Summer 2019 is not over yet, especially on Governors Island.
Looking for something elegant and entertaining this weekend? Just a quick boat-ride away and you will be transported to an exciting spectacular world-class sport and entertainment event, which spans three continents across 19 international events Paris, Monaco, Madrid, Miami Beach, Shanghai, Rome, St. Tropez, and Doha, Qatar.
“Swiss watchmaker is the Official Timekeeper, Title Partner, and Official Watch of the Longines Global Champions Tour, coming to Governors Island this Friday and Saturday, September 27-28.
The Official Watch of the Event is the Longines HydroConquest Ceramic, available at the Longines Boutique at the Westfield World Trade Center in downtown Manhattan. gcglobalchampions.com”
Be sure to get your tickets, come on out to meet the Downtown Team, as we support Official Watch of the Longines Global Champions Tour!
In 1961 a hotel chain opened which would transform the hospitality industry, delivering the finest services that would come to redefine the way luxury was experienced. In September 2016, it came to Tribeca with The Four Seasons Hotel New York Downtown, which boasts iconic architecture and breathtaking views. Book a treatment and experience a new kind of Urban Chic: four-star dining and a spa that will leave you wanting more. Purchase a gift certificate for a day of services, or surprise your loved one with a luxurious stay.
For your true love give the gift of relaxation and wellness this holiday season from The Spa at Four Seasons Hotel New York Downtown.
This Urban Chic Spa partners with Dr. Burgener Switzerland, the Swiss expert in beauty and rejuvenation, Omorovicza, from the International Spa City of Budapest to create exclusive experiences, as well as featuring products by Alexandra Soveral.
Manhattan’s Flatiron District has long been a popular destination for tourists to spend an afternoon or evening. But in recent years, thanks to the neighborhood’s rapidly increasing number of hotels, more visitors to the Big Apple are spending their nights in the neighborhood too, according to a new report.
As New York City’s tourism boom continues—with a 19.8% growth in visitors in the last five years and 65.1 million tourists expected citywide this year—the Flatiron District’s hospitality sector has grown substantially. The number of hotel rooms in the neighborhood increased by 93.8% since 2011, bringing the total number to over 4,650—and an additional 1,620 are currently under development, according to the report, which provides a snapshot of how hotel development on both Broadway and 28th Street have been catalysts for business growth, paving the way for other new and trendy dining and retail offerings nearby.
“The growth of the hospitality sector in the Flatiron District has been remarkable, as this report demonstrates,” said Jennifer Brown, the Flatiron/23rd Street Partnership’s Executive Director. “It’s easy to see why hotel developers want to be in Flatiron. With the neighborhood’s central location, proximity to historic and cultural sites, a plethora of restaurants, and easy access to public transportation, Flatiron is a popular destination for tourists and local visitors alike. The report also shows that Flatiron is a dynamic neighborhood with an irresistible mix of commercial and residential sectors.”
“Sixty restaurants, bars, cafes, and retailers operate within Flatiron’s 25 hotels”
Flatiron is a prime illustration of a broader citywide trend: one out of every five dwelling units now under construction in New York City is a hotel. The number of New York City hotel units in the construction pipeline has doubled between 2013 and 2018. Among the seven hotels currently in development in Flatiron include the Renaissance Hotel, Moxy Hotel, Ritz Carlton, Virgin Hotel, and Springhill Suites Marriott.
Sixty restaurants, bars, cafes, and retailers operate within Flatiron’s 25 hotels, offering both tourists—as well as New Yorkers—more than just a place to stay. Flatiron: Where Then Meets Now takes a deep dive into the rich history, beautiful architecture, luxurious amenities, and diverse dining options at five of the district’s most exciting hotel developments: Freehand Hotel, The James New York NoMad, The Evelyn Hotel, The New York EDITION, and The NoMad Hotel.
“It’s easy to see why hotel developers want to be in Flatiron”
“Flatiron is a welcoming destination for global travelers who want to experience everything that comes with one of Manhattan’s most dynamic neighborhoods—world-class arts and culture, rich history and architecture, and exciting dining and nightlife,” said Fred Dixon, President and CEO of NYC & Company, the official destination marketing organization for the five boroughs of New York City. “With everything the neighborhood has to offer, including its wonderful and growing array of hotels, Flatiron’s hospitality is an integral part of the New York City tourism landscape.”
Located in West SoHo on Greenwich Street, Hotel Hugo is a wonderful boutique hotel. Ideal for visitors traveling on business — yet also a local seeking a staycation — Hotel Hugo is full of great features and amenities. Beyond its Italian-themed Café Hugo on the street level, the establishment includes two rooftop bars with mind-blowing views, Bar Hugo and the Cuban-themed Azul. The hotel also includes an exercise room and a business enter, while its guest rooms include Italian tile bathrooms, hardwood floors, flat-screen televisions, modern coffeemakers and minifridges.
Following a pleasurable stay at Hotel Hugo, Downtown had the opportunity to speak with Pablo Migoya, the hotel’s General Manager. Prior to his work in West SoHo, Pablo was the GM at hotels within the SIXTY Hotels and SoHo Grand Hotels ranks. Even before that, Pablo had spent years with Swissôtel New York-The Drake. In turn, it is not particularly surprising that Pablo came across as driven, knowledgeable and personable.
As Pablo mentioned within our Q&A, Hotel Hugo’s sister property will be opening uptown in less than two months. For more information on that and all things Hotel Hugo, keep checking www.hotelhugony.com. Hotel Hugo can also be followed on Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook.
Cafe Hugo
What inspired you to work within the hospitality field?
Pablo Migoya: I wish that my story was more interesting; however, truth be told a dear friend of the family — a considered pseudo-uncle of mine — designed hotels around the world. He had just completed one that opened near my home in the Washington D.C. area and, upon my first summer home from college, asked if I would like a job. Being hungry to make immediate cash, I took the position as a bellman. The grand opening had many celebrities and my first guest I escorted up was Mickey Mantle. I walked him to his suite, he tipped me and I went on my way. At the elevator I looked at the tip and low and behold, he had given me a $100 bill! I fell in love with the industry immediately.
What is the first New York hotel you ever worked at?
PM: After nearly six years of working for the Swissôtel New York-The Drake, the owners of Thompson Hotels were just opening up their first, flagship property Sixty Thompson. I began as the hotel’s Director of Sales and Marketing.
How did you wind up working at Hotel Hugo? Did you know anyone here before being hired?
PM: The ownership group was looking for a GM that could assist them in developing a brand and was drawn toward my experience.
Do you have a favorite amenity offered by the hotel?
PM: I feel that we have a wide variety of amenities we offer, from a bottle of Prosecco upon arrival to rooftop sunset views from our Cuban-inspired bar, Azul.
Pablo Migoya / Photo: Hotel Hugo
What is your favorite item on the Café Hugo menu?
PM: That’s difficult, but I would lean towards the Avocado toast for breakfast, or the roasted Branzino for lunch or dinner.
Do the menus for Café Hugo or Bar Hugo ever change? Who are the people behind them? Is it Sammir?
PM: The menus recently changed in Café Hugo and they have, mostly on the Specialty cocktail list at Bar Hugo. Sammir does have a big influence on what appears.
Bar Hugo has an impressive view. Is it only open certain months of the year? Does a person have to be a hotel guest to experience Bar Hugo?
PM: We are very fortunate to be able to use Bar Hugo year-round. It is completely enclosed and climate-controlled. Azul is a seasonal bar, on the other hand. You do not have to be a hotel guest and we strive to target the local neighborhood as our guests. We are part of the community and thus want the bars to be local hangouts for our residents.
At the front desk there’s a beautiful grass wall. Who designed that? Marcello Pozzi?
PM: The living walls are amazing accents and talking points for the hotel. Both were designed and are maintained by Parker Plants.
Azul / Photo: Hotel Hugo
Is there something you wish more people knew about the hotel?
PM: Hotel Hugo is about to have its first sibling in the city. Hotel Hayden will be launched on Feb. 1st and is located in the Fashion District.
When not busy with the hotel, how do you like to spend your free time?
PM: Free time does not exist. I have two extremely-active teenagers who are both successful soccer players, and our weekends are spent driving from one game to another, year-round. That could mean driving to Washington, D.C or Boston.
Hotel Hugo aside, do you have a favorite restaurant in lower Manhattan?
PM: My wife and I love sushi and the best of the best is BondST, hands down.
Finally, Pablo, any last words for the kids?
PM: Be leaders and not followers. Stand for something and always listen and be respectful.
Four Season NY Downtown Spa
