NYC’S UPPER EAST SIDE: THE LOEWS REGENCY

Last month I was in New York to cover New York Fashion Week and, despite most of the fashion events being downtown, I ended up spending a large amount of time on the Upper East Side. This was, in part, due to the fact that I was staying at the Loews Regency Hotel and found myself falling in love with their staff and location. While I love a lively downtown adventure, there’s something very classic and romantic about being steps from Central Park… and the hotel’s story, restaurant staff, and interesting new local specials made me love it even more.

The Regency Bar & Grill, long established as a power-restaurant for the Manhattan elite, has an extensive history that’s steeped in New York tradition. If the walls could talk, they’d whisper overheard snippets from political power breakfasts and salacious details dropped over a Joan’s Chopped Salad (named after the infamous Joan Tisch, who lived at the Hotel)! The Loews Regency itself boasts a rich and vibrant history, reminiscent of a quintessential American story – many of the staff have been there for decades, and they are filled with wonderfully heartwarming anecdotes that embody the family values that seem to permeate the very structure of the building. I had so much fun getting to know everyone – and I recommend stopping by for a drink to meet some wonderful characters!

Often, with a hotel that’s as immersed in tradition as the Loews Regency is, it’s easy for them to feel dated or obsolete in our ever-changing, social media driven world. Not so with this hotel. They’ve done a fabulous job of keeping their finger on the pulse of the eclectic, hectic city of New York and have introduced some wonderful new experiences and events that not only keep the hotel relevant, but put it at the top of my list when visiting. One of the things I love is their wine list – it’s a veritable treasure trove (the wine cellar boasts a seven figure collection) of delightful wines – and their new Nitrogen system means that they open some rare and interesting bottles for guests to try – it’s not often you can have a glass of something that old or rare without committing to the whole bottle! Their bar has become known for hosting a local power hour where savvy Upper East Siders mingle and relax after work.

I’d highly recommend you stop on by and check out their bar next time you’re in town!