If  you asked someone to go to Williamsburg, Brooklyn ten years ago, they probably would’ve called you crazy. “Dangerous,” “crime ridden,” “industrious”…these are all words that used to describe Williamsburg. Nowadays,  you’re more likely to hear people refer to Williamsburg as “hipster,” “the new Manhattan,” or “trendy.” Williamsburg is no longer a place to avoid when visiting New York City but rather a “must see” on every visitor’s itinerary. Only a short subway ride from the East Village, I encourage everyone

“It’s the most wonderful time of the year…” – Andy Williams Who doesn’t love the holidays in New York City?  Kate, Hotel Giraffe’s Sales Coordinator, sure does!  Growing up on Long Island, she has been lucky enough to experience this magical time in NYC since she was a little girl.  As we count down the days to the 2014 Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade, the kickoff for the holiday season, Kate shares with us a few of her favorite attractions.

New York City is perfect for Family-Friendly activities, but what about Friend-Friendly activities?  Sometimes it’s difficult to plan outings with large groups, whether it be due to differing tastes or that not everyone can fit into that small Jazz club.  Escape the Room, NYC’s hottest new attraction, provides an exciting and fun atmosphere for small and large groups alike.  Hotel Giraffe’s concierge, Chris Lastra, had the night of his life when he escaped the room last month and was happy to

New York City is always changing.  Every year there are new attractions, buildings and restaurants to delight residents and visitors from all over the world.  But don’t be mislead, we are rich with history.  While visiting New York travelers can customize their own experience, interweaving our nation’s past, present and future to create the perfect trip.  Tim Gerhold, the Front Office Manager at the Library Hotel and a self-proclaimed history buff, shares with us his recommendations for a fun-filled tour of

“Forget fear. Worry about the addiction.” -Trapeze School New York What could be more exhilarating than flying through the air alongside the skyline of New York City?  We’re hard pressed to think of something.  Trapeze School New York(TSNY) offers locals and visitors alike classes in the art of the flying trapeze at three different NYC locations.  It’s perfect for travelers as it only takes one class to get you up in the air, although they warn on their website that one

Speakeasies were established during the prohibition era  in an effort to provide cocktails and illegal bootleg alcohol to thirsty consumers.  They were secret bars, or merely secret rooms in functioning establishments where only a few select people were invited to frequent.  The name “Speak-Easy” even refers to the quiet and hushed voices patrons would have to use while there to avoid being found.  With the re-legalization of alcohol, speakeasies began to disappear, however over the last decade New York City has

Millions of travelers from all over the world come to visit magical, invigorating New York City! As we have visitors from all over the globe from many different environments and climates, it’s important to be prepared when visiting a new place! Dressing for NYC is a very important part of planning your trip. Depending on the time of year and season, temperatures can change drastically throughout the day. As NYC is the ultimate walking city, we recommend a plethora of options in your

Hotel Giraffe’s Reservations Manager, Steve, takes us on a quick tour of the West Village Jazz scene.  A Wisconsinite and lover of everything jazz, Steve offers his favorite places that gave him the feel of home when he first arrived in New York City: We adore the bright lights of Times Square and the magic of Broadway, but  tucked away in the West Village are some wonderful lesser known attractions that I love recommending. The West Village is home to NYU and the fully completed High

Thanksgiving Day Weekend in NYC Each November, New York City is buzzing with excitement in preparation for the very beginning of the holiday season. Over 3.5 million people travel to The Big Apple to enjoy the annual Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade. If you are looking for information on where to watch the parade, where to have your Thanksgiving dinner or want insight on the best holiday markets in the area, we want to send you in the right direction!  We’ve also included information on how to get

It’s nearing that time when everyone gathers in New York City to shop for the holidays. Windows will be decorated, lights will be twinkling, and we can always expect a few surprise decorations!  So whether  you’re inclined to shop till you drop or simply take in the wonder of the holidays in Midtown Manhattan, TipsForTravelers has your go-to guide for everything luxury.