Affluent travelers have their pick of places to stay in Manhattan, but one hotel that has maintained one of the sharpest images over the years is the Mandarin Oriental, New York. The hotel, which turns 10 this year, towers over Columbus Circle from floors 35 through 54 of the Time Warner Center, giving it excellent access to Lincoln Center, Central Park and New York’s glamorous 57th Street.
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| RESTAURANT ASIATE satisfies the palate of the guests with both amazing views and good food. |
We say, if you’re going to stay, why not take advantage of the views by staying in a Central Park View Room. They are the most requested, thanks to the grand size of 420 square feet. Take it up a notch with a two-bedroom Premier Central Park View Suite, which works well for families, thanks to its 2½ bathrooms (think, no small fry banging on the door while you’re trying to apply your makeup or blow dry your hair), a full living room and dining room, and floor-to-ceiling windows (did we mention the views?). Note: If this suite has been nabbed by the time you book, request standard guest rooms that connect; the hotel has plenty. There are also rooms with double sinks; we suggest checking specifically before you reserve if that’s a make or break for your client. Nice Note: All rooms have soaking tubs.
Have a very special occasion to celebrate? There’s a Presidential Suite on the 53rd floor that’s 2,230 square feet in size with one-bedroom and 1½ bath (the suite connects to a second bedroom if necessary). This place might be a good gathering spot for your most chic Manhattan friends. It’s got those views we spoke of earlier, plus two amazing TVs, an eight-speaker surround sound system, and an Xbox 360 gaming console. But we think what really makes it a party is the light, temperature and sound systems electronically controlled through the room’s iPad. For a most memorable bath (after the party, please), check out the oversized soaking tub overlooking Central Park. And lest we forget, there’s a full kitchen with a private entrance for staff. Other signature digs at the hotel are the Oriental and the Taipan suites. Erica Wolosoff ([email protected]; 212-805-8804), the reservations manager at the hotel, can assist in navigating you through the selection of accommodations.
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| ORIENTAL SUITE comes with a separate study room. |
The spa at the Mandarin Oriental, New York, is well-known around town, thanks to its size (14,500 square feet), its seven treatment rooms and the VIP Spa Suite for couples (contact the spa’s manager, Heather Hannig at [email protected] to book a romantic treatment for your clients). Book treatments at the spa (Thai Yoga Massage, anyone?) when you make your room reservation; it fills up quickly. Tell clients as well to arrive early to spend time in the spa’s lounges or around its 75-foot lap pool.
Dining at the Mandarin Oriental is considered an experience worldwide; that’s because Asiate has amazing views of Manhattan and Central Park specifically so there’s really no bad seat (the food is good, too, so be sure to reserve two weeks to a month out and be sure to consider the seven-course tasting menu). If you want the views but just a drink, go to MObar for a dynamic social scene or grab a seat in the Lobby Lounge and have Bloody Mary as you’re soaking up the skyline.
The head concierge, Kenneth Abisror ([email protected]), can make arrangements at the spa and for dining; his team can also arrange tickets for top theatrical performances and cultural events, as well as private city and area tours, with interpreters, if needed.
You don’t have to go far at the Mandarin Oriental for great shopping; it’s part of the Time Warner Center, which is filled with luxury shops and restaurants, such as Hugo Boss, Cole Haan, Thomas Pink and Tourneau. Foodies, for you there’s a Williams-Sonoma and a Whole Foods on the lower level, as well as Thomas Keller’s Per Se; Masa, a sushi bar by Masa Takayama; and for amazingly upscale Italian, A Voce.
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| ORIENTAL SUITE bedroom features goose down bedding and luxurious linens by Fili D’Oro. |
Have clients who love jazz? Park them here; they need to just take an elevator ride down to Jazz at Lincoln Center and the Frederick P. Rose Hall to listen to jazz greats such as Wynton Marsalis, or tour the Ertegun Jazz Hall of Fame.
Final Notes: The hotel, which is run by General Manager Jan D. Goessing, is pet-friendly.
When making room reservations, be mindful of busy times in the city, such as the ING NYC Marathon, Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade, New Year’s Eve and the July 4th fireworks. Insider Secret: Two of the busiest times of the year are during the United Nations General Assembly (September) and Thanksgiving (November), so book as far in advance as possible.
Fun Stuff: The hotel has a house car that will take you around town within a 10-block radius.
Fly into New York’s three airports (JFK, LaGuardia or Newark International). Private helicopters can land at the Downtown Manhattan Heliport and private jets can land at Teterboro Airport, 12 miles outside of midtown in New Jersey.