After starting our New York City series on the Upper East Side, this issue we go to a favorite for all seasons, those hotels that provide unobstructed views of Central Park, and more than that, are just a crosswalk away.
1. Mandarin Oriental
2. The Pierre, a Taj Hotel
3. The Plaza Hotel
4. The Ritz-Carlton Central Park
5. Trump International
6. The Sherry-Netherland
1. Mandarin Oriental
Conde Nast Traveler reports, “A cornerstone of the city’s five-star hotel scene, Mandarin Oriental’s New York City outpost is known for elite service, a fantastic spa, and impressive vistas—the 75-foot lap pool overlooks the Hudson, the high-end MO Lounge boasts the Manhattan skyline as its backdrop, and the best rooms have bird’s eye views of Central Park.”
Forbes Travel Guide inspectors say, “Every element at Mandarin Oriental, New York — from the gingko metal design finishes on the revolving doors and elevators to the framed kimonos hanging in the hallways to the Chinese gold throw pillows on the beds in the notably large rooms — reflects a sophisticated Asian aesthetic that recognizes the hotel chain’s Far Eastern heritage while simultaneously capturing the individuality of New York. What’s more, the Five-Star hotel is dedicated to Asian-style service, which is polished, professional, and unparalleled. From receiving a welcome drink upon arrival to enjoying MO Lounge’s all-day menu of contemporary American dishes and craft cocktails, you’ll be pampered at every turn. The Columbus Circle location ensures that you’re in the thick of the action, just steps from Central Park, Broadway theaters and top-notch museums, but for a little time out in the Big Apple, don’t miss the Five-Star spa.”
Suite 5000
Located on the 50th floor, the 3,300 sq. ft. Suite 5000 features two and 2.5 bathrooms, as well as a large living room, dining room, kitchen and media room. The master bathroom has a large custom soaking tub illuminated by Swarovski crystals. A connecting bedroom is available for additional accommodations.
More suites at Mandarin Oriental New York.
2. The Pierre, a Taj Hotel
The Telegraph writes, “Neoclassical with a nod to Indian heritage. Cross the threshold to the main entrance on East 61st Street, and you’ll encounter scores of black and white marble floorings, gilded moldings, stone pilasters and an array of classic details. Before you reach reception, fresh seasonal flowers such as statuesque orchids and blooming amaryllis greet you. Be sure to spend some time in the Rotunda and relish the curved walls wrapped in colorful trompe l’oeil murals by artist Edward Melcarth.”
Forbes Travel Guide adds, “The Pierre, a New York classic, continues to impress after a long, glamorous history. The 1930s Georgian-style building is a mix of old and new: The first floor accommodates a stylish lounge, Two E Bar, which serves afternoon tea by day, classic cocktails until midnight and light bites with both. Gorgeous hand-painted murals from the hotel’s twentieth-century beginnings are still laced throughout the hotel (even in the fitness center), now sharing space with Indian artwork, some of which hails from the Taj flagship in Mumbai. Guestrooms include spacious bathrooms (with separate tub and shower) and retain the same elegant, traditional décor that longtime guests have come to expect over the years. The most important thing that has remained constant throughout the hotel’s varied tenure? Brides still dream of being married inside the ornate Grand Ballroom, which boasts hand-painted silver and gold ceilings and enough space to seat 1,500 guests.”
Tata Suite
Spanning up to 4,786 sq. ft. with Central Park and city views, the Tata Suite spans the entire 39th floor with up to six bedrooms.
More suites at The Pierre, a Taj Hotel.
3. The Plaza Hotel
Conde Nast Traveler says, “This hotel has been a New York City icon for over 100 years—everyone from F. Scott Fitzgerald to Marilyn Monroe to The Beatles have graced these halls, as have fictional characters like Eloise and Kevin McCaliister (Home Alone 2: Lost In New York, filmed here, draws a lion’s share of tourists to the gilded facade daily). The hotel is embedded in the social fabric of this part of the city: You’re just as likely to spot well-heeled visitors in the lobby, as you are to bump in to shopping bag–toting Upper East Side women stopping in for a drink in the Palm Court, or Tri-State locals arriving to tea en masse with their young daughters.”
Forbes Travel Guide writes, “With a standard for luxury that dates back more than a century, it is no surprise that The Plaza, A Fairmont Managed Hotel is known for its pomp and pageantry. The luxury hotel now bridges Old World enchantment and contemporary technology. Guest rooms are thoughtfully detailed in Beaux Arts-inspired décor with spacious closets and custom Italian Mascioni linens, while bathrooms have 24-karat gold-plated Sherle Wagner faucets, handcrafted solid marble vanities, inlaid mosaic tiles and Guerlain bath products. If that’s not enough pampering for you, make your way to Guerlain Spa, where you can get a service and enjoy one of the brand’s renowned facial massages. Stop by the storied Palm Court for sumptuous afternoon tea, or enjoy a cocktail at The Rose Club or The Champagne Bar.”
Grand Terrace Suite
The 2,100 sq. ft. Grand Penthouse Two Bedroom Terrace Suite is located on the 20th floor penthouse level of The Plaza and offers views of Central Park and the New York City skyline. Each bedroom comes with a King bed and a private terrace accompanies the master bedroom.
More suites at The Plaza.
4. The Ritz-Carlton Central Park
Forbes Travel Guide says, “Originally the site of the landmark St. Moritz Hotel, The Ritz-Carlton New York, Central Park offers some of the city’s most luxurious and elegant accommodations. The 33-story Emery Roth building features 253 rooms (including 47 suites) and a majestic art-filled lobby. Expect a sleek new look with hints of old New York scattered throughout — think a neutral color palette with dark wood molding, plush club-like chairs and chic marble tables. And even though it’s located in the heart of Midtown Manhattan at the corner of Central Park South and Sixth Avenue, the hotel feels notably intimate and private, ideal for leisure travelers who seek a chic escape from the bustle. The luxurious and thoughtful amenities set this Forbes Travel Guide Five-Star hotel apart from other New York hotels — from the Asprey’s Purple Rain toiletries in the bathroom to the locally inspired honor bar — and its recently refreshed guest rooms and La Prairie Spa provide a serene respite from the bustling Big Apple just outside your door.”
The Telegraph adds, “This Ritz Carlton flagship, occupying a grandiose 19th-century limestone building, shines brighter thanks to a recent facelift. In the reimagined spaces, curated by French design firm Gilles & Bossier, elegance abounds through interior finishes such as warm wood paneling, the lobby’s gold-leaf cove ceiling, and swathes of taupe, grey, and pink marble. Similar to the lobby/lounge area off reception, the upstairs Club Lounge reflects sophistication showcasing plush, comfy seating vignettes.”
Presidential Suite
The two-bedroom Presidential Suites offers two bedrooms with two-and-a-half bathrooms, panoramic park views and the option for connecting rooms to create a four-bedroom suite.
More suites at The Ritz-Carlton Central Park.
5. Trump International
The Telegraph says, “This 52-story luxury tower has the impeccable star-studded Jean Georges restaurant at its base. The imperious chandelier-hung marble lobby is a perfect melding of Manhattan glitz and European grandeur, and the modern, minimalist guest rooms with spectacular Central Park views are sleek yet surprisingly understated.”
Forbes Travel Guide says, “The hotel’s 176 rooms are tastefully appointed and many offers striking views of the park’s treetops from the floor-to-ceiling windows, yet what really sets the hotel apart from the pack is its discretion and commitment to excellent service. Only the finest linens, marble and hand-picked decorations make their way into the Trump’s rooms, and you’ll find touches befitting of the Donald such as gilded fixtures in the bathrooms and Christoffel serving trays. Hotel guests also receive their own personal attaché making luxury living all the more accessible.”
Park View Two-Bedroom Suite
The 1,540 sq. ft. two bedroom Park View Suites offer unobstructed views of Central Park.
More suites at Trump International.
6. The Sherry-Netherland
Forbes Travel Guide writes, “Since its opening in 1927, The Sherry-Netherland has been a Central Park favorite and a Fifth Avenue landmark thanks to its stunning architecture and Gothic minaret. Its signature sidewalk clock denotes the hotel’s entrance, leading you into an intimate marble lobby with 18-foot vaulted ceilings. Each of the 50 rooms, including 20 suites, is individually designed, bringing an even more unique aspect into the equation. Even the smallest rooms are spacious at 340 square feet. It’s hard to find a bad view during a stay at The Sherry, as many rooms look onto Central Park. The European elegance also seeps into the hotel’s restaurant, Harry Cipriani. From the same family behind the famous Harry’s Bar in Venice, Italy, the classic restaurant is popular among hotel guests and Upper East Side neighbors alike.”
Central Park View Suite
The Central Park View Suites range from 1,200-to-1,400 sq. ft.
More suites at The Sherry-Netherland.
