It is easy to indulge your love of exquisite accommodations in New York. Celebrating arts, dining, shopping, entertainment and nature, the Central Park area is a diverse luxury destination that presents unlimited adventures. The Metropolitan Museum of Art. Fifth Avenue. Thomas Keller’s Per Se. Columbus Circle. Lincoln Center. Museum of Natural History. Endless shopping. There is so much to see, do, explore, eat and drink in the Central Park area, that the list is virtually endless. As a major metropolitan city with exceptional hospitality, you’ll discover the latest amenities in the lap of luxury at these top Central Park luxury hotels.
Pursuitist presents the most outstanding Central Park hotels. This list is unranked, as we celebrate each of these properties for the gems that they are. Each New York location has a distinct personality that will suit different travelers, whether you are visiting on business, with the family or on a romantic getaway. Compiled by Stacy Steponate Greenberg (follow on Twitter) and Christopher Parr, we proudly showcase these “Pursuitist Platinum” Central Park Luxury Hotels:
1. Trump International Hotel & Tower
Also located in the southwest corner of the park at Columbus Circle, the Trump International Hotel & Tower provides the experience that you’d expect with a Trump property. The 52-story building has 176 guest rooms with full kitchens, floor-to-ceiling windows and five-star everything.
Guests will be impressed upon arrival by the courteous staff, personalized stationery, and spacious suites with fabulous views of Central Park. Most importantly, the bedrooms are quiet, lush and private. A good night’s sleep is guaranteed, which is rare in bustling New York.
With the property’s Jean Georges restaurant and terrace, one doesn’t need to travel far for outstanding dining, cocktails and conversation. We enjoyed breakfast and dinner at the splendid Nougatine, a cafe that’s more casual than Jean-Georges. If you want to dine outside, the Terrace also offers table dining under umbrellas with terrific views of Central Park.
After indulging at Jean Georges, make sure to visit the hotel’s health club the next morning. The property features a luxurious spa and a 55-foot heated swimming pool.
Located within a convenient and iconic New York spot, Trump International provides easy access to the Central Park area and beyond. It is also within walking distance to Broadway, world-class restaurants, fabulous shopping and splurge-worthy adventures.
2. The Plaza
Take a stroll down Central Park South and come face to face with a veritable living legend of hospitality: the history, the tradition, the old world charm. Welcome to The Plaza.
One of the world’s most iconic hotels has, in the past few years, undergone a transformation merging old world ambience with all the latest and greatest of modern luxury. The Plaza manages a seamless fusion of white-glove service, timeless elegance and the latest innovations of today’s world.
The famous, elegant Champagne Bar remains one of the places to see and be seen, while The Plaza Food Hall offers nine distinct stations; everyone can indulge at this extraordinary hotel.
Spacious guest rooms boast 24-carat, gold-plated sinks and fixtures, along with iPads – The Plaza was actually the first hotel to offer that amenity, allowing guests the opportunity to order in-room dining, make restaurant reservations, chat with the concierge, check airline schedules and print boarding passes, all without ever getting out of bed.
With it’s uncompromising service still intact, this legendary hotel has only improved with age.
3. Mandarin Oriental New York
They call it the city that never sleeps because of the hustle and bustle, the action and energy, the cars and the noise. Imagine a place in New York City where you can watch all of it unfold, while still relaxing in exquisite, luxurious surroundings. That is the Mandarin Oriental, New York, an escape located directly in the center of it all.
Situated in the Time Warner Center on Columbus Circle, the Modern Asian-influenced décor provides the perfect urban oasis. On the 35th floor, with floor-to-ceiling windows and views of Central Park that go on for miles, the main lobby lounge is the perfect place to view the chaos that New York thrives on. It certainly gives new meaning to having your head in the clouds.
Just an elevator ride away, experience the outstanding Modern American cuisine at Asiate, boasting a wall of wine over 1,500 bottles long. Then keep looking up, you’ll find the tree-branch sculpture which replicates the stunning view of Central Park in the winter.
With impeccable service as icing on the cake, the Mandarin Oriental is a must-stay in NYC.
4. St. Regis, New York
The St. Regis New York is a designated New York City landmark with a history that dates back to 1904. Socialite John Jacob Astor IV, the original owner, envisioned the hotel as a lavish retreat with exceptional flair. Today, the tradition of luxury travel continues with modern amenities and incredible service.
The stunning rooms have high ceilings, crystal chandeliers, silk wall coverings, and Louis XVI antiques—along with easy-to-use bedside consoles for controlling lighting, audio, and climate, and huge flat-screen TVs that rise via remote control from the foot of your bed.
If you require the very best, the St. Regis delivers; the “designer suites” are outfitted in one-of-a-kind style by Dior, Tiffany, and Bentley and have fabulous views. Dine in the legendary King Cole Bar, a dimlylit institution with famously playful Maxfield Parrish murals, and keep your eye out for historic touches throughout the property, like an original mail chute in the lobby.
5. Ritz-Carlton, Central Park
The iconic Ritz-Carlton Central Park provides amazing views of the park and the New York skyline, while guests are nestled in a classic and comfortable oasis. The Emery Roth building has 259 lavishly appointed guestrooms, 47 of which are stunning suites, and of course, the Ritz provides the ultimate luxurious five-star experience.
The Club Lounge is a delightful amenity and a must-have upgrade if you’re staying at the Ritz. This exclusive retreat provides continuous culinary offerings throughout the day, the services of a dedicated concierge and express check-out. Downstairs, the Star Lounge serves excellent classic cocktails by Norman Bukofzer, who has famously tended bar here for decades. Just around the corner from the lounge is Auden Bistro & Bar, a stunning space overlooking 6th Avenue that offers traditional bistro cuisine with an emphasis on locally grown ingredients and sustainable seafood.
Though guests may pay a little more for rooms on the park, it is worth the experience, especially during the colorful fall foliage season. All accommodations come with Sony flat-screen televisions, DVD players and plush linens. Rest peacefully in rooms that are well-insulated from outside noise.
An intimate and private hotel with classic charm, Ritz-Carlton Central Park is ideal for leisure travelers and VIPs.
Runner Up: The Quin, New York
What happens when a street corner has art, music and fashion all within steps of the front door? A fabulous, luxury lifestyle hotel pops up and quickly becomes the “It” luxury boutique hotel in New York City. This would be The Quin.
Located on the corner of 57th and 6th Avenue, The Quin provides the ultimate location to visit Carnegie Hall, Lincoln Center, Fifth Avenue shopping and, of course, Central Park. The modern décor reflects a timeless elegance throughout all aspects of the hotel, from the guest rooms to the workout center. Plus, the Attaches on property will design and plan the perfect individualized itinerary for your stay in NYC. Need tickets to the US Open or a sold-out Broadway show? The Quin can handle it all.
Exuding sophistication in an environment that is warm, intimate and nurturing, even the most discerning guest will return again and again at the “quintessential New York Hotel”.
And that concludes our review of The Very Best Central Park Luxury Hotels In New York. Do you have a favorite? Share your preferred destination in the comments below.
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