Nobody knows a city like the local concierge team. With the inside track on all the best places to dine, shows to see, and things to do, they’re a wealth of knowledge for all travelers. We talk with a top local hotel concierge in New York City to get the inside scoop on all their expert tips.
Ashley Schultz, Assistant Director of Front Office at Crowne Plaza HY36
Why do you refer your guests to The Welcome Guide®, and what makes it an important resource for you?
Schultz- Visiting NYC can seem overwhelming, with so many amazing choices of things to do and places to explore. The Welcome Guide® is perfectly curated to help you plan a trip—especially if you’re a first-time visitor to the Big Apple! Plus, it always has the latest happenings and openings, so you can join the locals in exploring things off the beaten path!
What are your best tips for exploring NYC like a local?
Schultz- The best way to be like a local is to hang out with them! Find out what FREE events are going on while you’re here. In the summertime, Bryant Park features free movies every Monday night. They also do a series called “Picnic Performances” that showcase everything from Contemporary Dance to Opera. The Little Island in the Hudson River hosts a number of free/low-cost events in “The Glade” and “The Amph” as well. You can catch everything from comics to jazz trios to oyster-shucking demonstrations (no, seriously!!) New York doesn’t have to be expensive!
What should be on every visitor’s “bucket list” when visiting?
Schultz- SUMMIT One Vanderbilt is a MUST-SEE! It’s the tallest commercial skyscraper in Manhattan and is unlike anything of its kind! It’s an immersive experience taking up the top 3 floors of a 93-story building. You can do everything from standing on a glass-bottomed ledge overlooking Madison Avenue to exploring a floor filled with 30,000 sq ft of mirrors to grabbing a drink and bite to eat while you take in a one-of-a-kind view from the open-air terrace located on the top floor. PRO TIP: If you love heights, it’s 100% worth adding to the Ascent package, which allows you to take a ride in the world’s largest glass-bottomed external elevator!
For a guest looking for a night on the town, what would you recommend?
Schultz- One of my favorite nights out in NYC is getting dressed up and catching a show at Dizzy’s Club Coca-Cola—part of Jazz at Lincoln Center. Dizzy’s is located on top of the Shops at Columbus Circle. If you go to an early show, you can watch the sunset over a panoramic view of Central Park. It’s absolutely breathtaking!
What’s an excellent spot to capture a great selfie?
Schultz– My favorite spot for a selfie is along the High Line that starts at Hudson Yards. Not only are there amazing art displays on rotation all along the pathway, but you can capture great views of the One World Observatory, Empire State Building, and the Little Island.
What is the best suggestion you can give a first-time visitor?
Schultz- Wear comfortable shoes! It’s easy to rack up 10-15K steps without noticing as you explore the city.
If someone only had 24 hours in NYC, where would you send them?
Schultz– I honestly love the Hop On/Hop Off Bus Tours. They are the best way to get an overview of the city and see all the big attractions in a short amount of time. Plus, you can stop off anywhere that might seem intriguing to do a little closer exploration or grab a bite to eat!
Where’s the best place to take kids of all ages?
Schultz- As touristy as it may sound, Times Square and Rockefeller Center are some of the best places to visit with families. The lights of Times Square are impressive to kids of all ages, plus you’ll find the iconic FAO Schwarz Toy Store, the Lego Store, and M&M World all within a few blocks. Make sure to end with dinner at Ellen’s Stardust Diner. The line will most likely be long, but trust me—the entertainment makes it worth the wait!
Any suggestions for the best under-the-radar sites or uncommon things to do?
Schultz- Governor’s Island is a short ferry ride from Manhattan and is probably one of the most unique spots in the city. It’s a completely car-free zone, which makes for fun bike riding and hiking! Throughout the year, there are numerous art and cultural events and educational programs that are free to the public. If you feel like relaxing a bit while there, head over to the public hammocks in “Hammock Grove” or check out the panoramic views of Manhattan from the pool on top of the QC NY Spa!
What is your expert tip?
Schultz- If you’re coming to NYC, there’s nothing more iconic than seeing a Broadway show. If your schedule is flexible, there are several great ways to see one (or more!) on a budget. Most Broadway shows offer a small number of discounted tickets either through digital lotteries the day before or by in-person “rush” at the box office when it opens on the day of the performance. You may have to put in a little extra effort to get in line early and make sure you can snag a ticket, but it’s well worth it to be able to see a Broadway show for $30-$55. You can find the full list of Rush/ Standing Room/ and Lottery guidelines for each show at Playbill.com.
