New York, New YorkTune in to business and comfort at reciprocal clubs in the city that never sleeps
I want to wake up ...
The New York Athletic Club
The city may not sleep, but you will easily at this granddaddy of all reciprocal clubs. A clear favorite among WAC members (as attested to in the January issue of WAC Magazine), the New York Athletic Club is steps from lovely Central Park and offers several aids for some much-needed shut-eye, whether it's a vigorous workout, a nightcap in the cozy Cocktail Lounge, or a spot of herbal tea before sinking into a comfortable bed (tip: ask for a room on the newly renovated 19th floor).
NYAC180 Central Park South (at 7th Avenue) New York, NY 10019 212.767.7135 www.nyac.org
Sleep: 187 overnight rooms Work: business center, library, extensive athletic facilities Dine: Main Dining Room, Tap Room (casual), Cocktail Lounge Admire: Need a dose of inspiration? Visit the Hall of Fame Room
Start spreading the news ...
The Cornell Club
Have you heard? We've recently added another great club to our NYC network. Our Cornell graduates appreciate the warm, friendly welcome (as did I), boutique hotel qualities, and, for the lucky ones, a rowdy Ivy League rivalry in the Big Red Tap Room.
The Cornell Club6 East 44th St (between 5th & Madison) New York, NY 10017 212.986.0300 www.cornellclubnyc.com
Sleep: 48 rooms (complimentary breakfast buffet) Work: business center, library, athletic facility Dine: Cayuga Room (formal), Big Red Tap Room (casual) Save: Complimentary coffee and tea in the Lobby
These little town blues are melting away
The Yale Club
The Yale Club offers all the comforts of a four-star hotel, starting with grand 1915 architecture very much resembling the school itself: soaring ceilings, rich mahogany-paneled walls, elaborate crown moldings, circular stairways and a gorgeous 40,000-volume library that you must see to truly appreciate. If the weather cooperates, take a moment (or 10!) to step onto the roof terrace off the Main Dining Room.
The Yale Club50 Vanderbilt Avenue New York, NY 10017 www.yaleclubnyc.org Sleep: 138 rooms, concierge Work: business center, athletics Dine: city views (Roof and Terrace Rooms); Ivy League appeal (Tap and Grill Rooms)
A number one, king of the hill
The Harvard Club
I felt like a queen as I entered this club, which was positively buzzing with members and guests decked out in their finest pinstripes and pocket squares. The coat check attendant even called for backup! Despite this, I still experienced a smile, a "welcome to the club" and an overall sense of belonging.
The Harvard Club35 West 44th St. (between 5th & 6th avenues) New York, NY 10036 212.827.1212 www.hcny.com
Sleep: 75 overnight rooms Work: business center, library, athletic facility Dine: Main Dining Room (formal), Balcony (view of dining room below), Grill Room (relaxed) Check: your coat and hat. These attendants are pros!
It's up to you ...
The Penn and Princeton clubs
Yep—there are still two more club choices! The Penn Club masterfully lures you in from the cold with large wing chairs and a crackling fire in the Ben Franklin Room just beyond the entrance. Follow a circular staircase down to the Grill Room where—get ready—jeans are OK! That's right, the Penn Club is the only club in our New York City network that allows you to dine in your favorite Sevens or Levis. Swap them for tweeds, however, before entering the elegant Presidents and Provosts Room.
Penn Club30 West 44th Street (across the street from the Harvard Club) New York, NY 10036 212.403.6533 www.pennclub.org
Sleep: 38 overnight rooms Dine in denim in the Grill Room; fine dining at the Presidents and Provosts Room on the same floor but separated by a foyer and musicians' balcony Work: athletic facility, business center
The Princeton Club is like staying among friends in the Big Apple. After meeting with Membership Associate Sasha Kaplan, I have no doubt WAC members will receive nothing less than a Red Delicious welcome.
Princeton Club
15 West 43rd Street New York, NY 10036 212.596.1200 www.princetonclub.com
Sleep: 50 overnight rooms Work: business center, library, athletic facility Renovations: Phase 1 of a multi-year capital improvement project is under way; Tiger Bar & Grill (casual dining) has already been renovated
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