With my son living in New York City for the past several years, I’ve enjoyed my share of New York City hotels. I recently wrote about my favorites, and had I the pleasure of a Ritz-Carlton New York, Central Park stay prior to publishing that piece, the hotel would have received top billing. Located directly across the street from the south entrance to its namesake locale, and surrounded by mid-town energy, the Manhattan hospitality gem provides easy access to everything for which the city is known: shopping, cuisine, Broadway, and the expansive greenery of the nation’s most well-known park.
Yet, after numerous Big Apple visits, I no longer feel the urgency to play tourist, and recently, The Ritz-Carlton New York, Central Park proved the ideal hospitality option for this current New York state of mind. Opting to slow down a bit and enjoy my surroundings as might a local, I found the hotel to offer a residential ambiance, one in which I felt very much at home. Whether I headed out for exploration of the world’s greatest city, or chose to relax with a cappuccino and a copy of the Sunday New York Times, The Ritz-Carlton New York, Central Park fulfilled all my NYC desires. Here are five reasons why you too will want to make this your Manhattan home base:
Location: It’s in the name; The Ritz-Carlton New York, Central Park is located directly across from the verdancy of Frederick Olmstead’s urban masterpiece. Park View rooms overlook the leafy canopy—green in spring and summer, and crimson in the fall. 843 acres include lakes, streams, expansive lawns, and scenic gardens and woodlands. Stroll the elm-bordered Mall and Literary Walk to the heart of the park, the famed Bethesda Terrace and Fountain, site of many a Hollywood movie. Search for the varied iconic statues and sculptures, such as sled dog Balto near the Tisch Children’s Zoo, or the large Alice in Wonderland bronze near Conservatory Water. Or check-out a Citibike (a dock is located steps from the hotel’s front door) and pedal the park’s dedicated one-way loop. Citibike has added a multitude of electric bikes to its fleet, making the ride breezy fun. It’s easy to download the Citibike app, or simply utilize your Lyft account for access.
The Club Lounge: For a small surcharge, guests at The Ritz-Carlton New York, Central Park are invited to enjoy the swanky second floor Club Lounge. Well worth the additional cost, access includes daily and nightly presentations of delicious cuisine, global wines, and crafted cocktails. The peaceful chartreuse and chocolate brown environ overlooks the park and is a lovely way to start and end each day. A background soundtrack of French jazz and a collection of newspapers and coffee table fashion and design books set a cosmopolitan mood. The dedicated concierge can advise on just about any query, whether regarding shopping, museums, or dining—though restaurant visits are somewhat superfluous when the lounge’s varied food presentations include lobster roll, seared salmon, traditional NY pastrami sandwiches, filet mignon, salads, crudité, charcuterie, soups, and decadent desserts.
The Suites: The Ritz-Carlton New York, Central Park features some of the city’s most spectacular specialty suites, most of which are situated along the hotel’s southeast corner, at the intersection of Central Park South and 6th Ave. Why is this significant? This is prime viewing for the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade which passes right by suite windows, with balloons nearly within arm’s reach. For the ultimate viewing of this iconic, annual, celebratory event, book the 790 sq. ft. Grand Park View Suite, the 1100 sq. ft. Premiere Park View Suite, the 1740 sq. ft. Artist Gate Suite with billiards room, dining room, and two separate living rooms, or the luxurious, 2175 sq. ft. Royal Suite with panoramic views of Central Park and design that emulates an Upper East Side townhouse. But be prepared for a wait. These suites book way in advance, and the hotel keeps a wait list for those next in line.
The La Prairie Spa: A stay at The Ritz Carlton New York, Central Park is not complete without a visit to its La Prairie Spa, the only northeast outpost from the luxurious Swiss skincare brand. Though diminutive with six treatment rooms, the spa’s exclusive, signature treatments are powerfully relaxing and therapeutic. For optimal trial of the decadent La Prairie products, book the anti-aging Caviar Firming Facial, which harnesses the immediate power of La Prairie’s renowned Skin Caviar Collection, known to support skin metabolism and restore youthful structure. And then just try not to purchase the whole La Prairie line. To sample these effective products in action is to believe in a fountain of youth.
Fitness: If you don’t succeed in accomplishing your 10,000 or more steps with city and park exploration, head to the hotel’s state-of-the-art fitness center and Movement Studio. The expansive fitness center features Technogym equipment, and a hydration station at which guests can add varied wellness drops to their water. The new Movement Studio features FitnessOnDemand programming which allows guests to select from a variety of classes, such as yoga, cardio, and meditation. Additional amenities include Peloton bikes, a Concept2 Rower, and a full-length ballet bar.
The Art: Famed museums are within walking distance, yet hotel guests will find art pieces within their own rooms, suites, and public spaces. The hotel’s new art program features specially commissioned limited edition photography from highly regarded artists such as Rodney Smith, Gordon Parks, and Cecil Beaton. Each past and present piece features timeless fashion and celebrity portraiture that captures just the right New York City vibe.
Photos courtesy of The Ritz-Carlton New York, Central Park
