To avoid finding your phone charger doesn’t plug in or missing the bank we have detailed the practical necessities to assist you when you visit New York. But there’s rarely a problem our concierge can’t solve, so should your phone charger not work, please don’t hesitate
to ask.
Time Zone
Eastern Standard Time
GMT -5 hours
Language
English is the official language of the United States however a variety of European languages are spoken by many of our staff and are always willing to assist.
Currency
The accepted currency is USD used in units of 1, 5, 10, 20, 50 and up. You can either exchange from a bank or private currency exchange stores. The exchange rate may vary between different banks & stores and additional charges may apply.
Electrical Standard
Local voltage is 110 to 120 volts.
Shopping Hours
Monday to Friday: 10:00am to 7:00pm
Saturday and Sunday: 10:00 to 6:00pm
Banking Hours
Monday to Friday: 9:00 am to 6:00 pm
Saturday and Sunday: Closed
Local Facilities
Mandarin Oriental, New York is very conveniently located in the centre of Manhattan with excellent access to all necessary facilities.
Shopping
There are two shopping areas within a 10 minute walk. The Shops at Columbus Circle are located directly below Mandarin Oriental in the same complex and 5th Avenue shopping is a few blocks away.
Medical
The nearest emergency facility is St. Luke's Roosevelt Hospital two blocks away; a 5 minute walk.
Banking
Three convenient banking facilites are located in and around the hotel. First Republic located at 10 Columbus Circle operates Monday-Friday 9-6, Saturday 10-3 and Sunday 11-3. Chase located at 250 West 57th Street operates Monday-Friday 8:30-6 and is closed Saturday/Sunday. Wachovia located at 1755 Broadway has banking hours Monday-Friday 8-6, Saturday 10-2 and is closed on Sunday.
Tips on Tipping
Tipping can be an awkward business but don’t be abashed in New York, for many it is an agreed part of their salary and very much expected. There are some people you always tip, generally those doing you a temporary service like waiters and waitresses, 15% to 20%; likewise hairdressers; taxi drivers 10% to 15%; delivery people and anyone handling bags and luggage, allowing approximately USD1 a bag so perhaps USD2/3 and then the people who clean your room would expect approximately USD2 each day. Tips are best given in cash to the individual however in restaurants it is quite acceptable to add it onto the bill.
Public Holidays
Public Holidays
Date
New Year’s Day
January 1, 2008
Martin Luther King Jr's Birthday
January 21, 2008
Ash Wednesday
February 6, 2008
President's Day
February 18, 2008
St. Patrick's Day
March 17, 2008
Good Friday
March 21, 2008
Easter
March 23, 2008
Passover
April 20-27, 2008
Mother's Day
May 11, 2008
Memorial Day
May 25, 2008
Father's Day
June 15, 2008
Independence Day
July 4, 2008
Labor Day
September 1, 2008
Yom Kippur
September 9, 2008
Rosh Hashanah
September 30, 2008
Columbus Day
October 13, 2008
Veteran's Day
November 11, 2008
Thanksgiving Day
November 27, 2008
Christmas Day
December 25, 2008
Local Events
Events
Date
Events Details
Fashion Week
February 1 – 8, 2008
Armory Show
March 27 – 30, 2008
New York Auto Show
March 21 – 30, 2008
Upfront Awards
Mid May 2007
(dates not confirmed yet)
The fall television shows are announced at this
important entertainment conference
Licensing Show
June 10 – 12, 2008
Fashion Week
Mid September 2008
(dates not confirmed yet)
UNGA
(United Nations General Assembly)
Mid September 2008
(dates not confirmed yet)
The General Assembly is the main deliberative
organ of the United Nations. Decisions on
important questions, such as those on peace
and security, admission of new members and
budgetary matters take place during this time.
NYC Marathon
November 2, 2008
Rockerfeller Tree lighting & beginning of Christmas
shopping season
December 3 – 14, 2008
2007 marks the 75th year of the Rockefeller
Center tree lighting. Visit Rockefeller
Center to enjoy the spectacular tree. Take
time to enjoy the skating rink just below
the tree.
