Mandarin Oriental New York
Mandarin Oriental is a reason in itself to visit New York, with its most enviable location overlooking Central Park and sumptuous luxury that few can match. Occupying the 35th to 54th floors of the famed Time Warner building on Columbus Circle, guests have their choice of breathtaking views of the New York skyline from rooms, restaurants and bars. This is a hotel that has truly mastered the art of fusion- in all their elements of interior design, cuisine and service.
Guestrooms are sophisticated and luxurious, with Eastern details of carved woods, rich fabrics, Chinese artwork and jewel-toned resting pillows while simultaneously bringing forth the contemporary feel of one of the world’s busiest cities. This is a meccah for east meets west decadence, with each room offering over US $27,000 worth of entertainment equipment. In a city with as much wealth and often absurd levels of luxury, even the Mandarin Oriental is at its own heightened level, not just for its plush furnishings and extraordinary decor, but because of theĀ kind of hospitality service in the DNA of the staff. A genuine smile, a quick side step, a gentle but insistent manner of guiding you to your destination even if that means just steps away.
A huge bonus in this hotel- experience the 75 foot indoor pool, which overlooks the Hudson River and is most likely one of the “tallest” pools in America.
The hotel’s acclaimed Spa tempts even the most jaded and well traveled guests, with my personal favorites such as the Ocean and Earth body wrap, which induces sweat to rid the body of toxins and the unique Oriental Foot Therapy, which relaxes you through corresponding pressure points in the feet as opposed to throughout the body. This is indisputably one of the very best spas in the country, not to mention one of the most gorgeous, with dark wood oriental furniture, plush pillows and tea service that lull you into spa heaven.
Dining at Asiate, where Asian and Western flavors blend harmoniously, is an experience in line with being a guest at the hotel- memorable, exquisitely delicious and one that you wish would last forever. The more casual but equally stunning Lobby Lounge offers one of the East Coast’s most elegant and traditional afternoon teas, complete with fresh Devonshire cream and house-made marmalade.
New York’s Mandarin Oriental stands above and apart from its competitors, with an unusual sense of coziness throughout the hotel and most importantly, an extraordinary hospitality that welcomes guests into a safe, luxurious environment separated from the loud and chaotic world outside.
Update: October 2017
What was previously the lounge has now transformed into The Aviary, a high end restaurant by world renowned Chef Grant Achatz (of Alinea fame).
Visit Mandarin Oriental New York