Charlie Cooksey spent a summer getaway in the iconic New York City, staying at The Ritz-Carlton Central Park.
Mention The Ritz-Carlton, and images of luxe suites and Central Park are conjured into mind. These idyllic images are not far from my experience while staying at the well-known Ritz-Carlton Central Park. This 5-star luxury hotel is located in Midtown Manhattan, offering ample opportunities to discover nearby restaurants and attractions like Rockefeller Center.
The Ritz-Carlton Central Park is about a 30-minute drive from LaGuardia Airport, achieved via taxi or rental car. It is located alongside Central Park, accessible by simply crossing the street. This incredible location offers the ability to roll out of bed and enjoy an early morning walk through the park. While there are 111 Ritz-Carlton company locations, this is their flagship property, and rightfully so.
Upon arrival, I was greeted by an incredibly friendly staff and shown to my room by Jeremy. I was pleasantly surprised by a champagne bottle on ice waiting for me when entering my room. A few steps further into the room provided an incredible display of candies, chocolates, and sweets with edible Bahrain and British flag decorations. My photo was included, providing the perfect personal touch to the warm welcome display.
My experience was enhanced by the bed of my dreams… The unbelievably comfortable bed offered me the perfect night’s sleep which was much needed after my 18-hour journey from Bahrain.
I was fortunate to land a room with a stunning overlook of Central Park and its lush summer greenery. Some rooms also offer views of the iconic NYC skyline, accented by modern art. Each room is decorated with an elegant and attractive décor modeled after NYC penthouses. There is ample space in each of the suites and guest rooms, with most offering marble bathrooms and tubs, creating the perfect environment for a relaxing stay with a view.
During my stay, I was taken on a tour of the hotel, providing me a look into the Presidential Suite and Royal Suite. Both suites were incredibly spacy – unbelievably so. Imagine these lush rooms which have held every celebrity you can imagine! Beyond the accommodations, it has quite a few room amenities that you can take advantage of.
For those who enjoy working out while traveling, the Ritz-Carlton Central Park has a recently renovated gym that you can enjoy. All the equipment is brand new, sparkling, and ready for travelers to use. A movement studio is also available, which features virtual classes for guided workouts.
On the premises nearby the fitness center is La Prairie Spa, which boasts excellent guest reviews. Guests can indulge in massages and facials in a serene setting that allows travelers to escape the city’s liveliness for a few hours. It’s also a great stop after a particularly long flight or day of exploring the city. Additional amenities include a business center, valet parking, and room service.
I headed to the Contour Lounge to finish the evening, a sleek and new gastro lounge with a restaurant/bar found inside the hotel. It has a relaxed atmosphere open daily for breakfast, lunch, dinner, and a nightcap. Here, I enjoyed a delicious charcuterie board and cheese spread. I also indulged in a “Manhattan” cocktail – their signature drink which uses local bourbon whiskey. Each item was delicious and helped curate the perfect ending to the night.
Overall, I was very pleased with the hotel, its amenities, and the proximity to Central Park. As far as a summer getaway, this is one location that will not disappoint. New York is full of attractions and restaurants featuring some of the best food in the country. The summertime is one of the best times to visit, as you’ll be able to see the park’s lush greenery.
For more information, call +1 212-308-9100 or visit their website: www.ritzcarlton.com/en/hotels/new-york/central-park.
