If you’re in the market for an elegant and luxurious hotel in Midtown Manhattan, look no further than the corner of Central Park South and Sixth Avenue: home to The Ritz-Carlton New York, Central Park.
The location – beside one of the world’s most famous parks and within walking distance of top-rated restaurants, shopping on Fifth Avenue and Columbus Circle, and Broadway theater – is ideal for travelers who want a chic escape from the Big Apple bustle.
Fresh off an expansive renovation, the 253-room hotel was originally the site of the landmark St. Moritz Hotel, designed by architect Emery Roth and known for its Old World charm. Today, the 33-story Ritz boasts a much more contemporary feel.
Inside, you’ll find a sleek new look with hints of old New York scattered in every room as well as in the Club Lounge; the fitness center; the Movement Studio; and Contour, a gastro-lounge in the art-filled lobby.
The hotel smells really good, too, with the addition of a new signature aroma that blends mint, elderflower and strawberry, inspired by Central Park and created especially for the property by Antica Farmacista.
Guest rooms, outfitted in soft colors, come with custom-made furniture, carpeting inlaid with Matisse sketches and cloud-inspired wallpaper – all evoking the city’s heritage as a hub of culture and fashion. Mahogany consoles hold flat-screen TVs, and bathrooms feature marble walk-in showers, deep soaking tubs and Asprey’s Purple Water toiletries.
If you want the best city views, book one of the hotel’s 42 suites or five specialty suites. Two Legendary Suites, new additions to the hotel, offer equally appealing indoor sights with specially commissioned photography from renowned New York artists.
The Club Lounge, an exclusive gathering spot on the second floor overlooking Central Park, boasts a sophisticated new look with dark wood paneling, Carrera marble accents and a vibrant color scheme. Club Level guests enjoy a revamped food and beverage menu, along with highly personalized service and a dedicated concierge.
After a day of shopping or exploring Central Park, head to the gorgeous spa from the Swiss skincare company La Prairie, on the second floor. The signature caviar luxury massage and facial are sure to leave you feeling refreshed.
The Ritz’s fully equipped gym is now larger and sports the latest in exercise equipment from Technogym. The new Movement Studio features the FitnessOnDemand platform, which offers personal training, as well as a full-length ballet bar, Peloton bikes and a Concept2 Rower. The hotel provides chilled towels, snacks and a hydration station with all-natural drops to power up your beverage.
But you’re going to need more than power water at some point. And, for this, head to Contour, serving craft cocktails and creative small plates that make the most of locally sourced ingredients.
Quite possibly the best part of staying at a Ritz-Carlton is the legendary service, and that’s clearly evident here. Expect staff to remain one step ahead of you, from the bellman who offers to fill your ice bucket after hauling your luggage to the concierge who points you toward restaurants that best suit your tastes. Another perk: A complimentary house car, the Mercedes-Maybach, stands ready to whisk you away.
For an extra special evening, treat yourself to the $50,000 Nightcap package. For that hefty price, you and your partner begin with Reserve Cocktails in the new lounge with a set of engraved, keepsake Lalique crystal glasses. You’ll be given keys to one of The Ritz’s most impressive new suites, The Royal, where a pair of Slip silk sleep masks will ensure a perfect night’s sleep. Before you surrender to The Sandman, however, you’ll enjoy in-suite Nighttime Rejuvenation treatments.
Also included in the price is in-room breakfast for two, complimentary use of the house car for six hours and a $200 credit for drinks and dining at Contour. The extravagant package was created to celebrate the hotel’s transformation in high style.
It’s also another splendid reason for “putting on The Ritz” in NYC. O
The Ritz-Carlton New York, Central Park, is located at 50 Central Park S. For more information, call 212-308-9100 or visit ritzcarlton.com.