The coolest place to spend Christmas in the city

If New York is the coolest, hippest city on the planet, then The Bryant Park Hotel is definitely its most fashionable address, so why not think about taking a trip there soon to experience these pleasures first hand. Rising 25 stories above mid-town Manhattan and housed inside a stunning 1920’s Art Deco building, it blends drop dead gorgeous looks with 5 star attention to detail.

The city of New York and the Bryant Park really come into their own at Christmas time. When the cold wind blows and the snow starts falling, New York is magically transformed into a winter wonderland. And if you want the best place to gaze out over this dazzling metropolis, then why not try one of The Bryant Park’s rooms with a view.

Renowned as a mecca for young Hollywood and leading fashionistas alike this is never more apparent than in the run up to Christmas, when it becomes the place to see and be seen. While many of New York’s leading fashion companies choose The Bryant Park for their holiday parties, the hotel’s world renowned restaurant, Koi, is buzzing from lunchtime to midnight. Meanwhile, the coolest members of New York society flock to the Cellar Bar, where the party starts after work and carries on into the early hours.

Some extensive retail therapy is de rigueur for most at this time of the year. And naturally the hotel that enjoyed a walk on part in blockbuster smash, ‘Sex and the City’, does not disappoint. Situated between Fifth and Sixth Avenues, it’s but a short stroll to such legendary emporiums as Macy’s, Bloomingdale’s, Bergdorf Goodman, Barneys, Saks Fifth Avenue and Lord & Taylor.

For those who really can’t tear themselves away from the hotel’s vicinity, Bryant Park itself will again be transforming itself into one of the City’s most popular haunts. Gone are the tents from New York’s bi-annual Fashion Weeks and in their place is a vast ice rink where skaters can glide against a backdrop of Manhattan skyscrapers.

Nothing quite captures the glamour of the New York holidays than this magnificent spectacle that is open daily from 24 October through to 25 January 2009.

Adding to the excitement are over 120 shops offering stylish, one-of-a-kind items from around the world. Meanwhile Celsius, a fabulous two-storey Canadian fusion bistro overlooking The Pond, provides the perfect place to refuel.

Towering majestically above this fairytale setting is Bryant Park’s famous Christmas tree. Bedecked with over 30,000 white lights and 3,100 designer ornaments, it is a breathtaking sight.

From 24 October 2008 to 25 January 2009, Bryant Park Hotel is offering a special package that includes one of its celebrated full in-room service American Breakfasts, VIP tickets to the rink that affords immediate entry (no queuing), complimentary ice skate rental and bag check plus two hot chocolates at the Snack Bar.

The prices for this package are $499 (Deluxe Room); $599 (Deluxe View); $699(Junior Suite) and $799 (Bryant Park Suite). These rates are charged per room, per night, plus current taxes of 13.375%, with an additional $3.50 per room and $5.50 per suite.

For more information and bookings, log on to Bryantparkhotel.com.