The Upper East Side Hotel That I Always Recommend

I’ve worked as a travel writer for a long time and have stayed at a lot of hotels. That said, because I live on the Upper East Side, I don’t stay at a lot of hotels on the Upper East Side. Still, I’m often asked the question: What’s the best hotel in the neighborhood? And I almost always recommend The Franklin New York (unless you really want to splash out at the Carlyle). This cute boutique hotel is located just a few blocks from our apartment (and Central Park!), so it’s really convenient for those who are visiting us and can’t fit in our small space. It’s also just a great all-around hotel, and we’ve had ringing endorsements from those who’ve stayed here. The property is owned by VOCO, an IHG Hotel, so you can easily use points if you’re a part of that program. The rooms (like almost all of them in NYC) are small, but have charming decor with crystal chandeliers and original photography. It’s on a pretty block and almost gives you the feeling that you live here, rather than staying at a big box chain. What’s your favorite hotel on the Upper East Side?

Steve Cohen the Magician is Magical

Image Credit: Chamber Magic

I should point out that this is not 100 percent on the Upper East Side, but it’s close and it’s worth every extra block. Steve Cohen the Magician has been performing for celebrities and other notables for the past 20 years. His show, Chamber Magic, is now the resident magic show at the Lotte New York Palace hotel (on Madison and 51st), and was one of the most fun nights we’ve had in a long time. Full disclosure, I’m not really into magic, but this performance is incredible.

The 90-minute show is held in a parlor, just off The Gold Room, and cocktail attire is encouraged, making it feel like a special occasion. I wish we would have made time to have a pre-dinner cocktail at the bar. The show is adults-only and limited to 64 people so that the environment feels intimate and elegant. 

Without giving away any secrets, Cohen has worked to recreate parlor entertainment that was popular in Manhattan’s early 20th century, when magicians were invited into the homes of wealthy patrons to entertain friends and family. This event feels like you’ve stepped back in time before iPhones, when an audience is captivated by entertainers. Cohen has a psychology degree from Cornell University and studied at Waseda University in Tokyo. He also holds the rank of Member of the Inner Magic Circle with Gold Star, awarded by The Magic Circle in London. He’s performed for loads of celebs like Warren Buffet, Martha Stewart, Tracy Morgan, Buzz Aldrin, Stephen Sondheim, the Queen of Monaco, and royal family members, to name a few. His tricks, in a nutshell, are mind bending (especially the Think-a-Drink). If you’re going to do one new thing in NYC this year, I highly recommend this. It would also be really fun for visiting guests.

Chamber Magic is held twice every Friday and Saturday. Shows take place at Lotte New York Palace hotel. Tickets start at $125; get them here.