Secrets of NYC

There are those authentically New York moments that you see in the movies, like sipping frozen hot chocolate at Serendipity and ice skating in Central Park. But for those in the know, Manhattan is also full of hidden gems that add a touch of whimsy to your already delightful city staycation. Pick your most ideally located Club Quarters property — by Grand Central, Times Square or the World Trade Center — and see what secrets you’ll uncover. 

Under the arched ceiling of beautiful Grand Central exists an acoustical surprise. The Whispering Gallery, located just outside the famed Oyster Bar Restaurant, allows two people to stand at opposite corners and hear one another clearly — even during the busiest commuting hours within this architectural icon. 

Feast your eyes on gorgeous collections of rare books, manuscripts and treasured illustrations at The Morgan Library & Museum. These well-preserved items are part of a private library that dates back to the early 1900s, and the interior spaces are utterly dreamy with frescoed ceilings and walnut bookshelves soaring three stories high.  

When an underground speakeasy meets karaoke, you know you’re in for a night to (hopefully) remember. RPM Underground has reopened its 17 private karaoke rooms, welcoming would-be superstars with enhanced health and safety protocols. In between sets, take time to browse the collection of over 20,000 vinyl records spanning every genre imaginable.

Speaking of speakeasies, you can still step into an authentic Prohibition-era space at The Back Room. Timeless traditions continue in this vintage-designed space: You enter through the same secret door used in the 1920s, and cocktails are served in teacups just as they once were to bypass scrutiny. 

You could easily walk past Té Company, located on the first floor of a West Village apartment building. But if you did, you’d miss out on a rare space that has risen to be one of New York’s most coveted tea houses. Pick up Taiwanese tea sourced directly from farmers and pair these delicate brews with pineapple linzers — a modern take on traditional Taiwanese pineapple cake.  

We’ve barely scratched the surface of all that you can uncover on your city break. Create a Date Night getaway that’s all about treasure hunting, and then spend your downtime in the room with Netflix and takeout — all in one New York City minute.