FYI NEWS - NEW YORK CITY'S CONCIERGE NEWSLETTER
See the Holiday Lights! with OnBoard Tours
Are your hotel guests looking to get into the holiday mood? Through Jan. 8, OnBoard Tours will be featuring a special three-hour jaunt showcasing New York’s Christmas spirit, displayed in one of the most elaborate light shows in the world. The journey begins with Rockefeller Center and the famous Christmas Tree, then cruises down Fifth Avenue, where department stores like Macy’s, Saks, and Lord & Taylor are outfitted for the holidays in classic New York style. Tour departs daily from 50th St. & Seventh Ave. in Times Square at 7pm. $59.99; $49.99, children under 12. 212-852-4821; onboardnewyorktours.com
The HBO Shop Holiday Window Display
The HBO Shop is celebrating the holiday season with a special window display featuring items from the cable network’s hit television series, including True Blood, Game of Thrones, Sex & the City, and Eastbound and Down. Gifts available this season at the HBO Shop include Sex and the City stiletto ornaments, Game of Thrones mugs and Iron Throne paperweights, Kenny Powers (Eastbound and Down) bobblehead dolls, and the Tru Blood beverage and True Blood pint glasses. You’ll also find a full line of The Sopranos memorabilia, DVD sets, t-shirts, and more from all of their other hit shows, including Boardwalk Empire, Curb Your Enthusiasm, Treme, Enlightened, Hung, Bored to Death, The Wire, Big Love, and Entourage. To view images of the display and products available, click here. 42nd St. & Sixth Ave., 212-512-SHOP; www.hboshop.com
Selena Gomez at Madame Tussauds
Through the month of December, pop star Selena Gomez’s wax figure will be on display next to her superstar boyfriend, Justin Bieber, at Madame Tussauds in Times Square, where guests can cozy up next to the hot couple in front of the fireplace and take their holiday photos. Word has it that Gomez was an enthusiastic participant in the figure-making process, spending nearly an hour with the studio artists as they took dozens of measurements and hundreds of photos to ensure her wax likeness would be an exact replica. She even donated a black BCBG dress and shoes of her own for the wax figure to keep the clothing authentic. 234 W. 42nd St., 866-841-3505; nycwax.com
La Silhouette Earns Accolades
With just a year under its belt, chic French newcomer La Silhouette (362 W. 53rd St., New York, NY, 212-581-2400; la-silhouettenyc.com) has taken home the gold. First, at September’s 5th Annual Concierge Choice Awards (CCA), hosted by Davler Media’s City Guide and Promenade magazines, La Silhouette was named “Best New Restaurant” for 2011. The hot spot was also recognized in the 2012 edition of Zagat, highlighted in many of their recommended categories, including “Key Newcomers,” “Neighborhood Stars,” and “French Bistro”. They are also awarded the coveted “Z”, which refers to restaurants that have received Zagat’s “highest ratings, popularity and importance.” Finally, the restaurant received a remarkable 26 for food, 21 for décor and 25 for service. La Silhouette is open 7 days a week for lunch (Monday-Friday), dinner (seven days) and weekend brunch (Saturday & Sunday). La Silhouette also recently launched delivery through seamless web.
Oriens Living
If your guests are looking for a relaxing experience during their visit, schedule them an appointment at Oriens Living (36 W. 44th St., Ste. 1212, 212-213-5785; www.oriensliving.com), an oasis where both men and women can enjoy treatments that will enhance their health, spirit, and appearance.
Oriens has a dedicated Hotel Menu of Services.
RELAXATION: Your guests can melt away their jet lag, anxiety, pain, and stress with a Relaxation, Swedish, Shiatsu, Deep-Tissue, Reflexology, or Thai Yoga Mat Massage .
HEALING THERAPIES: I personally experienced an Acupuncture Treatment, which minimized my back pain and totally relaxed me. Other options for healthy living include Bowen Therapy, which delivers results similar to chiropractic treatment but is very relaxing to receive, with no spinal manipulation. Cold Laser Treatment works on sprains and injuries and promotes tissue repair for pain and swelling. Clients can achieve optimal health and vitality through health evaluations and Nutrition Counseling.
FACIALS: Oriens has a signature facial contouring treatment called the Non-Surgical Facelift Alternative. Mehta Facelift Massage and Acupuncture Facial Rejuvenation can produce amazing results with just one treatment. High Performance Holistic Facials are stimulating and revitalizing options that will keep the skin youthful and glowing.
There is an easy online booking system. They have referral rewards programs in addition to the traditional system. Call 212-213-5785 to set up your free sample session!
By-appointment only, no drop-ins. — Peter Johnson
To view City Guide's Holiday Gift Guide, click here.
