FREE Concerts in Rockefeller Center! It’s time for the Toyota Concert Series on the Today Show in NYC

Rock out to your favorite artists this summer – the Today Show's Toyota Concert Series makes its way back to Rockefeller Center with some of the biggest names in music today!  Read on to see what’s in store this year!

Toyota Concert Series on the Today Show in NYC
Free concerts in Rockefeller Center all summer long

Kicking off on May 24 and running through August 30, see fun, New Kids on the Block, 98 Degrees, Boyz II Men, Lionel Richie, Maroon 5, Hunter Hayes, Phillip Phillips, John Mayer, Ed Sheeran, Fall Out Boy, Train, The Band Perry, Michael Buble, Luke Bryan, One Direction & Chris Brown!

Additional performances may be announced throughout the season.  Click here to visit the Today’s Show website for all of the latest information and show dates.

Tips: 
Viewing is on a first-come, first-served basis outside the Today Show’s window-on-the-world studio, located at 49th Street and Rockefeller Plaza in New York City. Fans should arrive by 6 a.m. for best viewing.

For overnight accommodations in NYC consider the Wyndham Midtown 45 – located within walking distance of all of the free concerts at Rockefeller Center.  The hotel’s 203 guestrooms and suites are stylishly appointed and feature high-end technology as well as upscale amenities for your total comfort and enjoyment.  To learn more or to reserve a stay, please visit our website.  The Wyndham Midtown 45 hopes everyone has a fantastic time at the Today Show NYC 2013 Toyota Concert Series! 

*image credit Today Show

Where Art and Fun Collide! The 2013 Museum Mile Festival NYC

Ready for some FREE fun in Manhattan? Over a million visitors since 1978 can’t be wrong – join the festivities at what is considered to be New York’s Biggest Block Party.  It’s time for the 2013 Museum Mile Festival in NYC!

The 2013 Museum Mile Festival in NYC
June 11, 2013

Where art and fun collide – The 35th Annual Museum Mile Festival brings together ten of the world’s most famous museums for a block party like no other. 
FREE Access to all participating museums from 6-9pm
Leave your car behind! 23 blocks will be only open to pedestrians
FREE Entertainment and live music
Fun activities for the kids

•    Museum for African Art
•    El Museo Del Barrio
•    Museum of the City of New York
•    The Jewish Museum
•    Ooper-Hewitt, National Design Museum, Smithsonian Institution
•    National Academy Museum and School of Fine Arts
•    Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum
•    Neu Galerie New York
•    Goethe-Institut New York/German Cultural Center
•    The Metropolitan Museum of Art

Make a weekend of it - come experience the 2013 Museum Mile Festival in NYC then book your stay at the Wyndham Midtown 45, located just minutes from all of the fun on 5th Avneue.  For reservations or more information, visit our website.  

NYCB 2013 Spring Events – American Music Festival Comes to Lincoln Center

Celebrate the season with the New York City Ballet's (NYCB) spring events –it's time for the American Music Festival at Lincoln Center! With 18 composers, these performances will make for a festival of American music like no other.

NYCB Spring Season Events -  25th Annual American Music Festival
Lincoln Center
Performances from April 30 to June 9, 2013

Highlights include: WhoCares (music by George Gershwin), Ivesiana (music by Charles Ives), Stars and Stripes (music by John Philip Sousa) and Fancy Free (music by Leonard Bernstein) as well as a world premiere ballet by Christopher Wheeldon.  There is something for everyone to enjoy!

Not to be missed:  The New York City Ballet Spring Gala – May 8, 2013.  Enjoy performances by Queen Latifah and clarinetist Richard Stoltzman to commemorate the 25th anniversary of the American Musical Festival. 

The New York City Ballet is one of the leading dance companies in the world, featuring some of the most spectacular dancers and breathtaking performances. Founded in 1948 by George Balanchine and Lincoln Kirstein, the NYCB is known the world over for its athletic and contemporary style.

Everyone at The Alex Hotel is thrilled about all of NYCB’s amazing 2013 spring events!  For overnight accommodations when visiting Lincoln Center, visit our website or call 855-212-0199. 

*image credit NYCB

Cherry Blossoms Abound in NYC at Brooklyn Botanic Garden – Sakura Matsuri 2013

Spring is in the air at the Brooklyn Botanic Garden (BBG) and the entire month of April is dedicated to Hanami, a month-long Japanese celebration of cherry blossoms in NYC!  The culmination of this month is the weekend-long cherry blossom festival, known in Japanese as "Sakura Matsuri." Step out and enjoy the season this year and take in the sights at the Brooklyn Botanic Garden!

Cherry Blossom Festival - Sakura Matsuri 2013 – Brooklyn Botanic Garden
Saturday, April 27–Sunday, April 28, 2013  10 a.m.–6 p.m.
A weekend celebrating traditional and contemporary Japanese culture with over 60 demonstrations, performances and exhibits!
Taiko Drumming • Manga Artists • Tea Ceremonies • J-Rock and Pop • Samurai Sword Fighting • Bonsai • Fashion Show • Flower Arranging • Kids’ Workshops • Nihon Buyo Classical Dance • Sudoku and much more!

The weather is warming up and cherry blossoms at BBG are certainly one of the most magnificent displays of the season in NYC. Take in the beauty and excitement of Sakura Matsuri 2013 at the Brooklyn Botanic Garden and make it a weekend of springtime fun at The Alex Hotel. For reservations, please visit our website.

We hope everyone enjoys a magnificent time at Sakura Matsuri 2013!

MLB Is Back! NY Mets & NY Yankees Home Opener This April

People ask me what I do in winter when there's no baseball.  I'll tell you what I do.  I stare out the window and wait for spring.  ~Rogers Hornsby

Baseball is back and the 2013 season will be in full swing for both of New York’s favorite teams!  The New York Mets and the New York Yankees are preparing for their home opener games – each facing off against their opponents on April 1!

The NY Mets & Yankees 2013 MLB Home Opener April 1, 2013

New York Mets vs. San Diego Padres
New York Yankees vs. Boston Red Sox

Click here to view the full season for the Mets/ Click here to view the full season for the Yankees

For the first time since 2005, the New York Yankees will open their season with a home series against the Red Sox!  The Mets will be looking to avenge the losses of  2012 and are feeling confident that they are going to surprise everyone.

In town for the NY Mets or Yankees home opener?  Make it a memorable overnight experience with the perfect post game accommodations at The Alex Hotel. Centrally located in Midtown Manhattan, The Alex Hotel is within walking distance to so many New York City attractions.  Come experience upscale guestrooms and suites with the very best in service and amenities. To make reservations, visit The Alex Hotel online.

Treat your Little Girl to the Time of her Life! New York Midtown Hotel deals – American Girl Place®

Sugar and spice and everything nice! American Girl® Dolls inspire childhood play and imagination that goes beyond the everyday from historical characters to their “My American Girl” created to look just like your child or Bitty Babies and Bitty Twins.  Plan your trip to American Girl Place® and take advantage of one of the most incredible New York Midtown Hotel deals at The Alex Hotel! 

American Girl Place® Package at The Alex Hotel
Give your little girl the gift of indulgence with The Alex American Girl Place® Package:
Deluxe accommodations
American Girl Travel Bed for your doll (one bed included)
NYC sweet treat
$25 American Girl Gift Card (one per reservation)

American Girl Place® in New York City is like a dream come true for doll lovers.  With dolls and accessories on every floor, a hair salon just for your American Girl Doll, hospital, bookstore, Café and more! Perfect for birthdays, or holiday gifts, your little girl and her favorite American Girl® will enjoy an enchanting experience with the very best of New York midtown hotel deals at The Alex Hotel and American Girl Place® shopping encounter. For more information and to make your reservations now, please visit our website. 

Image credit American Girl Place NYC

Spending Easter in the City? Time to Get On Your Easter Finery for the NYC Easter Parade!

Did you know that the first chocolate eggs were made in Germany in the 19th century and remain one of the most popular Easter candies today?  Easter is filled with some amazing traditions throughout the world and New York City is no exception.  Step out this year and enjoy the best of Easter finery at the NYC Easter Parade. 

The NYC Easter Parade
Fifth Avenue between 47th & 57th
Sunday, March 31, 2013

To paraphrase the famous words of Irving Berlin’s classic – 5th Avenue will be alive with all of the frills of the grandest Easter bonnets!

Make your way to 5th Avenue dressed in your best Easter Bonnet for the NYC Easter Parade.  This impressive event boasts a history that dates back to the Civil War era, and is THE place to see some of the most unique and beautiful Easter styles including extravagant hats and attire. 

Located within walking distance of 5th Avenue, The Alex Hotel offers spacious suites and guestrooms, personal service and upscale amenities - ideal for all of your NYC overnight accommodations. For more information about The Alex Hotel or to reserve your stay, visit our website or call us at 212-867-5100.

Ready to Explore the Northeast? Getaway to Manhattan hotel package & Flight Credit Certificate!

Do you enjoy traveling? Take to the skies this year - visit the Big Apple and Explore the Northeast! The Alex Hotel now offers the perfect getaway to Manhattan hotel package with flight credit certificate! 

Explore the Northeast
Take advantage of great travel savings with a getaway to  Manhattan hotel package at The Alex Hotel and enjoy FREE Daily Breakfast for Two and a USD $100 Flight Credit Certificate per stay!

Must cancel 4pm 1 day prior to arrival. If not 1 night's charge of room and tax will apply. Must be 21 years and older with a credit card number with valid expiration date when making a reservation. Additional policies may apply – see our website for full details.

New York City is one of the hottest travel destinations in the world.  Imagine taking the in the sights from a birds eye view at the top of the Empire State Building, wandering through the historic and artistic masterpieces in Manhattan’s top museums, strolling through the beauty of Central Park or simply enjoying the many diverse cultures that make New York the greatest city in the world.  Visit The Alex Hotel website to book your getaway to Manhattan with our Explore the Northeast hotel package. 

Put on your Favorite Shade of Green for the NYC St. Patrick’s Day Parade

The NYC St. Patrick’s Day Parade steps off on March 16th and promises to be an event worth attending in the Big Apple this year.   A vibrant, colorful celebration of Irish culture, complete with flags, bands, Irish dancers and much more, the NYC St. Patrick’s Day Parade draws fans from all over the world!

NYC St. Patrick’s Day Parade
March 16, 2013

Considered to be the largest parade in the world, The New York City St. Patrick's Day Parade is one of the city’s greatest traditions and has been marching March 17, 1762! 

The Parade route runs from 44th Street to 79th Street on Fifth Avenue and this year will be held in honor of Covenant House, a nonprofit charity that services homeless youth with a network of shelters across America.
 
If you plan on attending the NYC St. Patrick's Day Parade and enjoying the holiday weekend’s festivities in Manhattan, you’ll need overnight accommodations.  Just minutes from the parade route, The Alex Hotel features incomparable service and comforts with carefully designed custom furnishings by David Rockwell, iBahn dedicated Internet and wireless services, Frette linens, mini-bars and limestone baths. To make your reservations, visit The Alex Hotel online or call 212-867-5100.

Raise a Glass! The New York Wine Expo 2013 Comes to the Jacob Javits Center

Happy Anniversary to the New York Wine Expo!  2013 marks the 6th year for this prestigious event that attracts the very best companies and winemakers in the food and wine industries. Both connoisseurs and novices can learn about the latest trends from over 40 lifestyle exhibitors, 150 wineries and more!

New York Wine Expo 2013 – Jacob Javits Convention Center
March 1 –3

• Access to over 150 wineries with samplings of over 600 wines
• Over 200 Exhibitors with all manner of food and wine products
• Learn from the experts at a wide range of educational seminars
• Savor delicacies with mouth-watering restaurant samplings
• Meet David Venable of QVC’s hit show, In the Kitchen With David as he shares wine pairing ideas.

Participate in the Grand Tasting and sample over 600 wines from across the globe and meet the winemakers who produce them. Top winemakers and winery principles will discuss their wines and the wine making process as well as answer any questions you may have! 

Make a weekend of it and book your stay at The Alex Hotel – located just minutes from the New York Wine Expo 2013 at the Javits Center.  The Alex Hotel features 203 specially appointed guest rooms and suites with, iBahn dedicated Internet and wireless services, flat screen LCD TVs, DVD & CD stereo systems, limestone baths and fully equipped gourmet Poggenpohl kitchens, visitors can relax in style and comfort. Visit The Alex Hotel online for more information and to make your reservation.