Essex House, The Presidential Suite

 

 

When we put out the word inquiring about the top suites in New York, we got a resounding recommendation for the Presidential Suite at the Jumeirah Essex House. In fact, a few of our favorite luxury travel executives tell us they prefer to call it home when they hit Manhattan.

And now we know why: The suite, which was unveiled in 2007, is 2,500 square feet in size, but we say its location is its best feature—high above Central Park, providing gorgeous views. Residential in its style, the suite has a spacious living room and dining area, plus one master bedroom and one guest bedroom, each with a private bathroom; there are one-and-a-half bathrooms throughout. The suite also has a kitchen with SubZero appliances, though there’s no separate staff entrance.

Do you’re A-listers need top security? This is the place: A special room within the suite provides video surveillance of all the corridors and an express elevator provides direct service to the 26th floor. A 24-hour butler service is also on hand to assist.

The hotel’s general manager is Gary Schweikert; contact Reservations Manager Ewa Kalinowska ([email protected]; 212 484-5149) to reserve the suite and to have your client’s personal preferences, such as in-room snacks and beverages, reading materials and movies, catered to in advance.

Christine Serio ([email protected]) is the hotel’s chief concierge; contact her to arrange a private art tour for your client or to arrange for a top table at the hotel’s South Gate restaurant, which is run by Chef Kerry Heffernan. (Be sure to try his six-course seasonally inspired menu.) Serio can also reserve an appointment at the hotel’s spa, which has four treatment rooms and a spa suite with a private shower and soaking tub. The spa also has a steam room and a sauna. We recommend the signature Swedish massage (hint: ask for therapist Michael Silverwise). Also of note is the Sodashi Thermal Infusing Facial, which is a 90-minute treatment that aims to restore elasticity and radiance to the skin. Be sure to reserve a treatment ahead of time by calling (212) 484-5195 or e-mailing [email protected] or by getting in touch with the spa’s manager, Gaylen Marano, directly at [email protected].

For those who cannot leave their doggy at home, the Essex House has a “Canine Turndown” program that includes a “Tee Pee Hound Lounge;” that would be a miniature pop-up tent with a fleece-lined bed. The hotel’s pastry chef creates treats for your dog, whose food is served on matching placemats with water bowls to match (would Martha Stewart love this, or what?). A welcome gift bag also includes a fleece blanket that can be monogrammed upon request.

 

Central Park and Manhattan
Million-dollar views of Central Park and Manhattan are the top asset of the Presidential Suite.