What's (Actually) Cool Around Times Square
To tourists, Times Square is a dazzling beacon of glimmering lights, hot nightlife activities, and bumping restaurants, but to New Yorkers it's a total no-go zone (unless you like foot-traffic jams, getting hustled for the 10 p.m. comedy show, and the Naked Cowboy). But we refuse to believe that all of Midtown West should be left to the out-of-towners. Instead, we're reclaiming 42nd Street by bringing you what's actually worth navigating the blocks filled with slow-walkers, foldable maps, and hot dog stands. These attractions are worthy of locals' attention and redeem the area that we've otherwise avoided for years (sorry, Condé Nast-ers, you'll be downtown in no time). Keep reading for just some of what's cool in Times Square right now.
Experience
Looking for a staycation? Pool Bar at the Grace Hotel lets you feel like you're outside Manhattan even though you're smack in the middle of, you guessed it, Times Square. The best part? There's a well-lit indoor pool area with bottle service, a full bar, a DJ, and even some steam room/sauna action. And, you don't need to be a hotel guest (or even know one) to get in. Book this spot for birthday parties or just swing by on a Saturday night to get your drink, dance, and dunk on! FYI: Make sure you cellie's not in your pocket if you to decide to get wet.
Grace Hotel, 125 W 45th Street (between 6th and 7th avenues); 212-354-2323 .
Whether you're needing skin solutions, beauty applications, waxing, or (yep) injectables, even Midtown desperately needs a reliable (and all service!) salon. Luckily, Gotham Beauty Lounge — just open in the prestigious Bryant Park Place — has a roster of clutch treatments for guys and girls. We're calling this one 42nd Street-area indulgence we'd travel uptown for...and we're booking out appointments, stat.
Gotham Beauty Lounge, 32 West 40th Street (between 5th and 6th avenues); 212-921-2002.
If you're looking for a more low-key (but still glam) Midtown hotel experience, check out the original Dream Hotel, equipped with a rooftop bar and an outpost of Serafina for the classic NYC Italian fare that always hits the spot. Sure, the downtown jam may have stolen the limelight, but if you find yourself on West 55th Street, it's still a destination for drinks and relaxation.
The Dream Hotel, 210 West 55th Street (Between Broadway & 7th Avenue); 212-247-2000.
small> Photo: The Grace Hotel Pool Bar, Courtesy of Formulatin
Experience
Looking for a staycation? Pool Bar at the Grace Hotel lets you feel like you're outside Manhattan even though you're smack in the middle of, you guessed it, Times Square. The best part? There's a well-lit indoor pool area with bottle service, a full bar, a DJ, and even some steam room/sauna action. And, you don't need to be a hotel guest (or even know one) to get in. Book this spot for birthday parties or just swing by on a Saturday night to get your drink, dance, and dunk on! FYI: Make sure you cellie's not in your pocket if you to decide to get wet.
Grace Hotel, 125 W 45th Street (between 6th and 7th avenues); 212-354-2323 .
Whether you're needing skin solutions, beauty applications, waxing, or (yep) injectables, even Midtown desperately needs a reliable (and all service!) salon. Luckily, Gotham Beauty Lounge — just open in the prestigious Bryant Park Place — has a roster of clutch treatments for guys and girls. We're calling this one 42nd Street-area indulgence we'd travel uptown for...and we're booking out appointments, stat.
Gotham Beauty Lounge, 32 West 40th Street (between 5th and 6th avenues); 212-921-2002.
If you're looking for a more low-key (but still glam) Midtown hotel experience, check out the original Dream Hotel, equipped with a rooftop bar and an outpost of Serafina for the classic NYC Italian fare that always hits the spot. Sure, the downtown jam may have stolen the limelight, but if you find yourself on West 55th Street, it's still a destination for drinks and relaxation.
The Dream Hotel, 210 West 55th Street (Between Broadway & 7th Avenue); 212-247-2000.
small> Photo: The Grace Hotel Pool Bar, Courtesy of Formulatin
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