Posts by author Suzanne Russo
The stylish lobby and baby grand piano at the chic and romantic Hotel San Francesco.
Even on the continent that invented romance, few cities rival Rome when it comes to creating or fostering amore. The Eternal City is chock-full of quiet lanes for strolling, pasta dishes for sharing, and covert corners for stealing kisses. Still need more proof? We made a list of the 5 most romantic spots in Rome. But » Read more
You really can experience autumn in New York for a song (or nearly). Photo: Pierre B.
Autumn in New York really is as magical as the song makes it out to be. When the sweat of summer washes away, the air is crisp, the leaves are spectacular and there’s a sort of leisurely feel to the shortening days. All this makes fall the most coveted (and expensive) time to visit, right? Wrong. » Read more
The SoHotel is centered in the pulsing heart of downtown New York. Photo: SoHotel
It’s no secret that hotel rooms in New York are expensive, but there are deals to be had if you know where to look. And these deals are not limited to far-flung locations or flea-bag motels. In fact, even in the city’s most popular areas, you can find nice accommodations that won’t break the bank—and » Read more
Although located in Central Park, Conservatory Garden feels like a place apart. Photo: gigi_nyc
The early planners of New York understood the necessity of green spaces in their burgeoning metropolis, and it takes little more than a lazy summer afternoon in Central Park’s Sheep Meadow to know that they were right. From the wilds of the High Line to the urban oasis of Bryant Park, New York offers green spaces » Read more
Know that castle in the West Village? You can enter it! Photo: Craig Nelson
From the Statue of Liberty to the Empire State Building, New York shouts its greatness in glitzy, larger-than-life flair. But beyond the bright lights of Broadway and behind the beautiful buildings lurk some of the city’s greatest treasures, just waiting for someone to stumble upon and enjoy them. Here are seven hidden NYC spots you » Read more
Definitely snap photos in Times Square, but don't mistake it for New York. Photo: Sri Dhaanush K
In recent years, EuroCheapo correspondents have been debunking common myths about Paris (no, not everyone is rude), London (not all polite), Barcelona (not all friendly) and Amsterdam (not all high), so I figured it was time to do a little New York myth-busting too. Like any, well, mythical city, New York is the subject of » Read more
A frosty Manhattan. Photo: Patrick J. Cashin / MTA
When it comes to hotel deals in New York, winter is a hard season to beat. And yet winter can be the most expensive time to visit in a number of other ways. Let me explain: Exploring New York, especially on the cheap, involves a lot of outdoor time—a stroll through Central Park, myriad free summer extravaganzas, » Read more
Many spirits lurk in the spooky and beautiful Green-Wood Cemetery. Photo: Eden
I’m not one to run out and see the latest horror movie, and screaming my way through a haunted house isn’t really my thing. But I do consider myself something of an amateur ghost hunter. I’m not talking seances and paranormal equipment. It’s just that I dig ghost stories—their history, their lore, the cool places » Read more
September always puts me in a bookish state of mind. It’s something about the back-to-school buzz and the first crisp edges of fall that make me want to cozy up with a good book. Or duck into a good bookstore. In the age of Amazon, a good bookstore is hard to find. Mom-and-pop and big-box » Read more
Fall asleep to Times Square without fighting its crowds. Photos: EuroCheapo
A few weeks ago, my sister brought her family out to visit me, and as the children had never been to New York before, she decided that the Marriott Marquis would be a fun place to stay. Situated directly on Times Square the Marquis is a glittery, if anonymous, behemoth, always buzzing with activity (and always very crowded). It is a fine » Read more
Cocktails, Central Park views, and unique art. Priceless. Photo: Metropolitan Museum of Art
In a city where space is at a premium, the rooftop bar is as much necessity as it is a treat. But oh, what a treat. It’s nearly impossible to argue with the blissful combination that is city views, sparkling sun and drink in hand. All that said, luxury comes with a price, and many » Read more
Run, bike, or waddle. Summer Streets are yours. Photo: NYCDOT
There’s no season we love more than summer in New York, because for every minute we spend melting on the subway platform, there are many blissful moments of fun (and free!) revelry. Good moods abound, and parks and streets radiate the buzz that is summer in the city. Here, 25 free events in New York City » Read more
Shakespeare in the Park is a New York summer must-do. Photo: rebecca marks.
They start lining up in the purple light of early morning, with their coffees and their bagels and their blankets. By 10 a.m. the line snakes down along the path, well into the park, and the wait goes on… And so begins the beloved New York tradition that is Shakespeare in the Park. History of » Read more
Get artsy in the park. Photo: James Ewing courtesy of the Madison Square Park Conservancy
The bright (literally) side to the soggy spring through which we in New York have been wading is that pretty is now a-bloomin’ all around the city. When the rains finally subside, New Yorkers will rush out en masse to picnic, play and relax, lured not only by fragrant florals but by a wide range » Read more
The other night I had that odd yet ubiquitous New York experience: I saw a building I’ve never noticed before. Ever. Even though its lovely and old, and I’ve probably walked by it a hundred times. Turns out said building, an elegant all-white number, is the soon-to-open Hyatt Union Square. I learned that it promises to » Read more
Bell tower views for a song at the Ai Do Mori. Photo: EuroCheapo.
Let’s be honest: In the romantic maze that is Venice, there isn’t really a bad location. But then again, a sleep across from St. Mark’s Basilica is pretty hard to beat. With that in mind, we’ve rounded up our top picks for best-located hotels in Venice. Whether you want to be steps from Piazza San Marco, or » Read more
Don't forget there's now a surcharge on MetroCard purchases. Photo: Suzanne Russo
Last week, a (not so) funny thing happened on the way to work. When I went to renew my 30-day MetroCard, the usual $104 fare had gone up to $112, as part of the subway and bus fare increases that went into effect on March 3, 2013. Many “straphangers” are incensed about yet another fare » Read more
We have a crush on the Hotel Nadia in Amsterdam. Photos by Audrey Sykes
Today at EuroCheapo headquarters we’re crushing big time over the Nadia Hotel in Amsterdam. Our Amsterdam correspondent Audrey Sykes recently checked in on this EuroCheapo mainstay, and her new review proves that “service with a smile” can really make the budget hotel experience. The Nadia is a simple spot (with very small rooms and a » Read more
The view from Mission Dolores Park. Photos: Suzanne Russo
By Suzanne Russo— The eclectic Mission District is somehow both quintessential San Francisco and a world apart. Like the hip Marina and tony Pacific Heights, the Mission has a large population of ravishing Victorian homes but here the genteel structures keep company with tall palm trees, colorful murals and ornate Spanish-style architecture. And while its edgy, artsy flair resembles » Read more
Skip to the loo at the New York Public Library's 42nd Street and 5th Avenue location. Photo: Melanzane1013
Glamorous it is not, but today we’re talking about toilets in New York City. On a recent trip, a friend teased me for taking every opportunity to use the restroom: before we left the house, when we walked through a historic building, upon leaving a restaurant… But during our bike tour, I had the last » Read more
Cupcakes at Billy's Bakery. Photos by S. Russo
We’ve heard the odd rumor that the cupcake is on its way out, but it doesn’t seem like New York is edging out those bites of happiness-with-sprinkles-on-top any time soon. In fact, new cupcake shops just keep popping up, which introduces the sweet freak’s dilemma: Where to get your cupcake fix? That’s why this week » Read more
Foreign and independent films at New York's Film Forum. Photo: Ajay Suresh
Over the past few weeks, they’ve been filming a new movie just around the corner from EuroCheapo offices here in New York. Yes, we freely admit that we’ve craned our necks, when passing, for a glimpse of Robert Deniro. We also admit to a certain amount of pride in the fact that New York, setting » Read more
On the set of the Daily Show in New York. Photo: Lee Gillen
You visit with them regularly, perhaps even nightly. They entertain you, keep you company on your travels, sometimes lull you to sleep. These are the magic, ubiquitous folks we call the personalities of late night, of course, and you can visit many of them in person in (where else?) New York. It would figure that » Read more
Two beers for $5 at McSorley's Ale House. Photo: Flickr4Jazz
Ah, March. You signify spring and longer days—and St. Patrick’s Day. And here in New York we love our Irish holiday almost as much as we love our Irish bars (and the Irish booze that’s served in them). And so, Cheapos, we bring you a downtown Irish pub crawl, New York-style. 1. McSorley’s Old Ale » Read more
The Gianduja at Otto Enotecca. Photos by Suzanne Russo
Winter. Gusty, chilly, bone-numbing winter—this writer is not a big fan. Don’t get me wrong: Those first frosty days are magical, the snow beautiful. But this time of year, I’ve about had it with the crazy wind tunnels created by those incredible buildings I love so much. In New York, slinking into hermit-dom is not an » Read more
