New York City could be the ideal destination for Londoners travelling on holiday. Discover a host of American attractions with a city break in the Big Apple, from the bright lights of Times Square to the nature trail that is Soho’s The High Line.

New York City is a fine destination for urban-loving Londoners. We’re no strangers to the hustle and bustle so can take NYC’s pace in our stride; there’s no language barrier and its iconic high-rise skyline is seriously impressive. What’s more, KLM will fly you from London Heathrow to JFK Airport via Amsterdam Schiphol from as little as £540.

A first timer to the Big Apple, I was wide eyed as soon as we arrived. The drive into the City from the airport was full of exciting sights: a yellow taxi, a yellow school bus, the bridges, the architecture! All the clichés came together to create a picture-perfect scene.

We checked into our hotel, the Loews Regency on Park Avenue, which looks sharp after a recent $100-million renovation. Inside the 5* hotel is stylish and classy and the views from my 19th-floor suite were spectacular. For a city that never sleeps, the luxurious Loews Regency bed was one of the most comfortable I’ve ever encountered.

There’s something magical about walking around New York City – especially in the autumn with the changing colours of the leaves in Central Park. For film buffs it’s a veritable as-seen-on-screen wonderland; I felt like an extra on a film set during our stay.

The Resident: Grand rooms at the Loews Regency feature a larger living area and views over Park Avenue or 61st StreetGrand rooms at the Loews Regency feature a larger living area and views over Park Avenue or 61st Street

After a 60-minute ‘Power Hour’ (blow-dry, makeup and a manicure) at Julien Farel’s Restore Salon & Spa, based in the hotel, I felt less like an extra and more like the leading lady, ready to hit the town. In our three days on the ground in New York we managed to catch a Broadway show (Chicago), stroll around Time Square, go on a historical tour of Central Park, check out the museums, walk The High Line (Soho’s hip nature trail on the site of an old tram line), pay our respects in the financial district at the 9/11 memorial, climb the Empire State Building (worth the queues), hit the shops (Macy’s is the largest store in the world), ride the subway and sip cocktails in Greenwich Village. We even found time to go for a run around the park and take part in a pre-dawn SoulCycle class.

The Resident: Central Park, New York City, photo by Lorraine Crighton-SmithCentral Park, New York City, photo by Lorraine Crighton-Smith

Dining out? Milanese restaurant Casa Lever in midtown is perfect for a pre-Broadway supper, where you can admire $50 million worth of original Andy Warhol paintings on display. The Boathouse in Central Park was a superb lunch spot but it must be said The Regency Bar & Grill impressed our group too. Stay at Loews Regency and you are in for a treat, the service is superb and it’s in a fantastic location for getting out and exploring this pretty city.

The Resident: Times Square, Park Avenue, New York CityTimes Square, Park Avenue, New York City

TRIP NOTES
KLM offers regular flights to New York JFK via Amsterdam Schiphol and return fares start from just £540 from London Heathrow, £427 from Manchester, £428 from Edinburgh and £467 from Bristol. All fares include charges and taxes. For more information or to book, visit klm.com. Stay at Loews Regency Hotel from $299 per night.

The Resident: Feel like the ultimate New Yorker by sipping a cocktail at the Loews Regency barFeel like the ultimate New Yorker by sipping a cocktail at the Loews Regency bar

For reservations or more information call 1-800-23-LOEWS or visit loewshotels.com/Regency-Hotel