The Return of Glamour

The Roaring 20s are back — and as glamorous as ever. A slate of hotel openings, renovations and reimagining is driving the trend forward. Put the sweatpants away; it's time to dress up and go out.

Image courtesy of The Surrey, A Corinthia Hotel

Fora - The Return of Glamour

Empire state of mind

Hotel openings and renovations have ushered in New York's more-is-more renaissance. A trip is in order.

Images courtesy of Waldorf Astoria New York and The Peninsula New York

Our local guide to Manhattan and Brooklyn

Fora is based in NYC, so we have strong (and well-tested) opinions about the city's best places to eat, stay, shop and explore. Our Definitive Guide incorporates the wisdom of our HQ staff, but it's still a mere starting point. Here are our essential recommendations.

Image courtesy of The Lowell

Fora - Our local guide to Manhattan and Brooklyn

The NYC hotels we're loving

New York street smarts

There are a few unspoken rules to keep in mind. Now they're spoken.

  • Icon

    Don't stop in the middle of the sidewalk

    Keep it moving, and quickly.

  • Icon

    Make dinner reservations in advance (or sit at the bar)

    Don't expect a free table for four past 6 pm.

  • Icon

    Dress the part

    Dress how you dress, but make sure your ensemble matches the vibe of wherever you're going (i.e., don't under- or overdress).

Our favorite NYC bars

Grab a drink at one of these elevated classics, or classics-in-the-making.

(SUB)MERCER
: If you can get in, go.

Pebble Bar: A Rockefeller Center newcomer beloved by the city's who's-who.

Bemelmans Bar: A New York City icon in the Carlyle Hotel, with those legendary whimsical murals

Ty Bar: A moody, dimly lit Midtown haunt in the newly renovated Four Seasons.

Pen Top: The Peninsula's rooftop bar, which evokes a cozy, stylish artist's loft.

The Portrait Bar: Fresh takes on the classics.

Lobby Bar: Hotel Chelsea's Euro-chic spot for high-end cocktails and bites.

Image courtesy of Lobby Bar

Fora - Our favorite NYC bars

Our favorite Manhattan hotel restaurants

Sartiano's: Sleek, dimly lit Italian at The Mercer. Don't skip the housemade faccocia, or the fresh cavatelli with broccoli-rabe pesto.

Locanda Verde: An Andrew Carmellini mainstay at the Greenwich Hotel that never gets old. It's lively, buzzy and delicious.

Zaytinya: José Andrés brings his command of Turkish, Greek and Lebanese food to The Ritz-Carlton New York, NoMad.

Casa Tua: Sophisticated Italian at hot-off-the-press Surrey, A Corinthia Hotel.

Brasserie Fouquet’s: Brasserie-chic vibes in luxurious surroundings, courtesy of the discreet, effortlessly cool Fouquet’s New York.

The Crosby Bar: Where to go for afternoon tea amidst Kit Kemp's bold, whimsical décor. It's a fan favorite.

Image courtesy of Jason Varney for The Ritz-Carlton New York, NoMad

Fora - Our favorite Manhattan hotel restaurants

Images courtesy of The Twenty Two New York and Four Seasons Hotel New York