And then came the views \u2014 and the wow. Visiting SUMMIT One Vanderbilt<\/a> was a true highlight. From the moment our guide welcomed us and led us past the line, the experience was pure magic. In just 42 seconds, the elevator soared to the 91st floor, where floor-to-ceiling mirrors reflected endless light and sky. We walked through art installations, clouds, and reflections that made the skyline itself part of the performance. With over 1,200 mirrors, four levels of immersive wonder, and views that stretch across the Chrysler Building, the East River, and the Hudson Yards, SUMMIT feels like floating inside a dream of New York. I loved that our premium tour included all the photos and even a drink on the terrace \u2014 a perfect moment to sip, gaze, and breathe in the brilliance of the city. (Pro tip: no short skirts or heels\u2014trust me, you\u2019ll understand when you see all that glass!) I can\u2019t wait to return at night; I hear it\u2019s a completely different kind of sparkle, complete with a caf\u00e9 and even a churros bar!<\/p>\n History came alive, too. Touring the newly restored Waldorf Astoria <\/a>was a privilege. Every Waldorf around the world traces its legacy to the original clock in this lobby\u2014a true masterpiece gifted by Queen Victoria in 1893. After an eight-year restoration, the building is reborn with its art deco splendor intact: the mosaics, the Peacock Alley bar connecting the original hotels, and the sense that you\u2019re walking through time itself. The Waldorf has hosted presidents, legends, and luminaries, and now, as residences reopen, it continues its legacy as \u201cthe greatest of them all,\u201d as Conrad Hilton once called it.<\/p>\n Fashion Week added its own sparkle. At Macy\u2019s Herald Square<\/a>, I joined the celebration of I.N.C.\u2019s 40th Anniversary with the incredible Christian Siriano, now Creative Director and Curator of the collection \u2014 and yes, I got a photo with him! The night glittered with I.N.C.-themed cookies, a special Fashion Week tee, and a sparkly bracelet to mark the moment. The collection honors four decades of style while reimagining what modern, confident fashion looks like today \u2014 bold, inclusive, and full of joy.<\/p>\n My home base for this whirlwind adventure was The Gardens Sonesta ES Suites New York<\/a>, a gem tucked into the Upper East Side. The spacious suite felt like a true apartment, complete with a full kitchen, dining table, and thoughtful touches that make extended stays feel effortless. After days filled with fashion, theater, and media events, I loved having a calm, welcoming space to unwind. Sonesta\u2019s hospitality always feels like \u201cunbuttoned luxury\u201d \u2014 polished yet warm \u2014 and I\u2019ve been proud to stay with them from Los Angeles (where I attended the Sonesta LAX grand opening) to New York.<\/p>\n Theater, as always, was the heart of the trip. Watching my nephew, Zach, shine as both producer and performer in \u201cKicked in the PaulZach<\/a>\u201d was a joy \u2014 his creativity and passion lighting up the stage. And my sister and I continued our twin birthday tradition with \u201cOh Mary!<\/a>\u201d a wildly original comedy by Cole Escola that left us laughing until we cried. From Julian Manjerico\u2019s pitch-perfect delivery to Hannah Solow\u2019s hilarious turn as Mary Todd Lincoln, every performance was pure brilliance.<\/p>\n This past year has been one of deep reflection and renewed gratitude. My mom was in the hospital earlier this year \u2014 and I\u2019m endlessly thankful she\u2019s doing well. My memoir Brave-ish<\/a> just turned two years old, and with ten awards, countless events, and inspiring readers, it continues to open doors I never dreamed possible. And after two years of heartbreak and uncertainty, the hostages are finally home \u2014 a reminder of resilience, hope, and the power of community prayer.<\/p>\n As this Jewish New Year 5786 begins, I\u2019m reflecting on how joy and remembrance often live side by side. Even in our most joyful moments, we remember the fragility of life \u2014 like breaking the glass at a wedding, honoring the destruction of the Temple even at the height of love. This trip, filled with awe-inspiring views, creative milestones, and deep gratitude, reminded me that life, like travel, is all about balance \u2014 holding the light and the shadow, the past and the future, the laughter and the lessons \u2014 all at once.<\/p>\n New York always finds a way to show me something new \u2014 in the skyline, on the stage, and within myself.<\/p>\n SUMMIT One Vanderbilt: Sky-high magic in the heart of NYC! We did the Premium Skip-the-Line Tour with our amazing guide Alyssa\u2014it came with priority access, all the photos, and even a drink on the terrace. From the start, it\u2019s unforgettable: entry photos, an immersive video, then a 42-second elevator ride that rockets you up to the 91st floor. Suddenly, you\u2019re in the clouds\u2014surrounded by mirrors, reflections, and Yayoi Kusama\u2019s dazzling art. Three levels of light, glass, and sky. The Gardens Sonesta ES Suites New York: I had such a wonderful stay in the city! My suite was enormous\u2014complete with a full kitchen (oven, refrigerator, sink, and fully stocked with plates & cutlery), a dining table, sofa bed, and closets big enough for New York living. The location is ideal, right on the Upper East Side and very close to the subway. It felt like having my own apartment in Manhattan. I loved it\u2014and I\u2019d absolutely stay again. While in New York, I also visited Take Care Bistro at The Shelburne Sonesta New York\u2014a hidden gem! Fresh, seasonal food, a cozy vibe, and the warm cookie for dessert was absolute perfection. And here\u2019s a fun fact: the bistro even makes a cameo in the upcoming The Devil Wears Prada 2\u2014you can spot it in a scene with Andrea Sachs (Anne Hathaway). I first got to know Sonesta at the grand opening of Sonesta LAX, which is located at the new tram. From Los Angeles to New York, I\u2019ve seen how Sonesta combines comfort, convenience, and thoughtful touches across its properties. And one of the BEST parts? Sonesta Travel Pass. This loyalty program lets you earn and redeem points across all 15 Sonesta brands and more than 1,200 hotels worldwide. Members get perks like free nights, upgrades, and exclusive offers\u2014it\u2019s Sonesta\u2019s way of making sure loyal guests feel recognized and rewarded. Whether you\u2019re traveling for work, family, or fun, those points add up fast and truly make every stay feel even more special. Sonesta is one of the largest hotel companies in the U.S., with over 1,200 properties worldwide across 15 distinct brands. Whatever your style\u2014luxury, extended stay, or budget\u2014there\u2019s a Sonesta for you: Fashion Week magic at Macy\u2019s Herald Square! I had the incredible honor of celebrating I.N.C.\u2019s 40th Anniversary with none other than Christian Siriano \u2014 and yes, I even got a photo with the designer himself! The celebration featured custom I.N.C.-stamped cookies, a glittery bracelet, a limited-edition Fashion Week tee, and of course, a little shopping spree at Macy\u2019s. For four decades, I.N.C. has defined statement style, and now, with Siriano as Creative Director and Curator, the brand is stepping boldly into the future \u2014 celebrating glamour, confidence, and individuality every step of the way. From the runway to the streets of NYC, this milestone celebration was pure style history in the making.<\/p>\n \u201cTwenty four years have passed since the 9\/11 terror attack, that shocked the entire world and left nearly three thousand Americans dead. The 9\/11 Living Memorial in Jerusalem is the only monument that was erected outside the United States with all the victims\u2019 names. It represents the unbreakable bond between our nations. The United States and Israel stand together in grief and resilience, and in the determination to fight terror and defeat it. The memory of those who died on that fateful day, will forever live in our hearts.\u201d @stateofisrael \u201cIt\u2019s been 24 years since nearly 3,000 innocent men, women and children were murdered on Sept 11, 2021. We remember and mourn the lives that were lost to this act of sheer hate.\u201d @standwithus \u201cRadical Islamist terrorism isn\u2019t just a threat to Israel; it\u2019s a threat to the entire free world and to innocent people everywhere. The US and Israel continue to stand united in the global war on terror. We will never forget 9\/11.\u201d @israelwarroom \u201cCharlie Kirk was a steadfast friend of Israel and a true ally of the Jewish people. He stood proudly for the Judeo-Christian values that bind Israel and America. Charlie\u2019s fearless commitment to truth and freedom cost him his life. Violence may have taken him, but it cannot silence his legacy. May his memory be a blessing.\u201d<\/p>\n Behind the scenes at Fox Weather NYC<\/a> with Scott Skuggevik<\/p>\n My career has felt a lot like a game of Chutes and Ladders\u2014full of twists, turns, climbs, and surprises. I\u2019m so grateful for everyone who has helped me along the way with my TV segments, videos, and my work as a studio teacher. I feel lucky to experience both sides of the lens\u2014 in front of the camera and behind the camera. On this trip to NYC, I had the chance to catch up with Scott at Fox Weather and see the brand-new GMA studio\u2014such a thrill to be surrounded by all that energy and creativity!<\/p>\n Unboxing a Telly Award<\/a> with Ruth Moran at the Tourism Ireland offices!<\/p>\n Unboxing a Telly Award with Ruth Moran at the Tourism Ireland offices! Ruth now has her very own Telly to celebrate our 24-minute Ireland special on The Jet Set TV \u2014 a program that reached an astounding 554 million viewers worldwide! This award is more than a trophy \u2014 it\u2019s a reminder of the magic we captured together, from Ireland\u2019s breathtaking landscapes to the vibrant culture that makes every visit unforgettable. Our collaboration brought these stories to life, and seeing them resonate at this scale has been extraordinary. Huge thanks to the Telly Awards for honoring our work. While at the Tourism Ireland office, I also had the joy of meeting artist Richard Hearns. I\u2019ll be visiting his studio to paint alongside him as part of filming for our second Ireland TV special. The adventure continues, and I cannot wait to share more of Ireland\u2019s creativity, color, and connection with the world. Here\u2019s to storytelling, partnerships, and the beauty of Ireland shining on a global stage. #Ireland #tv #TheJetSetTV #TellyAwards #grateful #travel @tourismireland @TheJetSetTV @Tellyawards @richard_hearns<\/p>\n The newly restored Waldorf Astoria New York<\/a> feels like walking through living history.<\/p>\n Stepping inside the newly restored Waldorf Astoria New York feels like walking through living history. The original hotel opened in 1893 with its magnificent clock, a gift from Queen Victoria. Every Waldorf Astoria around the world now features a clock\u2014but this is the original masterpiece that started it all, still standing proudly at the center of the hotel. Huge congrats to Paul Schoenberg and Zach Niver on their SOLD OUT debut of \u201cKicked in the PaulZach\u201d! The American Mime Theatre was packed with an incredible crowd ready for a powerhouse lineup of NYC comedy greatness:![\"\"\/](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-ny\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/Summit-NYC-Lisa-3-768x1024.jpg\")
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\nHighlights: Chrysler Building, East River, Roosevelt Island, Bryant Park & NYPL, Hudson Yards, and The Edge\u2014NYC icons in every direction. The playful Balloon Room (so fun!).Kusama\u2019s stainless steel installations from Japan, creating infinite reflections. One of NYC\u2019s most sustainable skyscrapers\u201490% recycled steel, 26 tons in total. Ascent glass elevator up to the 103rd floor\u2014nothing but sky beneath your feet!
\nPro tips: No heels + no short skirts (mirrors everywhere). Visit at lunchtime\u2014it\u2019s less busy. The professional photos are fantastic.
\nFun fact: SUMMIT includes over 1,200 mirrors, multiplying every reflection of the city and sky.
\nAfter the tour, we ended with drinks, bites at the caf\u00e9, and even a churros bar\u2014sweet perfection. And now I can\u2019t wait to go back at night\u2026 the city lights would make it a totally different experience. Opened in October 2021, SUMMIT One Vanderbilt is already one of NYC\u2019s must-do experiences. If you want a seamless visit, the premium tour with a guide is worth every step. Travel is all about perspective\u2026 and sometimes, it\u2019s 1,210 feet in the air.<\/p>\n
\nLuxury & Upscale: Royal Sonesta, The James, Classico (a Sonesta Collection), MOD (a Sonesta Collection) Midscale & Extended Stay: Sonesta Hotels & Resorts, Sonesta ES Suites (like my Gardens stay in NYC), Sonesta Simply Suites, Sonesta Select, Sonesta Essential. Economy & Budget: Americas Best Value Inn by Sonesta, Canada\u2019s Best Value Inn by Sonesta, Red Lion Inn & Suites, Signature Inn by Sonesta. Specialty Brands: Sonesta Cruise Collection, Sonesta Posadas del Inca in Peru
\nFrom luxury escapes to long stays and budget-friendly adventures, Sonesta really has something for every traveler. Travel is a gift\u2014and with Sonesta, it feels a little more like home. And with Sonesta Travel Pass, every trip is also a chance to earn rewards toward your next adventure.<\/p>\n
\nIn 1931, two rival hotels came together on Park Avenue to form what Conrad Hilton would later call \u201cthe greatest of them all.\u201d For generations, the Waldorf has been woven into the fabric of New York and the Hilton family legacy\u2014home to presidents, where Cole Porter played his piano for three decades, and Frank Sinatra made his home.
\nClosed in 2017 for an ambitious eight-year restoration, the Waldorf Astoria is now ready to shine again. I toured the reimagined spaces, where every landmarked detail has been preserved and enhanced. The Grand Ballroom\u2014a three-story Art Deco masterpiece with room for 1,500 guests\u2014has been returned to its original brilliance, alongside the Silver Corridor, Astor Salon, Basildon Room, and Jade Room. Mosaic tiles, plaster medallions, and murals by Louis Rigal have been painstakingly restored by a team led by Skidmore, Owings & Merrill with interiors by Pierre-Yves Rochon.
\nThe Waldorf\u2019s future is just as impressive as its past: 375 hotel rooms and 372 residences will soon welcome guests and owners. Guest rooms are generously sized, averaging over 570 sq ft, with specialty suites like the Waldorf Astoria Suite spanning more than 5,000 sq ft with its own kitchen, dining, and entertainment areas. New luxuries include a 20,000 sq ft Guerlain Spa, a state-of-the-art fitness center, and a collection of dining experiences\u2014Lex Yard for refined seasonal fare, Yoshoku for Japanese flavors, and the iconic Peacock Alley Bar, still the heart of the hotel\u2019s social life.
\nFrom Queen Victoria\u2019s clock to the 140,000-tile mosaic and the artistry of Louis Rigal, every corner of the Waldorf tells a story. Touring it now felt like a glimpse of both history and the future\u2014a legendary landmark reborn for a new era of elegance, glamour, and timeless hospitality. #HiltonForTheStay #TheGreatestOfThemAll<\/p>\n
\nAaron Berg, Eric Neumann, Bobby Brickstone, Jack Crawford, Camille Carr, Eli Ramos, JC Devito, Wil Sylvince, Paul Schoenberg, Zach Niver!
\nA night filled with pure laughter, top-tier talent, and a supportive audience \u2014 truly the perfect way to wrap up a Hot PaulZach Summer!<\/p>\n
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