Australians continue their love affair with New York City despite the economy. Aussie visitation to the Big Apple reached nearly 200,000 last year and continues to increase in the face of the slowing global tourism according to Manhattan's Beacon Hotel General Manager, Tom Travers
A 19 year veteran of the 260 room hotel hosts more than 2,000 from down under each year and its rising
Situated on the upper west side one of Manhattans most sought after areas the Beacon Hotel is affordable and the only property in the vicinity with kitchenettes in each room and full kitchen facilities in all the one bedroom suites. Adjoining the hotel on Broadway is the famous Beacon Theatre that like the hotel has just been completely renovated. The theatre has been pulling massive crowds to its shows since the "roaring 20's" and to mark the re-opening in April more top talent with Paul Simon followed by Leonard Cohen and some upcoming acts include the Dalai Lama, Kiss FM, Bob the Builder live, Elvis Costello and Tom Jones.
Just a well judged nine iron shot over Broadway from the Beacon and right into the middle of the ‘Fairway’. It's not a golf course but a sensational delicatessen with take out and eat in and stocked with every food line imaginable. Yes "Deli heaven" for sure!!!. (Also sells booze). Very traditional fare upstairs at the Deli restaurant try the Rueben's sandwich (hot corn beef stacked high) . Take note;- share next time ‘cause they are bigger than the Empire State Building. Trivia buffs need to know that the Fairway Deli sells more than 60 tons of Parmesan cheese annually. How are their arteries going now? The big plus about the area around the Beacon is that one is treated as a New Yorker, not a tourist...that is until you open your mouth!
Central Park continues to be one of the most tourist frequented place in NYC and a highlight is Strawberry Fields across from the Dakota building where Beatle John Lennon was shot in 1980. More than 40 million tourists visit NYC each year and high on their attraction list are the Broadway shows, the Rockerfellow Centre for great views from the top of the Rock, Statue of Liberty, high class shopping on Fifth and Madison Avenue and great bargains at the cheaper end at Ross's and First National next to the currently being re structured twin towers. Be sure to include Radio City Music Hall. This iconic retro building has been restored to its glory days and is a sight to behold. Our visiting group had the chance to go on stage which only happens when there is a lull in showtime. Most shows on Broadway at the moment, have been boilin' for a while, Billy Elliott, Guys and Dolls, Heda Gabbler, Lion King, Mamma Mia, Mary Poppins. We saw Chicago as it was on the half price list. Wanted to see Jersey Boys depicting Frankie Valley and the Four Seasons but that was full price. When in a Jewish neighbourhood act accordingly. Its 25 years since first meeting the big Apple and things have certainly changed for the better, people are much more amiable, talkative and helpful and you can walk or run in Central Park and not get mugged these days. Can't wait to return. As Ol blue eyes says in song "if you can make it there you make it anywhere its up to you New York New York.
With a marked recent increase in carriers and availability from Australia to NYC and such seductive airfares, the lowest in more than 22 years, the floodgates from Oz to NYC will remain open to the max.
Welcome to the Hotel Beacon, a haven of comfort amid the bustling excitement of New York City. Located on the historic Upper West Side, amid tree-lined streets and landmark buildings, the hotel is a beacon for relaxation. Friendly and accommodating, we offer handsomely decorated, oversized guestrooms and suites. With wonderful views of Central Park, the Hudson River and Midtown Manhattan, the Beacon is the perfect vantage point from which to venture anywhere in New York. And when your busy day is done, you'll have a perfect place to come home to. 
