Fitzpatrick hotel, NYC
Ask anyone, anywhere and they will tell you the Irish give the best welcome.
When you arrive to one of the busiest cities in the world, with temperatures way below zero, it helps to step into a warm hotel and hear “Welcome to Fitzpatrick’s. How was your flight? You must be tired, we’ll get you sorted straight away.”
They understand that the seven hour flight, hour-long taxi ride and plunging temperatures have not left you feeling energised, ready to explore the city. They understand you don’t want to fill in a lengthy form.
“The bar is open and we’re serving food if you’re hungry.” They understand you just want to sit down, have a snack and a drink.
“Don’t worry, it looks like the weather is going to be a bit warmer tomorrow.” Yes, they understand our obsession with the weather.
This is what you get when you stay in a Fitzpatrick Hotel in New York City. You get warm smiles, friendly banter, cups of Barry’s Tea and a delicious Irish fry in the morning.
Don’t get me wrong, I’m not the type of person who goes on holiday and immediately seeks out the Irish pub in town. Quite the opposite actually, but there’s a reason why the Fitzpatrick Hotels in New York (there are two – Manhattan & Grand Central) are a top pick for Irish people visiting the Big Apple.
We stayed in the Grand Central hotel, which is perfectly located beside my favourite spot in the city - Grand Central Station. The boutique vibe of the hotel is welcoming, rooms are modern and elegantly furnished. The staff are the friendliest I’ve met in a long while and not that fake smile, gritted teeth – “can I help you” – kind of way. Each morning we were treated to endless coffee in the foyer as we rose before the birds. The staff spent half their time reassuring us the weather would improve and the sun would shine. They managed to make us believe -11 was not so cold. “Wrap up and enjoy!” And we did.
Our first morning we opted for the fry in the adjacent bar and restaurant – The Wheeltapper. I’ve never seen Dan so happy as he feasted on sausages, crispy bacon, eggs and pudding. It took all my persuasion to get him to eat elsewhere from then on. The Wheeltapper is a typical Irish bar with dark wood, snugs, Guinness on tap, but the big surprise is the huge, heated beer garden in the back. Work crowds descend on the bar each evening making it a lively spot for after dinner drinks. Yet, for a centrally located hotel and buzzing bar, our sleeps were undisturbed and cosy.
The Fitzpatrick Hotel is a New York city hotel, with an Irish twist. The warm welcome is comforting after a day battling the crowds on the streets of NYC. It makes for the perfect retreat in the city that never sleeps.
MORE INFOCFor things to do and see in the city read here
Packages to NYC with a stay in the Fitzpatrick Hotel can be seen here with Sunway.
