New York
The city that never sleeps, which is handy, because neither will your guests.
New York needs no persuading, only editing. The skyline from a rooftop at dusk, a private room behind an unmarked door, a table at a Michelin-starred restaurant, a gallery after hours, a curtain going up on Broadway: the city has every ingredient, and the art is choosing the right ones. Three major airports and around seven hours' flying from London make it an easy brief to sell, and Midtown, the West Village, Tribeca and Brooklyn each give a programme a different accent.
For planners, New York is the client-entertaining capital of the world, and it plays to scale. Launches and receptions fill rooftops and landmark ballrooms with views to match the guest list, while leadership dinners do better in private dining rooms where the kitchen is the headline. Charter a yacht around the harbour at sunset for a close-up of the Statue of Liberty, buy out a Broadway performance for the whole group, or keep it small with a private tasting and a late table. Just book early: the best rooms in this city are never short of offers.
- Client entertaining
- Product launches and receptions
- Rooftop and private dining
- Harbour cruises
- Broadway and culture programmes
Autumn (mid-September to November) and spring (April to early June) are the sweet spots: mild weather and the city at full tilt. July and August are hot and humid, though a little quieter. The holiday season, from Thanksgiving to New Year, is magical and very expensive, with hotels and private rooms booked far ahead. In late September the UN General Assembly's high-level week brings heads of state, road closures and near-full Midtown hotels, so avoid it or book very early.
