Love is in the air, with Valentine’s Day fast approaching. While Punxsutawney Phil may have predicted six more weeks of winter, the cold of the season is slowly starting to thaw, and there’s plenty to do in New York City to warm the day and spark romance anew. Residents of ARO’s no-fee apartments in Manhattan are at the center of some of the city’s most cherished romantic destinations—and the sites of generations of classic rom-coms and real-life love stories—from the famed Rockefeller Center ice rink and Central Park to atmospheric, candle-lit tables at some of New York’s most acclaimed fine dining venues. This year, a picture-perfect Valentine’s Day is at hand, thanks to our romance-laced Midtown West itinerary.
ARO residents can start the day with breakfast in bed while soaking in natural light through floor-to-ceiling windows and appreciating the panoramic views of the glistening Hudson River, the cityscape of Midtown and Lower Manhattan, and the lush, expansive greenery of Central Park. A little luxuriating in the spa-inspired primary bathroom is in order, with Dolomiti marble-tiled walls and space for self-pampering before you venture out into the neighborhood.
The first requisite stop is Rockefeller Center and The Rink—the famed, picturesque ice-skating site at Rockefeller Plaza. Rent some skates and glide, spin, or ice dance with your partner (or go in on private lessons). The rink also offers special packages to celebrate special moments—from popping the question to marking an anniversary—that allow you a bit of privacy after the crowds on the rink have cleared or even 30 minutes of private ice time after closing. Warm up with a hot chocolate or a glass of champagne at one of the nearby Michelin-starred restaurants, coffee shops, and sweets purveyors, or ascend to the Top of The Rock for epic panoramic sights of the city from the indoor and outdoor viewing decks.
After a spin on ice and a walk through Rockefeller Plaza, pick up a bouquet at Flowers by Special Arrangement. This beloved florist specializes in Valentine’s Day arrangements, including a classic dozen of long stem roses (boxed or in an elegant vase), orchids, and much more. Next, follow up with a romantic dinner at one of the many nearby fine dining restaurants. The two-Michelin-starred Jean-Georges at 1 Central Park, with floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking the park, offers tasting menus for vegetarians and omnivores from one of the most celebrated award-winning chefs of his generation, Jean-Georges Vongerichten. The atmospheric Anejo offers inventive Mexican cuisine with small plates designed by chef Ricardo Camacho, complemented by an extensive selection of tequilas, mezcals, and other Mexican spirits. At Nobu Fifty Seven, diners can enjoy a special Valentine’s Day omakase menu that showcases the restaurant’s innovative take on traditional Japanese cuisine. Meanwhile, Danji serves authentic, upscale small-plate Korean dishes that are ideal for sharing with your beloved dining partner.
After dinner, take a stroll hand-in-hand through Central Park and soak up generations of romance in the park’s storied landscape. Find your way back home to ARO, where you can enjoy a nightcap with the city as your backdrop after a full day of celebration made possible only in New York City, just steps from home.
Contact the ARO team to begin a life of promise and elegance in one of our no-fee rentals in New York City.