the luxury hotels of New York - part one

New York is a fascinating city that offers world-class museums and shopping as well as downtown neighborhoods providing local culture often missed by the leisure traveler. I took this photograph at the Farmer's Market in Union Square where a vendor was offering hot apple cider, a great treat on a crisp winter's day.

Where to stay when you visit New York? I split my week among three hotels in the city and had site visits of six others. Here in "part one" is a brief review of the three New York luxury hotels in which I stayed.

The Ritz-Carlton Central Park has it all with a perfect location on Central Park South and 6th Avenue. Ritz-Carlton undertook a complete renovation of the former St. Moritz in 2002, and the results are stunning. Rooms are furnished in a classic New York style with beautiful silk wallpaper, wood trim, and elegant draperies. A Deluxe Parkview room offers spacious accommodations, a comfortable bed with 450 thread-count Frette linens, and a view to die for. You'll keep the shades up all night just to enjoy the incredible sight of Central Park. For a very special treat, book a Premiere Parkview Suite; with one of your corner suite's windows looking down 59th street and the other windows looking into the park, you'll feel as though you're in your private pied-a-terre in the heart of New York. Book this property through a Virtuoso luxury travel consultant for special amenities at the Best Available Rate.

Four Seasons New York is another very special property featuring the largest guestrooms in the city. Walking in the 57th Street entrance during the holiday season, you will see the gorgeous Christmas tree in the middle of the lobby. This hotel has some beautiful suites that stagger the imagination (and the wallet), but for the ultimate stay in the ultimate hotel in the ultimate city in the world ... look no farther than the Four Seasons. You will enjoy the warm contemporary style and unsurpassed service that Four Seasons is known for.

The Ritz-Carlton Battery Park offers some of the best luxury hotel values in New York. Located at the southern tip of Manhattan, the highly sought-after Harbor View rooms have direct views of the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island. The hotel thoughtfully provides telescopes in each room to get close-up views. However, the City View rooms look out on equally interesting city landscapes. The property's spacious rooms offer the same luxurious bedding as the Central Park location. Just a 15 minute express subway ride from 58th Street, this is a perfect location for a family vacation in New York, a romantic weekend getaway, or a business trip to Wall Street.

New York luxury hotels (search here on Google)


copyright (c) 2007 by David J. Ourisman. All rights reserved. If you have comments on this column, or questions about booking travel, email me or visit my website.
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