Guide pour le voyageur d’affaires sur New York
New York est un monde en soi. Des entreprises et des gens de partout s’y sont installés. On y trouve de nombreux sièges sociaux. Il y a donc de fortes chances qui vous vous y rendiez pour le travail.
S’y retrouver dans cette jungle de béton de 18 millions d’habitants n’a toutefois rien d’une balade à Central Park. Si vous voulez des conseils pour simplifier votre voyage d’affaires à New York, suivez-nous!
La GROSSE pomme
New York, c’est gros. Très gros. Il y a le Bronx au nord, Staten Island sur la frontière du New Jersey, puis Brooklyn et Queens à un trajet de métro à l’est.
Manhattan la cosmopolite est cependant LA destination des voyageurs d’affaires. C’est là qu’on trouve Broadway, Times Square et Central Park, mais aussi le cœur des marchés financiers mondiaux. Sans blague! On parle d’un PIB de plus de 1,55 billion de dollars américains.
Touch down
Flying in? New York has not one, not two but three main airports: John F Kennedy, LaGuardia and Newark. This city doesn’t do anything by halves.
John F Kennedy Airport
JFK is one of biggest and busiest airports in the United States. In fact, it's so large that rather than an address, this southern area of Queens in not-quite-Brooklyn has its own zip code.
With its sheer size in mind, your biggest struggle will be the infamous immigration lines.
With a large variety of international airlines, ‘low peak’ isn’t really a thing at JFK. Still, you can choose a flight that lands in a sweet spot. If you can’t find a lull in schedules, dodge delays by picking a flight that lands before an incoming convoy. Getting a ten minute lead on the four flights chasing your tail can save you hours standing in line. Boom.
Once through immigration, you'll be a US$60 Uber ride into the heart of Manhattan. To avoid wearing out the corporate credit card, take the AirTrain to either Howard Beach or Sutphin Boulevard Station for just US$7.50. From here, you'll be connected to New York's subway system that will guide you to your hotel. But be warned: you'll be hauling your luggage up hundreds of stairs that accompany NYC's Subway.
LaGuardia Airport
If New York's famous for style, then being 'fashionably late' derived from LaGuardia airport. Notorious for its delays and cancellations, this airport might not be the best for business travel to New York if you’re short on time.
Luckily, it mainly serves short-haul, domestic trips, with very few west coast flights from LA or San Francisco landing here. But if you're flying via a changeover in Dallas or Chicago, best double check your itinerary with your dedicated Travel Manager and plan accordingly. If it's absolutely unavoidable, best allow an extra day's travel time to be on the safe side.
Once you pass customs though, getting to Manhattan is a breeze. Roughly 18 kilometres from Times Square, an Uber trip will only set you back US$30.
Newark Airport
The best and worst part about Newark Airport? It's in New Jersey, no offence to New York's westernmost neighbour.
Still, Newark is only 25 kilometres from Manhattan, just a quick trip beneath the Hudson River through the Holland Tunnel (traffic pending, of course). But just like JFK and LaGuardia, it’s well connected by public transport if you’re looking to save on those taxi fees.
Going underground
Taxis and Uber are fine when you're fresh off the plane and not in the mood to battle public transport. But using it regularly in a city like New York? You'll meet gridlock traffic and a constant hum of car horns filling the rows of busy streets.
The cheapest, most efficient way to get around this jungle of skyscrapers lies underground, in NYC's famous subway system.
Although overwhelming to begin with, New York's subways are surprisingly easy to navigate. With the below pointers, you'll be riding the subway like a pro in no time.
Subway Fares
No matter if you’re travelling from Staten Island to Queens or Lower Manhattan to the Upper East side, you’ll pay a flat rate of US$2.75 with a city Metrocard. You can pick up a MetroCard at the airport, in subway stations’ vending machines or selected corner stores. Simply load your card up and ride the subway to your heart’s content.
Although the subway map looks pretty complicated, you can check out the MTA trip planner before you leave your hotel. This way, you’ll have a direct route to wherever you want to go, including where to transfer and when.
Subway like a local
Allow for about an hour of delays when travelling by subway. Yes, there’s a theme here. Delays happen in New York, and despite being the most reliable mode of transport, NYC’s subways still fall victim to them. If you’re aiming to be 15 minutes early to a meeting, try leaving an hour earlier than the MAT journey planner states. At worst, you have extra time to explore the nearby neighbourhood, with the peace of mind that you’re ahead of schedule. Everyone’s a winner!
The suite life
Hilton New York Fashion District
Did someone say chic? Hilton New York Fashion District is located in the heart of, you guessed it, the Fashion District on West 26th Street just off 7th Avenue. It’s just steps away from the city's best dining and attractions with easy access to Penn Station, but if you don't want to move far, this hotel offers a full range of services from a restaurant and rooftop cocktail lounge to fitness and business centres.
AKA Wall Street
For a luxe apartment in the Financial District check out AKA Wall Street. The great Downtown location puts you in the centre of world class cultural, dining and shopping experiences as well as a new public transport hub which makes getting around a breeze. These spacious apartments are designed for longer stays with each room complemented with residential amenities. Just like the Hilton, full-service hotel offerings are also available including a private cinema. It’s the suite life.
11 Howard - Soho
If you're searching for the perfect boutique hotel for your New York business trip, then look no further than 11 Howard. Nestled in the heart of Soho, 11 Howard embodies the ultra-modern vibe you'd expect in this buzzing area of Manhattan.
Known for their 'thoughtful hospitality', guests can find every detail accounted for - from their careful selection of tasteful art pieces, the intentionally laid out suites, to the many amenities included. They even have their own co-working space, where you can set up office for the day in the chic, café-style 'Library'.
1 Hotel - Brooklyn Bridge
Just across the East River lies the luxurious 1 Hotel. With a direct view of Brooklyn Bridge, you'll be outside one of New York's most iconic sites, while just a short walk from happening Manhattan. Designed by local artists from reclaimed materials, this eco-conscious boutique hotel is a fresh escape from bustling Manhattan. With a variety of spa treatments and an on-site gym, choosing 1 Hotel is great for business travellers wanting to unwind after a hard day's work in NYC.
Sixty Hotel - Lower East Side
Few hotels balance luxury with minimalism like Sixty Hotel. With spectacular views of the skyline, indulgent rooms and suites, and a spa and pool to relax by, the Sixty Hotel ticks all the boxes. Best of all, you'll be in the Lower East Side, perfect for business and leisure alike.
A New Yorker’s Schedule
New Yorkers are FAST.
They talk fast. Walk fast. Eat fast. And most importantly - they conduct business fast. To a New Yorker, darting from point A to B in record speed isn't just a matter of urgency; it's a way of life.
Even if you can strut down 6th avenue like a local, finding a spot in a New Yorker's calendar can be a mission in itself. Luckily, there are a few ways to make an impact in the 'capital of the world.'
Try meeting in the mornings
No surprise, the city that never sleeps houses the world's largest population of early birds. This morning window is a great way to score quality time with clients before their day-to-day madness ensues.
As NYC isn't the most conventional city, why not incorporate their morning work-out and hold a walking meeting by the Hudson River? Or perhaps change up their morning coffee ritual and try one of Manhattan's best cafés.
Plan your trip around conferences and networking events
With their over-flowing calendars, New Yorkers are a lot less forgiving with their time. This makes connecting with the right people more important than ever.
A great way to save time is finding your tribe through key industry events; meeting with a highly engaged audience that won't whisk you through your hard-thought presentation or business idea.
Even if they’re not potential clients, getting contacts and scoping out the business-scene first-hand can start your business trip on the right foot. A great place to start is the Manhattan Chamber of Commerce, where you can network like a local at their many breakfasts and events.
L’Express
Que serait la ville qui ne dort jamais sans un restaurant chic ouvert 24 heures? Des escargots à midi ou des moules à minuit? Ce bistro français est tout indiqué pour les New-yorkais qui n’aiment pas les horaires fixes.
Secoué ou remué?
Envie d’une réunion plus décontractée? Laissez tomber les nappes blanches bien repassées et optez pour un menu de cocktails. Ce sera aussi l’occasion d’admirer l’incroyable silhouette des gratte-ciel si caractéristiques de New York. Les voyages d’affaires n’ont jamais semblé aussi enivrants!
Bar de l’hôtel Public
Que vous vouliez travailler devant un bon café ou étendre votre réseau un verre à la main, il y a peu d’endroits comme le fabuleux bar de l’hôtel Public dans le Lower Manhattan. Offrant de nombreuses prises de courant, une connexion Wi-Fi rapide et une liste de cocktails pour tous les goûts, le bar du lobby de l’hôtel est idéal pour les rencontres informelles. Le soir venu, dirigez-vous au bar The Roof et imprégnez-vous de la vue panoramique sur la ville.
Bar Refinery Rooftop
Au Refinery Rooftop, dans Midtown, se croisent le chic urbain et le glam new-yorkais. Vous vous sentirez chez vous dans ce bar-terrasse populaire auprès des touristes comme des locaux. Grâce à ses cocktails originaux, à sa vue directe sur l’Empire State Building et à son toit en verre rétractable, ce bijou de Manhattan est agréable toute l’année.
Le Press Lounge
Le Press Lounge illustre la classe naturelle de Manhattan tout en affichant la simplicité discrète de la Ville. Imaginez de vastes salons privés savamment disposés, des fenêtres du plancher au plafond donnant sur l’Hudson et les gratte-ciel de Manhattan, et un spectaculaire balcon-terrasse. C’est le parfait lieu de rencontre.
Vous recherchez un endroit tranquille, mais agréable, pour parler affaires? Le Press Lounge est pour vous. Une vue à couper le souffle, un cocktail de saison et une bouteille de vin de la région... Vous épaterez vos invités à coup sûr.
Pour réussir votre voyage d’affaires à New York, il faut une bonne planification, de bonnes infos et la bonne attitude. Après tout, il n’y a rien comme un voyage d’affaires dans la grosse pomme. La métropole, surprenante et multiple, a tant à offrir. Qu’attendez-vous?
New York est votre prochaine destination d’affaires?
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