways

• Morning flight, scheduled 7hr 35mins - Boeing 787-100 Dreamliner

• Hotel transfer with BlackLane

• 3 nights Four Seasons Hotel BlackLane

• Day 3-4  Boston

• Sightseeing

• Day 5  Boston to New York’s Penn Station by Train

• Mid-morning train, Acela First Class with Amtrak

• Train time 3hr 44mins

• 4 nights The Plaza, New York

• Day 6-8  New York

• Sightseeing including the Top of the Rock VIP experience

• Day 9  Transfer between The Plaza & Hudson Yards

• Drive between hotels

• 3 nights Equinox Hudson Yards

• Dinner at The Peak

• Day 10-12 Hudson Yards, New York

• Sightseeing including the QC Spa on Governor’s Island

• Day 13 Transfer between Hudson Yards & Brooklyn

• Drive between hotels

• 2 nights The William Vale

• Day 14  The William Vale, Brooklyn

• Relaxing day in Brooklyn

• Day 15 Transfer between Brooklyn & JFK’s TWA Terminal Hotel

• An overnight stay (with late check-out) at the TWA Hotel

• Day 16 Leave for home

• Evening flight from New York (JFK) to London’s Heathrow (LHR), with onward domestic flight to Edinburgh the following day

• Flight time scheduled 6hr 45mins - Boeing 777-300

• Day 17  Return home

• Mid-morning arrival back to Edinburgh

---

Stay up to date with all my travel reviews!

Whenever I travel, I go beyond just sharing the full itinerary - I also provide in-depth reviews of every hotel I stay at. Along with these reviews, you’ll find engaging content on my social channels like Instagram, and now, I’m also creating YouTube videos to give you a visual tour of each hotel experience.

Start planning your luxury getaway today and discover how these extraordinary destinations can create memories that last a lifetime. Let your next adventure captivate your senses and elevate your travel experience.

Explore my links below for more travel reviews, and don’t forget to leave a comment sharing your thoughts on my latest itinerary!

---

---