With temperatures in New York City warming up and Central Park in full bloom, visitors can expect a blockbuster summer season of entertainment and hospitality.

Beacon Hotel NYC, a favorite of travelers from around the world, this month unveiled the Beacon Sidewalk Cafe. Designed to make the most of sunny days and balmy evenings, the cafe's outdoor chairs and tables are already popular with hotel guests and Upper West Side locals.

"People-watching in New York City can be as fascinating as going to the world-renowned theaters, and what better place to watch the passing parade than from a front-row seat at our brand-new sidewalk cafe," says Hotel Beacon general manager, Tom Travers.

“Our guests were always telling us that they wished there was somewhere nice nearby where they could relax after a long day, and our corporate travelers were always looking for a new way to entertain clients," Mr Travers says. "When we opened the Beacon Bar two years ago, we answered both those requests. Now with the outdoor sidewalk cafe, we are making the most of our prized position in the heart of the Upper West Side."

Open from 3pm until late, seven days a week, the 90-seat Beacon Bar features a sleek contrast of steel gray, cobalt blue furnishings, light wood paneling and sophisticated lighting. Live jazz on Tuesday nights is popular, as is a talented local pianist on Wednesday and Friday nights.

Happy hour from 3-6pm is the perfect way to wind down, with reduced prices on a selection of wines, beers and cocktails. Hotel guests receive a ten percent discount at all other times. The bar's Lite Bites food menu tempts with crowd favorites including pulled pork sliders, jumbo lump crab cakes and Mexican shrimp cocktail.

“The Beacon's urban, modern-style cocktail lounge is perfect for tourists and business travelers, as well as anyone who likes to have a pre-show drink before an event at the Beacon Theatre next door," says Mr Travers.

The Beacon Theatre is located directly adjacent to Hotel Beacon NYC on Broadway between 74th and 75th Streets. Theatre guests enjoy the convenient location of the well-appointed hotel, with many guests combining a show or concert with a getaway in the city.

An historic theater, originally opened in 1929 as a silent film showplace, the Beacon Theatre has been listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Headliners this summer include Bryan Adams, Culture Club, Gipsy Kings and American Idol Live.

"It's always a great night at the Beacon Theatre," Mr Travers says. "There isn't a bad seat in the house as the theatre design gives every guest a clear view of the stage."

For more details and bookings, see beaconhotel.com.

Contact: Tom Travers, +1 646 277 3220 (direct line), ttravers@beaconhotel.com

About the Hotel Beacon NYC

The Hotel Beacon is a haven of comfort and quiet amid the exciting vibe of New York City. Located on the chic Upper West Side, amid tree-lined streets and landmark heritage buildings, the hotel offers 277 handsomely decorated, oversized guestrooms with kitchenettes and larger suites with private kitchens. The Beacon has wonderful views of Central Park, the Hudson River and Midtown Manhattan, offering the perfect vantage point from which to venture anywhere in New York.