New York is a vibrant, aesthetically exciting, and character-rich city that thrives on the energy of all who live, work, and play there. It is a feeling, a sense of being that exists only while walking the New York streets, lounging on the lawns of Central Park, and taking in a show on Broadway. As though one belongs instantly to New York, and New York to you.
Home to numerous fine museums – including the superb MoMA which specialises in modern and contemporary art and houses renowned masterpieces by Warhol, Picasso, and Van Gogh. Embrace the sensory overload that is Times Square, visit the Statue of Liberty, go to the top of the Chrysler and Empire State Buildings, and pay respects at Ground Zero. Savour the delectable choice of the celebrated culinary fare on offer at the city’s top restaurants, and do not hesitate to pick up a takeaway coffee and classic hand-rolled New York bagel while out exploring.
As Georgia O’Keefe noted, ‘One can’t paint New York as it is, but rather as it is felt’ – and we could not agree more.
The BusinessClass.com guide to the best hotels in New York:
Four Seasons Hotel New York - 9/10
Located between Park and Madison Avenues and just steps away from Central Park, the Four Seasons Hotel New York commands attention from a most notable address. With 368 spacious sun-filled rooms and suites that induce a sense of calm high above Manhattan’s vibrant streets, the 52-storey hotel was designed by renowned architect I.M. Pei. A fine example of modern art-deco with sky-high ceilings, glass balconies and impressive trimmings the interiors play to the natural light. It is here that visionary hotelier Ty Warner placed his selection of handcrafted furnishings, hand-knotted rugs and original artwork, all lending themselves to the surprisingly homely feel.
With hotel suites bigger than most in New York, as well as exceptionally quiet despite the location, you have a choice of Studios, Junior Suites - of which there are 286 - and One- or Two-bedroom suites. If you are aiming for the top, figuratively and literally, the Ty Warner Penthouse – on the 52nd floor - is an embodiment of opulent living with four balconies, oversized windows and railings that speak to the uninterrupted city views. Guests can pair their stay with alfresco dining or on-point cocktails at the impressive Ty Bar.
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The Lowell Hotel - 9.5/10
A landmark luxury boutique hotel in the heart of Manhattan, The Lowell reflects the soulful timelessness of the Upper East Side. Opening its doors in 1927, it has hosted some of the city’s most synonymous names in art, music and politics over the years and still draws world-class travellers. Rising 17-floors above the iconic neighbourhood, a short walk from the fashion houses of Madison Avenue and within easy reach of Fifth Avenue and Central Park, this is a perfect spot for the avid shopper. Yet The Lowell speaks of warmth and intimate comfort thanks to the skilfully curated interiors by Michael Smith and the original wood-burning fireplaces found in the lounges and private suites. Its 74 rooms have elegant, stylish decor and great amenities, most suites have terraces and all accommodations have small kitchens. Another treat is that the room windows open to allow in the fresh air.
The five speciality suites resemble classic Manhattan apartments with de Gournay wallpaper and a library of enthralling books. When it is time for tea, visit the Pembroke Room, a European-inspired lounge that also hosts breakfast or brunch. At the Jacques Bar, enjoy cocktails mixed by skilled bartenders as you relax into the velvet banquettes, light oak panelling, mosaic marble floors and antique mirrored ceiling. Celebrated restaurateur Charles Masson has crafted a menu of French classics with Mediterranean influences from the Riviera to Morocco in Majorelle, where you will note welcome touches of Berber blue. A beautiful maison.
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The Greenwich Hotel, Tribeca - 9/10
The Greenwich Hotel was conceived by Robert De Niro and New York Hotelier Ira Drukier. Located in trendy Tribeca, one of New York City's most alluring neighbourhoods, it blends in with the classic New York façades. The hotel features 88 beautiful bedrooms fitted with Carrara marble and Moroccan tile, a bamboo spa constructed by Japanese craftsmen sans nails, and a cosy typically Italian DeNiro style restaurant. Each of the rooms, from Queen Room to One-Bedroom Suites, are individually decorated with luxurious items collected from around the world. The rooms include free Wi-Fi access and a minibar stocked with free snacks. Only in-house guests have access to the hotel’s library, stunning courtyard, spa, and pool - making The Greenwich Hotel experience that extra special.
Locanda Verde is where chef Andrew Carmellini dishes up high-end Italian comfort food in a relaxed setting. Shibui is the Japanese-inspired spa, a place to unwind and heal the body – and soul. The Hotel has one of the finest swimming pools in New York - heated, lit by lanterns and enclosed in the walls of a Japanese farmhouse. The Drawing Room is a stylish lounge area for guests and The Courtyard a welcoming outdoor area. Performing art lovers take note, the Tribeca Centre and Washington Market Park are both just 500m away. It is an award-winning performance from De Niro here.
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The Carlyle, A Rosewood Hotel - 9/10
Located on Madison Avenue and built-in 1930, The Carlyle has for generations charmed the most discerning traveller, specifically those who appreciate privacy and impeccable service. Designed by noted architectural firm Bien & Prince and named to honour British essayist Thomas Carlyle, the landmark hotel’s 189 lavish rooms, of which 90 are suites, make for an ideal Upper East Side pied-à-terre. Exquisitely decorated by designers such as Tony Chi, Dorothy Draper, Mark Hampton, Alexandra Champalimaud and Thierry Despont, the accommodations exude grace and comfort. Depending on your style preference, opt for original hardwood floors and rich fabrics in the Classic rooms, or the modern art deco style so prevalent in the Superior, Deluxe and Premiers. But if it is the views you are after, go straight for the Premier Suites.
The Carlyle Restaurant Executive Chef - Sylvain Delpique - has created a menu of classic American cuisine with European flair that features favourites such as the Dover Sole and Lobster Bisque. With masterpiece murals by Ludwig Bemelmans, the creator of the classic Madeline children’s books, Bemelmans Bar draws high society to gather and delight in the live entertainment. Inspired by the Sultan's dining room at the Topkapi Palace in Turkey, The Gallery is a gorgeous two-tier diner with deep red wallpapers, banquettes made from antique kilims and red-fringed velvet chairs. The Carlyle also a fitness centre, spa, massage, and steam room for travellers wanting to keep up their wellbeing between decadent dining experiences. The location offers a wealth of museums, galleries, upscale boutiques, and Central Park is within strolling distance.
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The Mandarin Oriental, New York - 9/10
With an undeniable wow-factor, the Mandarin Oriental is housed more than 280 feet above ground in the north tower of the iconic Time Warner Centre. An unbeatable setting amid the action and overlooking the glittering skyline, Hudson River and of course the green space that is Central Park. With 202 guestrooms and 46 suites on floors 35 to 54, art lovers will appreciate the hotel’s signature fan by New York fashion designer Vivienne Tam that is displayed in the lobby. The installation by Dale Chihuly, a chandelier created in collaboration with Waterford Crystal that comprises 683 hand-blown glass and crystal pieces.
For in-house dining, Asiate on the 35th floor serves contemporary cuisine with Asian influences. The Aviary NYC is a high-end cocktail lounge adjacent to Asiate that overlooks Columbus Circle. The Mandarin Oriental, New York offers a world-class spa boasting a range of treatments. The rooms are thoroughly luxurious with elegant Asian décor and high-tech fittings. The main difference in room categories is the size, and the hotel is known to have some of the best bathrooms in Manhattan. Resembling a palace in the sky is Suite 5000, a lavish two-bedroom suite that blends the finest art and design. Guests must miss the 75-foot indoor pool with a floor-to-ceiling glass wall and panoramic views of Manhattan.
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The Peninsula New York - 8.5/10
The Peninsula New York flagship hotel is set on Fifth Avenue and 55th Street in Midtown Manhattan – likely one of the most expensive streets in the world and the heart of the city’s prestigious shopping, entertainment, and cultural district. Highly acclaimed and with countless accolades, The Peninsula New York is part of the Hong Kong-based Peninsula Hotels group that prides itself in the highest possible luxury hotels & resorts status. Within this refined world, find the hotel’s 239 richly appointed suites and traditional premier hotel rooms. The Standard, Deluxe and Junior Executive Suites have interior courtyard views which make them quieter, while those above the 15th floor benefit from the natural light. Of escalating size are the Grand Luxe Rooms, Executive Suites, Deluxe and Grand Suites with The Peninsula Suite the ultimate choice. Featuring six rooms, including a spacious master bedroom and bathroom, dining room with adjoining kitchen, elegant living room and more.
The Clement restaurant offers notable American Fare designed to showcase midtown dining. Salon de Ning is the ultra-cool stylish rooftop bar and terrace that offers a range of signature cocktails and Asian-inspired cuisine. The sunsets from here are incredible! Other amenities include a fitness centre, a sleek serenity-inducing spa, and a beautiful glass-enclosed swimming pool – the perfect antidote to a busy day of shopping up a storm.
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The Pierre New York - A Taj Hotel - 9/10
An institution on the Upper East Side, The Pierre has been a landmark hotel in the city since opening in 1930. A monument to New York City grandeur and steeped in history, it could not be chicer, and despite numerous upgrades has never lost sight of its timeless hospitality values. With an established reputation as a cornerstone of New York glamour The Pierre has been the choice of icon guests including Coco Chanel, Karl Lagerfeld, and Yves Saint Laurent. Initially modelled after Versailles by famed architects Schultze and Weaver, the 41-story structure has a stately neo-Georgian style with black and white marble floors, a magnificent ballroom with typically grand staircases, and a Rotunda with ornate murals hand-painted by American artist Edward Melcarth.
The hotel homes 189 exquisitely furnished guest rooms including 49 suites, of which 11 are grand suites. For those wanting to spend less on their rooms while benefitting from all that the hotel offers, the entry-level Pierre Deluxe and Park View are ideal, as is the Signature Park View. Dining options include the blend of French-American dishes and aromatic Indian cuisine at Perrine, The Rotunda and Two E Lounge. You will feel the unmatched commitment to service from the moment of arrival with the doormen out front, the white-gloved elevator operators and Les Clefs d’Or concierges devoted to meeting all of your wants and needs, from arrival to reluctant departure.
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The Mark on Madison Avenue - 9/10
The Mark Hotel is a luxurious, serene retreat, with each of the 106 hotel rooms and 47 suites purposely curated by the hotel’s designer Jacques Grange, whose renowned understated eye for detail is prevalent throughout. Originally constructed in 1927 in the Renaissance Revival style, the building's interiors were reimagined in 2009. There is a strong focus on culinary art with all outlets from The Mark Restaurant to in-room dining under the guidance of resident Michelin-star-winning masterchef Jean-Georges Vongerichten. Guest rooms are decorated in subtle muted tones with original work by renowned artists hanging on the walls. The room options are vast, be it studio or multi-bedroom suites. Even the smallest rooms have spa-like bathrooms, white marble finishes, a deep bath, separate showers, and impressive range of amenities.
The gorgeous bi-level penthouse is the showstopper. The largest hotel penthouse suite in the USA at more than 10,000 square feet it includes a 2,500 square foot rooftop terrace that overlooks Central Park. With five lavishly adorned bedrooms, six bathrooms, two bars, a conservatory, library lounge, dining room, and chef’s kitchen, the living room can even be transformed into a full-sized Grand Ballroom should the mood strike you. The Mark features a Frédéric Fekkai salon, John Lobb shoe care services, an exclusive scent by Frédéric Malle, dedicated car service for the duration of stay and frequent high-profile celebrities, make life at the Mark quite incomparable. The avant-garde design, irresistible branded bicycles, pedicabs, cute food kiosk and gourmet picnics all add to the enchantment.
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The Chatwal, A Luxury Collection Hotel - 9/10
The distinct cerise awnings of The Chatwal instantly welcome you to this acclaimed property. A long-standing and integral part of the city, The Chatwal was built in 1905 by famed architect Stanford White, who brought it into the modern era under the visionary guidance of Thierry Despont. The Chatwal’s 76 rooms, including 29 suites, have interiors inspired by the city's history and Art Deco style. Decorated in rich tones with upholstered suede walls, dark wooden accents and vintage-inspired art that brings you back to the 1920s. Playful touches include backgammon sets, custom playing cards and desks that look like steamer trunks. Note that only the rooms on the 7th floor have terraces. For the creme de la crème, The Chatwal Crowns are a collection of 10 suites by master designer Thierry Despont, each carefully crafted based on a distinct theme, they come complete with a variety of extra spoils.
The Lambs Club Restaurant & Bar is a flashback to New York’s Golden Age with its mahogany-panelled walls and red leather booths. Be entertained by a jazz soprano while you sample dishes crafted by acclaimed chef Geoffrey Zakarian. Located steps from Broadway and the Theatre District, a show after dinner is a seamless transition.
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The Baccarat Hotel & Residences - 9/10
The Baccarat Hotel & Residences occupies one of the most prestigious avenues in the world – 5th Avenue. Relish the Parisian influenced architecture and elegantly adorned rooms, each decked-out with modern Parisian décor. There is a wonderful 50-foot swimming pool, workout centre, spa, and concierge services that will direct you to the best of New York, New York. The rooms and suites offer a sense of homely comfort with the interiors credited to Gilles & Boissier, an acclaimed Paris-based design duo who ensured that a touch of Baccarat crystal and crimson red appeared in each of the 114 rooms and suites. The rooms are surprisingly contemporary, awash with creams and whites that complement the parquet floors and clean-lined furniture. Detail abounds though with all modern creature comforts, gourmet minibars, white marble bathrooms, soaking tubs, rainfall showers and plush Italian robes included.
The Grand Salon with its Jouffre silk-covered walls and plush, high-backed banquettes is where Alsatian-inspired cuisine from Culinary Director and Two Michelin-starred chef Gabriel Kreuther can be enjoyed beneath a breath-taking 64 arm Baccarat chandelier. Paris in New York has never looked so good.
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