Mandarin Oriental New York is a luxurious hotel in the heart of Manhattan with unparalleled views of Central Park and Hudson River. Anne Kurian visits the mesmerising property…
There is something about New York that charms even the most intrepid traveller. Be it lush acres of Central Park or the huge, animated billboards on Times Square, the endless array of restaurants or the ferry rides, the city rarely fails to mesmerise. The vibe of the city energetic that often adds to a visitor’s adrenaline rush. In a metropolis like New York, finding a space to retreat to after a hectic day of sightseeing, shopping or business meetings is not difficult given the number of properties that the city boasts of. Yet, one that keeps you connected to the city’s pulsating life and sights as well as provide you with an oasis of tranquil luxury is not always easy to find. The search for such a property led me to Mandarin Oriental, New York on my maiden visit to the Big Apple.
Located at Columbus Circle in Time Warner Centre, Mandarin Oriental, New York, is a beautiful and magnificent property, second to none. At Mandarin Oriental, New York (MONY), the city’s style and vibrance blends together seamlessly with the hospitality group’s legendary service.
Right from the moment you enter the lobby of the hotel, the hustle and bustle of New York disappear. Don’t get me wrong – the hotel does have a lovely upbeat vibe. Yet the ambience is warm, welcoming and soothing. There are minimalistic Oriental touches all through the hotel while keeping the modern edge, a clear nod to the city and its character. And the renowned Mandarin Oriental hospitality is evident from the moment you arrive at the reception. Gracious and friendly, the staff make you feel at home right away.
The hotel has a total of 244 rooms, split into 198 deluxe rooms and 46 suites with the property taking space from floor 35 to 54 of Time Warner Centre. A highlight of the hotel is its location with unforgettable views of Central Park, Hudson River and the skyline of Manhattan. Time Warner Centre is home to a fine selection of upscale brands as well as world renowned restaurants like Thomas Keller’s Per Se and Masa by celebrated sushi chef Masa Takayama.
My room fell into the Premier Central Park View category. The view alone almost enticed me to stay in my room during my stay at the hotel; for the room overlooked Central Park and Midtown. An added bonus was the Bedside Reading books, an initiative where books are kept in rooms for guests to enjoy and take back with them as well. Educated by Tara Westover and Right Behind You by Lisa Gardner were the titles in my room; and I was only too happy to curl up with the books and the view. But I was in New York and together with the city, the hotel was something that I looked forward to discovering.
Asiate, where I headed for lunch, is the hotel’s signature restaurant that serves American cuisine with a contemporary twist. The best seats in the house are by the floor to wall window that offers a fabulous bird’s eye view of Central Park. But you have to book in advance as Asiate is quite popular and is often full. In the evening, after a leisurely stroll through Central Park and a spot of shopping, I headed to The Aviary NYC, a lounge where you can sit back and enjoy sundowners together with a delish Wagyu beef slider or even have a quick meeting that has a lovely view of Central Park. Yet anther F&B highlight is The Office NYC, a more intimate speakeasy space that features a lovely collection of rare and vintage brews.
A writer who I met in New York at an event termed the spa at MONY ‘as one of the finest in the city’ she has been. Being a beauty and wellness writer, I wasn’t going to doubt her. So, I decided to visit the spa. Sadly, I had to settle for a tour of the spa as they were fully booked on both the days of my stay.
The spa has an impressive range of facilities including vitality pools and an amethyst crystal steam room, which is insta-worthy. Though getting a shot in the steam filled room would be quite the challenge. Yet another picture-perfect location is the 23-metre lap pool space that has incredible views over the Hudson River. The tranquillity of the pool area is enough to take away any stress of the day, especially after a long day of meetings or sightseeing. The hotel also boasts of a 650 square-foot Spa Suite that replicates a fabulous Oriental-style home with mesmerising views, fireplace, deep soaking tub and dual massage beds, the first of its kind in New York.
Mandarin Oriental, New York is undoubtedly one of the best hotels in the Big Apple. The famed Mandarin Oriental service, the opulence of the property and its proximity to many of the city’s attractions are but a few of the luxury hotel’s highlights. I couldn’t have asked for lovelier space to spend the last two days of my maiden journey to New York!
