Private Events Frequently Asked Questions
Location & Arrival
Q: Where is Jade Rabbit located, and is there parking nearby?
A: Jade Rabbit crowns the rooftop of Kimpton Era Midtown at 32 West 48th Street, in the heart of Midtown Manhattan — steps from Rockefeller Center and Fifth Avenue, with Radio City Music Hall, Times Square, and the Theater District all within a short walk. The hotel doesn't operate its own lot, but several attended garages sit within a block or two, and most guests find the subway the quickest way in.
Q: Do you have free or paid parking?
A: Parking in this stretch of Midtown is garage-based rather than on-street, and rates are set by the garages themselves. We're glad to share the closest options when you book.
Q: What are the nearby public transit options?
A: We're exceptionally well connected. The 47–50 Sts–Rockefeller Center station (B, D, F, M) is around the corner; 49th Street (N, R, W) and Fifth Ave–53rd St (E, M) are both a few minutes away. Grand Central and Penn Station are a short ride for guests arriving by Metro-North, LIRR, or Amtrak, and both major airports connect in easily.
Q: How close are you to the convention center for corporate breakout dining?
A: Our central Midtown address makes Jade Rabbit a natural breakout option for groups meeting nearby — ideal for offsite receptions, client entertaining, and team gatherings that want a step away from the show floor without a long transfer.
Q: Do you offer room blocks or partner with nearby hotels?
A: Better still — Jade Rabbit sits atop the 529-room Kimpton Era Midtown, so group room blocks are arranged in-house alongside your event. One address for the reception, the celebration, and the night's rest.
The Rooftop
Q: What are your private and semi-private capacities?
A: Jade Rabbit offers semi-private areas for intimate gatherings and full rooftop buyouts for something grander, all beneath the open sky. Share your headcount and the feel you're after, and we'll match you to the right corner of the roof.
Q: Do you host wedding-related events like rehearsal dinners and post-wedding celebrations?
A: We do — and few settings rival a rooftop for it. Welcome receptions, rehearsal celebrations, and post-wedding toasts all shine beneath the skyline, with guest rooms downstairs at Kimpton Era for the wedding party and out-of-town guests.
Food & Beverage
Q: What type of cuisine is served for private events?
A: A rooftop izakaya — Asian-inflected small plates and shareable dishes made for grazing, plated beside 360° skyline views. The bar leans into inventive Asian and tiki cocktails. Private menus are built around izakaya-style spreads and rooftop cocktail receptions.
Q: Can you accommodate dietary restrictions and food allergies for large groups?
A: Always. Our culinary teams handle vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, and allergy-conscious needs as a matter of course — we simply ask for the details in advance so every guest is looked after without a second thought.
Q: Is there a food and beverage minimum to book a private space?
A: Yes. Most private spaces carry a food and beverage minimum that goes toward your food and drink rather than a separate room-rental fee. Minimums vary by area, day of the week, and season — we'll share the figure for your preferred space when you inquire.
Q: Do you allow outside catering?
A: All food and beverage is prepared in-house by our culinary teams, so outside catering isn't permitted — with one exception: outside kosher catering is welcome for events that require it. For all other requests, our chefs are glad to build custom menus.
Q: Do you offer custom menus?
A: Absolutely. Our chefs tailor menus to your group, occasion, and budget — from passed small plates to seated multi-course dinners and cocktail-forward receptions.
Q: Do you offer tastings?
A: Yes — tastings can be arranged for qualifying events so you can finalize your menu with confidence. Your events manager will let you know when a tasting makes sense for your booking.
Planning & Logistics
Q: Do you have AV?
A: Yes. Our private spaces come equipped with microphones, speakers, and 70-inch smart TVs — ready for presentations, slideshows, and playlists alike. Share your run of show and we'll make sure the space is set.
Q: Do you have preferred vendors?
A: Yes. We keep a roster of trusted partners for florals, entertainment, photography, and production, and you're welcome to bring your own.
Q: Is there a venue manager to help with onsite logistics?
A: Yes. A dedicated events manager guides you from first inquiry through the night itself — menu, floor plan, timeline, and day-of coordination — so you can host the room rather than run it.
Q: Do you allow decorations? Are there any restrictions?
A: Yes — decorations are welcome. We ask that you skip confetti, and your events manager will walk you through a few standard guidelines for protecting the space as you plan.
Q: How can I schedule a tour?
A: We'd love to show you around. Inquire Now to set up a walkthrough of the rooftop and the spaces that best fit your event, and we'll find a time that works.