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.
Nathaniel Kristall, Head Concierge at Fouquet’s New York
Why do you refer your guests to The Welcome Guide®, and what makes it an important resource for you?
Kristall: If you are looking to get up-to-date on the most recent events or start to introduce yourself to what is accessible in New York City, The Welcome Guide® is key. From the best hotels in the city (like Fouquet’s New York!) and restaurants and everything in between, The Welcome Guide® has what you are looking for to help manage your trip and see what is new in the city that never sleeps.
What are your best tips for exploring NYC like a local?
Kristall: My best recommendation? Live like a local, and play like a Parisian at Fouquet’s New York. Conveniently located in the heart of Tribeca, you get the best of both worlds—access to the city’s quaint and residential cobblestone streets and the chance to explore the city’s most vibrant neighborhoods for shopping and dining—SoHo and the West Village. Start your mornings with views of the Hudson down the West Side Highway, grab a coffee at Laughing Man, then head down Spring and Broadway to find a curation of the city’s most coveted boutiques like ESSX NYC and ElyseWalker. Pro tip: locals best prefer to spend evenings at a hotel bar, so be sure to add a few to your itinerary and rub shoulders with the city’s finest.
What should be on every visitor’s “bucket list” when visiting?
Kristall: There is nothing that screams experiencing New York glamor than a Broadway Show. At Fouquet’s New York, you can dress to the nines and dine at our Brasserie Fouquet’s—an homage to our sister property in Paris, where for over 250 years, the world’s most famous have dined. Then, take a town car down the West Side Highway and in just 20 minutes, you’ll find yourself in the theater district, stepping into one of the most coveted playhouses to enjoy a performance by some of the world’s most talented actors.
What’s an excellent spot to capture a great selfie?
Kristall: The Staple Street SkyBridge. There is something so charming about Tribeca’s red brick buildings and cobblestone streets that scream old-world New York City. As one of the only sky bridges left in the city, it’s a lovely moment to honor a piece of history, while still keeping true to the New York City aesthetic. In the spring and summer, a golden hour at Fouquet’s New York guest-only rooftop, Le Vaux, is reason enough to book your room.
What is the best suggestion you can give a first-time visitor?
Kristall: Plan in advance (as much as you can)! As soon as you know you’re heading into town, send your hotel concierge—aka your little black book of custom and unique New York City experiences—a message. With the hustle and bustle of the city, let your concierge know your preferences—whether you’re looking to attend a few shows, you’re an avid foodie, or you’re just looking for the best lounges to relax and unwind, we can prepare an array of options to schedule a perfect itinerary.
If someone only had 24 hours in NYC, where would you send them?
Kristall: Before you do anything else, you must start your morning at Apollo Bagels—everything bagel, scallion cream cheese, and lox. Then head to the local shops around SoHo—What Goes Around Comes Around, IF, and Flying Solo are just a few of my favorites. Grab a quick plain or pepperoni slice (or two) at L’Industrie, then head uptown to either Central Park East or West, followed by a gander down Fifth Avenue to pass along some of fashion’s finest flagships.
Follow this with dinner reservations at some of the best: Polo Bar, Brasserie Fouquet’s, Da Toscano, Raohl’s, or Don Angie—and save some extra room for a late-night stop at Magnolia Bakery for banana pudding. NightCap? Look no further than Fouquet’s New York’s speakeasy, Titsou Bar—seductive, 1920s style with a cocktail menu that will leave others envious.
Any suggestions for the best under-the-radar sites or uncommon things to do?
Kristall: Walk along the Hudson River on the Hudson Greenway Trail. While this waterside walkway spans from Battery Park up to 59th Street, the Tribeca portion is the city’s hidden gem. It offers a calming escape with picturesque views of the skyline over the river. Pier 26 is very ideal for some solitude, socializing, and sunsets with sun loungers to enjoy onsite to escape the hustle and bustle of the city. You can also enjoy some of New York City’s most succulent seafood at Grand Banks, a floating oyster bar on an old wooden ship docked off the Pier during the nice weather or City Winery for an option on land.
What is your Expert Tip?
Kristall: The smallest and maybe the chicest Museum in NYC is in Tribeca, within walking distance from Fouquet’s New York—Mmuseumm. Be sure to plan your getaway to New York in October and April for the best chances to experience the beauty of the seasons.
