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Growing up in New York, there are a few urban fantasies we all hope to live out, but few actually have the chance. A table at Rao's (next to Woody Allen maybe?). A romantic meeting at the top of the Empire State Building. An penthouse apartment with a view of Central Park. The first two I cannot help you with, but as for the last fantasy, I have the next best thing: a suite at the Ritz-Carlton, New York Central Park.
Unfortunately my photo does the view little justice (grey winter day + unskilled photographer does not a panoramic view make), The hotel's official photo does a much better job:
The Ritz-Carlton occupies a prime piece of real estate on 59th Street and 6th Avenue, right on the same strip as all the other famous names in New York luxury 5-star hotels: The Mandarin Oriental, and The Plaza. Right across the street are the horse-drawn carriages that will take you on a tour of Central Park, another hallmark of the dream New York vacation.
As the hotel's representative explained to me, the goal for the Ritz-Carlton Central Park location is to preserve a sense of the "classic" New York (in contrast to their Battery Park City location, which strives for a sleek, modern elegance). Even just the entrance to the hotel brings a sense of old New York:
The hotel is housed in a 1930s building designed by Emery Roth. The 33-story building contains 259 guestrooms and 47 suites You are greeted at the door by fully dressed doormen and bellhops, and enter the marble lobby. The lobby is a bit smaller than I had expected, but the lighting and decor all call back ideas of the opulence of times gone by, and of a luxury few can afford.
Off the lobby is the Star Lounge where guests can gather to relax, read the paper, or take in afternoon tea served every day. The dark wood paneling, plush furniture, and warm lighting all help to contribute to the atmosphere of New York luxury at rest. My guide took me through the lounge, and into their restaurant that sits on the 6th Avenue side of the hotel.
The restaurant is open for breakfast every morning, but is also in the midst of a major overhaul and redesign. The Ritz-Carlton hopes to open the restaurant some time in the summer/fall for lunch and dinner, but for now guests are able to have breakfast if they so choose.
My guide then took me upstairs to visit their array of guestroom types. Along the way, she explained that in addition to preserving the atmosphere of classic new York, the hotel also seeks to create a sense of familiarity in each of its guestrooms and suites. That you are not a visitor to New York: you are at home. Almost all rooms are king-bedded, and either have a Park or City view. The interiors are, of course, the epitome of elegance and luxury.
As is standard for the Ritz, the spacious bathroom features a separate marble bathtub and shower. The shampoos, soaps, and other amenities are all top of the line.
Suites all feature an additional living space with a pull-out sofa and other furniture.
The guide took me into one of the Central Park Suites where she noted they have housed many diplomats in the past. The view featured at the start of this post was taken from that suite. Once I walked over to the window, I literally could not pull myself away from the view. You could spend all day watching the scenery change. In addition, the suite boasts extra living space with a dining room and seating.
Though I mentioned earlier that most rooms are king-bedded, there are double-doubles available upon request. It is also possible to notify the hotel and have them rearrange rooms to have two twin beds ready for a flat fee of $300.
The Ritz also features a spa and fitness center open to all guests. The La Prairie spa is one of only two in the United States, and offers an array of truly indulgent treatments, facials, and massages. The fitness center features top of the line cardio and weight machines, and personal trainers are available upon request.
Guests staying on the Club level also have access to the Club Lounge, where they can relax, watch TV, read the paper, or enjoy the array of foods served throughout the day.
Overall, I felt that the Ritz-Carlton puts a premium not only on the comfort and luxury of its guestrooms and facilities, but also on courteous, high-quality service. Everyone on staff that I met in the process of my tour went out of their way to make me feel welcome and at home. I got the impression that there would always be someone at the ready to answer questions and requests as quickly and efficiently as possible. A truly remarkable hotel for the dream New York vacation.
Unfortunately my photo does the view little justice (grey winter day + unskilled photographer does not a panoramic view make), The hotel's official photo does a much better job:
The Ritz-Carlton occupies a prime piece of real estate on 59th Street and 6th Avenue, right on the same strip as all the other famous names in New York luxury 5-star hotels: The Mandarin Oriental, and The Plaza. Right across the street are the horse-drawn carriages that will take you on a tour of Central Park, another hallmark of the dream New York vacation.
As the hotel's representative explained to me, the goal for the Ritz-Carlton Central Park location is to preserve a sense of the "classic" New York (in contrast to their Battery Park City location, which strives for a sleek, modern elegance). Even just the entrance to the hotel brings a sense of old New York:
The hotel is housed in a 1930s building designed by Emery Roth. The 33-story building contains 259 guestrooms and 47 suites You are greeted at the door by fully dressed doormen and bellhops, and enter the marble lobby. The lobby is a bit smaller than I had expected, but the lighting and decor all call back ideas of the opulence of times gone by, and of a luxury few can afford.
Off the lobby is the Star Lounge where guests can gather to relax, read the paper, or take in afternoon tea served every day. The dark wood paneling, plush furniture, and warm lighting all help to contribute to the atmosphere of New York luxury at rest. My guide took me through the lounge, and into their restaurant that sits on the 6th Avenue side of the hotel.
The restaurant is open for breakfast every morning, but is also in the midst of a major overhaul and redesign. The Ritz-Carlton hopes to open the restaurant some time in the summer/fall for lunch and dinner, but for now guests are able to have breakfast if they so choose.
My guide then took me upstairs to visit their array of guestroom types. Along the way, she explained that in addition to preserving the atmosphere of classic new York, the hotel also seeks to create a sense of familiarity in each of its guestrooms and suites. That you are not a visitor to New York: you are at home. Almost all rooms are king-bedded, and either have a Park or City view. The interiors are, of course, the epitome of elegance and luxury.
As is standard for the Ritz, the spacious bathroom features a separate marble bathtub and shower. The shampoos, soaps, and other amenities are all top of the line.
Suites all feature an additional living space with a pull-out sofa and other furniture.
The guide took me into one of the Central Park Suites where she noted they have housed many diplomats in the past. The view featured at the start of this post was taken from that suite. Once I walked over to the window, I literally could not pull myself away from the view. You could spend all day watching the scenery change. In addition, the suite boasts extra living space with a dining room and seating.
Though I mentioned earlier that most rooms are king-bedded, there are double-doubles available upon request. It is also possible to notify the hotel and have them rearrange rooms to have two twin beds ready for a flat fee of $300.
The Ritz also features a spa and fitness center open to all guests. The La Prairie spa is one of only two in the United States, and offers an array of truly indulgent treatments, facials, and massages. The fitness center features top of the line cardio and weight machines, and personal trainers are available upon request.
Guests staying on the Club level also have access to the Club Lounge, where they can relax, watch TV, read the paper, or enjoy the array of foods served throughout the day.
Overall, I felt that the Ritz-Carlton puts a premium not only on the comfort and luxury of its guestrooms and facilities, but also on courteous, high-quality service. Everyone on staff that I met in the process of my tour went out of their way to make me feel welcome and at home. I got the impression that there would always be someone at the ready to answer questions and requests as quickly and efficiently as possible. A truly remarkable hotel for the dream New York vacation.
