One lovely birthday weekend (mine), we decided to head into New York to see a show and get away from home for a bit. Instead of paying the high prices that are a mainstay of Manhattan hotels, we decided to stay overnight at the Hyatt Regency Jersey City, since it was a bit less expensive and a mere sneeze from the PATH train. What a good idea that was! We had an amazing time and were besotted with the views, the food, and the warm and caring service. Who would have thunk it? Right in our New Jersey backyard!
When we arrived, we received a warm greeting from the front desk and an acknowledgement of my birthday. As we entered the room, the first thing we saw was the lovely, large chocolate birthday cake from the hotel that awaited us. What a nice gesture it was! Then we looked out the window, and our jaws dropped. The skylight of Manhattan was smack dab in front of us: all lit up like a bunch of birthday candles! After getting unpacked, we settled into a couple of chairs and proceeded to stare out the window. For two hours. In addition to the lights of the city, we also saw a couple of cruise ships and the Staten Island Ferry glide by. What a magical view!
But our joy at finding the Hyatt did not end with the view out the window and the spirit of hospitality that we were shown throughout our stay. The breakfast at the hotel restaurant (appropriately called Vu) was very special, too. There was a huge variety of fruit, pastries, cereals, meats, cheeses, and freshly-cooked eggs, among other things. The room where breakfast is served also has a wonderful view-and the hotel raises its own honey in hives on the rooftop. You could spend a weekend of breakfasts at the Hyatt and never get through sampling the many delicious offerings. While we did not have dinner there, it looked like it would be a nice place to meet up for drinks or dinner.
There are also other options in the area to satisfy your need for food and drink. We had an enjoyable dinner at the Iron Monkey in Jersey City one night during our stay. They make a seriously good mac and cheese dish there—and their steak is pretty tasty, too. They have a huge craft beer selection, and one of the highlights of our visit was getting to try their flight of beers. Trust your server—they will steer you in the right beer-sampling direction. Thanks to the Hyatt concierge for sending us over there. Getting into downtown Manhattan was a breeze, with the PATH across the street from the hotel and a very quick train ride. I’ve read that a second hotel from the Hyatt family will be opening in Jersey City some time in the next year.
We sometimes get so wrapped up in “getting away” that we forget the gems that are close to home. If you are looking for a wonderful local weekend getaway without sitting in a car or waiting in the airport security line for hours on end, look no further than the Hyatt Regency Jersey City.
Hyatt Regency Jersey City
2 Exchange Place
Jersey City
201-469-1234
Beth Christian subsisted primarily on cheeseburgers and liverwurst sandwiches during childhood and refused to try most new foods. Her culinary horizons were expanded during her college days in Schenectady, New York, where she learned the joys of trying slow-simmered Italian dishes, Szechuan cuisine, and everything in between. When not engaged in the practice of law in Monmouth County, Beth is busy scouting out interesting restaurants, farmer’s markets and food purveyors near her home in Burlington County. Beth’s primary dining sidekick is her husband John, but she also enjoys having her daughter Meghan, son Michael and her wonderful friends come along for the ride. Email Beth at BChristian@JerseyBites.com.
