The combination of excellent Cathay Pacific First Class flights and New York in early fall made for a wonderful trip.
Some of the highlights have already been covered in dedicated posts like Blue Hill At Stone Barns, but early October was a perfect time to just be in New York.
In this post:
New York Highlights
The leaves in Central Park were just starting to turn for autumn and the temperature was mild enough to enjoy the meandering paths to see the Bow Bridge, Bethesda Fountain and Loeb Boathouse.
Being up early due to jet lag has its advantages, including enjoying Washington Square Park with just the dog walking locals around. I also looked up the house where Will Smith lived in the 2007 film I Am Legend overlooking the park.
Despite being my fourth trip to New York, this was my first visit to DUMBO and first time walking across the Brooklyn Bridge. It was a rainy evening but that just made for better photos.
Hamilton, the smash hit musical about founding father Alexander Hamilton, lived up to the hype and was supremely enjoyable. I lucked out with a seat in Row L which was close enough to the stage and because there is a walkway directly in front of these seats the view was unobstructed.
New York Food Highlights
There are so many great places to eat in New York so I made a point to find new options for this trip.
Prior to my last trip when I had my first real bagel at Ess-A-Bagel in Midtown I wasn’t sold. Having tasted how good they could be, I visited Murray’s Bagels and had a great salmon bagel.
Luke’s Lobster was another new spot on my list and their lobster roll at the Midtown location was excellent. Generous portions of sustainably sourced lobster in a toasted bun is a great lunch.
Burgers are big business in New York and I really enjoyed the bacon burger at J.G. Melon in the Upper East Side.
And finally a visit to the original Magnolia Bakery on Bleecker Street made famous by Sex In The City for some banana pudding. They had sold out of the original banana flavour so I got the banana chocolate pudding, which was great!
Alaska Mileage Plan Status & Miles
I credited the Cathay Pacific First Class legs between Hong Kong and New York to Alaska Airlines Mileage Plan as it offers the best earn and burn rate for premium fares.
The two flights earned a healthy 56,470 miles, which I have already parlayed into a Business Class redemption on the new Qantas flight from Chicago to Brisbane in 2020.
That same redemption would require 126,500 Qantas Frequent Flyer points.
I am also just under halfway to Alaska MVP Gold status, which provides a 100% elite earn bonus plus access to all Qantas lounges.
Halfway To Marriott Platinum Elite
Stacking the Marriott Best Rate Guarantee and Marriott Bonvoy Platinum Challenge means I am halfway to achieving Marriott Platinum Elite Status after 8 paid nights.
The rate at the Fairfield Inn Manhattan Downtown East was the lowest I could find for a reasonable hotel so my marginal cost for the elite challenge was zero.
Summary
Undoubtedly my best trip to New York to date, and one that sets me up nicely for airline and hotel elite status for 2020.
I’m already looking forward to my return visit in December to experience New York in winter.
Introduction – The Cathay Pacific New Year Deal Trip
Review: Singapore Airlines Silver Kris Lounge Sydney Business Class
Review: Singapore Airlines Business Class 77W
Review: Silk Air Business Class 737-800
Review: Four Points By Sheraton Danang
Review: CIP Orchid Lounge Danang
Review: Cathay Dragon Economy Class A320
Review: The Pier First Class Lounge
Review: Cathay Pacific First Class 77W
Review: Fairfield Inn Manhattan Downtown East
Review: Blue Hill At Stone Barns
Review: Le Bernardin
New York Activities
Review: TWA Flight Centre
Review: AA Flagship First Dining JFK
Review: Cathay Pacific First Class 77W (via Vancouver)
Review: Hyatt Centric Victoria Harbour
Review: The Pier Business Class Lounge
Review: Qantas Business Class 787
Summary – Highlights & Points Earned
