Friends and Family
When I was making plans for an overnight in Manhattan recently, a friend offered to give me a Friends and Family Discount at the Four Seasons Hotel New York on 57th Street between Madison and Park Avenues. She emailed me a very affordable price offer (less than the group rate my parents were paying the same night at the Marriott Marquis), and my daughter and I packed our bags for a blustery winter trip to the City. I was sure to pack a long, elegant coat and a velvet scarf, figuring that even if I were dressed casually underneath, I’d still pass for marginally stylish while mingling in the public areas with the glittering guests.

Quiet Elegance
Upon arrival, my daughter and I were awed by the 33 foot ceilings in the art-deco inspired hotel that just oozes quiet elegance. While managed by the Four Seasons, the I. M. Pei-designed building itself is actually owned by Ty Warner who also owns Ty Inc. (manufacturer of Beanie Babies). At registration, my daughter was presented with a Four Seasons Beanie Baby as a welcome gift.

Lavish Amenities
We were led to our 500 square foot superior room by a friendly Four Seasons bellman who pointed out certain amenities -- a guest bar and service area, a dressing foyer with two spacious closets boasting adult-sized robes and slippers, and an oversized bathroom with both a deep soaking tub that fills in 60 seconds AND a glass enclosed shower big enough for two.

At Four Seasons Hotels, there are often "house" limousines available to take guests to their destinations. It is a courtesy service. You simply pay a handsome tip to the driver. There were only a few royal VIPs staying in the Four Seasons Hotel New York while we were there, so it was available when we needed to catch a cab across town, and I must say, it was the most luxurious trip I've ever taken in Manhattan!

The full service spa and fitness center are superior, and the dining options, The Garden and L’Atelier de Joel Robuchon, are divine. Note: the Four Seasons Restaurant, owned by Julian Niccolini and Alex von Bidder, is peerless and is actually located at a different location (99 E. 52nd Street).

Perks for Kids
My daughter was thrilled with the child-size bathrobe and slippers, the children's toiletry kit, the fluffy TY stuffed duck, and most of all, the chilled milk and warm cookies that were waiting for her when we arrived back in the room after enjoying a blockbuster Broadway musical. NOTE: When reserving a room in NYC, always remember to tell the agent that you’re bringing children; many hotels will provide you with information packs including discount tickets, VIP passes, mini slippers and robes, etc.

Staying at the Four Seasons Hotel New York is a wonderful experience. The service is impeccable, and the quality of everything from the bedding to the bathrooms is luxurious. The only problem with the Four Seasons Hotel New York is that it is so fabulous inside, you may never want to go out and enjoy all that NYC has to offer! And, isn’t that why you’re going to Manhattan in the first place?

Enjoy!

It should be noted that I did not receive any complimentary services, meals, or beverages at the Four Seasons that are not provided to other Friends and Family Discount guests.