One of the biggest hurdles visitors to New York can face is which area to stay in, but as a long-time resident of the city I always advise first-timers to choose somewhere that’s within walking distance to some of Manhattan’s top attractions.
Enter the Hotel Park Ave. Formerly the Mondrian Park Avenue hotel, this place is practically on the doorstep of tried and trusted local hangouts and must-sees like Madison Square Garden, the Empire State Building, and Herald Square. The Lore Group (who took over in November 2024) have given this place a modern refresh, and plenty of the rooms, including my 18th floor suite, have balconies to show off that iconic Manhattan skyline.
Why stay at Hotel Park Ave?
Manhattan is the kind of place where you want to soak in the skyline at every possible opportunity, and if you opt for one of the 23 rooms which have balconies, Hotel Park Ave’s are pretty solid. You don’t even need to worry about feeling too crammed, as each one has alfresco seating so you can properly kick back, but splash out on the Nomad Penthouse (a gleaming 1,275 square foot space on the twentieth floor) and you’ll be treated to two.
The Lore Group’s ultra-modern refresh of the place also isn’t just about its look, though you will be greeted by a chic lobby with Jan Hendzel Studio’s monumental ‘Pebble Jumble’ sculpture featured. However, there’s also contactless check-ins and check-outs. As for the rooms, my most important must-have is a bed which feels like a cloud, and all those things make this a far better option than some of the area’s more outdated choices.
What are the rooms like at Hotel Park Ave?
With a total of 180 rooms and nine suites spanning 20 floors, the options at Hotel Park Ave range from a simple space for sleeping to a super-swish suite. I stayed in a King Studio Balcony Suite and its eighteenth-floor private balcony was a highlight, but there’s a coffeemaker in each room, and I found solace beginning each busy New York day with my morning cup while taking in the city views.
Other room types include a Studio King, Deluxe Studio King, Premier Studio Double, Premier Studio King, Studio Balcony Suite, Studio Loft Suite, and the creme de la creme Nomad Penthouse. The rooms all have original artwork that was created by Lore’s Creative Director Jacu Strauss and each one has a television and minibar, and the balcony kings (my room), premier studio kings, and all of the suites feature Marshall speakers.
It’s worth noting the WiFi is extremely fast here: I had to jump on a video call while in the room and had no connectivity issues, however, it’s also worth noting there’s no desk to sit to work in the King Studio Balcony Suite. The restroom in my suite was spacious, well-lit, and full of DS & Durga products.
What are the best places to eat and drink nearby Hotel Park Ave?
As a new hotel, Hotel Park Ave is still working on its food and beverage program. Currently, every guest receives a breakfast voucher for nearby Matto Espresso to redeem any two items from their menu, which includes egg sandwiches, pastries, tea, and coffee. Renwick Hospitality Group (the people behind popular Manhattan hangouts Lulla, Foxtail and The Alderman) will also open two exciting new venues at the hotel. Park Rose, an Italian-American restaurant focusing on seasonal plates designed for sharing, is slated to open on the ground-floor later this year, and in 2026, there are also plans for a rooftop bar.
In the meantime, the area is prime for some of New York’s favorite eats. Nonna Dora’s is about a ten-minute walk, offering handmade pasta that’s freshly rolled right on sight everyday. Andrew Carmellini’s Cafe Carmellini, which joined the Michelin guide in 2024, is nestled just a few blocks away, and for a true taste of New York’s incredible diversity, Çka Ka Qëllue is an Albanian and Kosovan spot to try something a little different. End your night at Churchill Tavern, a British pub serving frothy pints and cocktails.
What is the service like at Hotel Park Ave?
The service here is top-notch when needed, but overall, it’s minimally required since there are not a ton of opportunities to interact with staff. Check in and check out are contactless, and while there is a team member there in case you have any trouble and are quick to respond with front desk services, this hotel is pretty straightforward and you could go through your entire stay without communicating if you prefer a more low-key experience.
What are the facilities like at Hotel Park Ave?
There’s a swish, second-floor, 24-hour gym, but that’s the only dedicated communal space outside of the lobby. Hotel Park Avenue is also dog-friendly, charging $150 per stay. They also offer ADA rooms which are wheelchair accessible, and baby cribs are available for those traveling with young ones. For those brave enough to drive into the city, overnight valet parking is available at $75 for sedans and $85 for SUVS.
What’s the area like around Hotel Park Ave?
Perched on the corner of E 30th St and Park Ave, Hotel Park Ave is in that sweet spot of being close to the action while still being in a relatively quiet spot. In the daytime expect to see business people swooping quickly along Park Ave, and at night, enjoy a quieter side of the city, since you’re not in a party-centric neighborhood like the East Village or Hell’s Kitchen. With the 6 subway line being just three blocks away, you can get to Union Square, Grand Central, St. Marks Place, and SoHo in between 10 and 15 minutes. If you want to take the real New Yorker route and simply walk, you can hit spots like Madison Square Park, Bryant Park, Herald Square, and the Empire State Building in less than 20 minutes, and Times Square and Rockefeller Center in under 30 minutes.
Why you should book a stay at Hotel Park Ave
As one of the newest refurbished hotels in the city, Hotel Park Ave is a top choice for those who don’t want to break the bank visiting New York without sacrificing comfort. The sleek and simple check-in procedures, balconies in the room for prime city views, and Midtown location make this hotel an especially ideal space for someone who plans to be out and about exploring all day, before tapping out for some quiet at the end of the day. For the best bang for your buck, book during the summer when prices are generally lower, and if you want your room to come with some great views of the city, go for a King Studio Balcony (the higher, the better).
DETAILS
Address: 444 Park Ave S, New York, NY 10016
Price per night: Standard rooms from $309, Balcony Kings from $359
Closest transport: 6 Subway Line at 33 St is a five-minute walk, Grand Central Station is a fifteen-minute walk or five-minute drive; LGA is a 30-minute drive; JFK is an hour drive
Book now: Via Booking.com
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