Despite its famous moniker as a concrete jungle, New York actually brags a fair bit of green space, and Bryant Park is one of the best examples. So, if you’re keen to be in the center of Midtown action but still have a little nature nearby, Park Terrace Hotel is a tough one to beat.
It sits just opposite the park, but also has an onsite sauna, a lovely restaurant, views over New York Public Library and some seriously top-notch service, which is more than enough to make you want to stay awhile.
Why stay at Park Terrace Hotel?
While crammed hotel rooms are common in Midtown (the area is known both for tight rooms and super cramped apartments) my Deluxe Studio King Room was larger than anywhere I’ve ever lived in the city. My room would have been ideal for two people, but as a solo traveler I revelled in having a little extra space, including a couch to lounge on while I soaked in the views of the library and Bryant Park each morning.
It’s also pretty hard to find a Midtown hotel which has a good – and I mean really good – wellness element, but the sauna in the hotel’s ‘basement’ was an unexpectedly luxe touch.
What are the rooms like at Park Terrace Hotel?
With a total of 225 rooms and studios across 15 floors, many of which offer unparalleled views of Bryant Park and the New York Public Library, Park Terrace Hotel sure has variety. There’s the Classic Room, a cozy yet contemporary space that can accommodate up to two guests. The Deluxe is also best for two, but with an upgrade of a cozy sitting area alongside the plush queen bed. The Deluxe High Floor offers some of those stunning New York views, and the Premier rooms have the added addition of prime natural lighting. The Premier High Floor rooms on floors seven through 15 have ample area for working while on the go, and the Studio View overlooks Midtown, Bryant Park, or the hotel’s terrace. My room, the Deluxe King Studio, was the crème de la crème.
All come with a Nespresso maker and a Bose Bluetooth wireless speaker, but most importantly are peacefully quiet, which is a necessity if you’re staying in this noisy portion of New York. And that tranquility is echoed through the design of the place: its decor nods to natural harmony, with contemporary Stonehill Taylor architecture providing a bright and fresh feel. Bath products are all Malin + Goetz, and mini fridges are available upon request.
What is the food like at Park Terrace Hotel?
Branch is the Park Terrace Hotel’s onsite restaurant and members-only club, and I headed here for my birthday brunch. Perched at the bar, the bartender was talkative and warm and it made the meal feel unusually personal for New York, and I ordered some hummus, crudite and a super fresh Hugo Spritz.
It’s a decent spot to set up space and get some work done if you’re traveling here on business; plenty of folks had their laptops with them with coffee drinks in some of the surrounding plush chairs.
Aside from Branch, La Pecora Bianca is my go-to spot around here, but after being declined a table with no reservation on a Friday evening, I’d recommend booking in advance. A friend and I instead snagged two bar seats and enjoyed some Limoncello Spritz and plates of pasta. The standout was their fried provolone; I was skeptical ordering this but was humbly reminded that no food reigns more superior than fried cheese. The tiramisu is photoworthy with a proper cocoa dusting in the shape of a sheep, but overall, wound up being the least memorable thing we ate. All room service of the hotel is offered by La Pecora Bianca seven days a week for breakfast, lunch, and dinner.
Then there’s TALEA, a female-founded beer company that started in Brooklyn. Try their Bryant Park Sour and thank me later.
What is the service like at Park Terrace Hotel?
Something that really stood out at this hotel was not only how friendly the staff were, but how cool the guests were. I had several conversations with people in elevators; one woman (another guest) and I bonded over our Italian roots and I gave her a list of recommendations of where to eat real Italian food in New York.
I’m a firm believer in the law of attraction, and the guests here were a perfect reflection of the service provided at Park Terrace Hotel. New Yorkers get a bad rep for being noisy, rude, and even arrogant, but I would challenge everyone to stay at Park Terrace Hotel to see the true New York heart and soul. Every interaction was pleasant, room service was fast and efficient, and they were always keen on assisting me – even with my extremely light load of baggage.
What are the facilities like at Park Terrace Hotel?
The sauna located on the lowest level of the hotel is the standout of Park Terrace Hotel. You simply call the front desk ten minutes before you want to sweat it out, so they can turn up the heat. There’s also a fitness center with cardio equipment, weights, and Peloton bikes.
The Pergola is an outdoor space connected to the restaurant, Branch, on the sixth floor, covered to be equipped for all types of weather.
Meeting rooms on the lower floor include ‘Stacks’, ‘The Fountain’, and ‘The Reservoir’ and they’re all elegant spaces for events of all types, from small intimate gatherings to large conferences.
What’s the area like around Park Terrace Hotel?
Bryant Park is a tricky area. You’re right in the midst of all the typical NYC action, but it can be tough to dodge tourist traps. However, this is undoubtedly the place to base yourself if sightseeing is at the top of your itinerary.
The subway is one block away, so you can quickly jump onto the B, D, F, and M trains, and Times Square is just up the street in one direction, and Grand Central is right down the street in the other.
Bryant Park is also one of the best places to be – particularly in the wintertime. The Winter Village by Urbanspace is one of the most popular holiday markets in the city for good reason, and with a rotation of different food and shopping vendors, plus an ice-skating rink, Bryant Park during Christmastime is a staple. But even if you’re staying at the Park Terrace Hotel on sunnier days, Bryant Park has a plethora of free events throughout the year – just check out their calendar on their website to see what’s happening.
Why you should book a stay at Park Terrace Hotel
If you are nervous about visiting New York for its fast pace and generally chaotic atmosphere, rest assured that Park Terrace Hotel will make you feel lightyears away from all of it. It’s the ideal balance of a soft place to land with the action at your doorstep. Plus, while I always encourage visitors to get out and explore some of the city’s best eats, having La Pecora Bianca in your hotel (and available for room service) is a fantastic option for a place tried and trusted by locals. Paired with the sauna and the prime location, this is a brilliant Midtown.
DETAILS
Address: 18 W 40th St, New York, NY 10018
Price per night: Standard rooms start at $425; Deluxe Studio King starts from $645
Closest transport: B, D, M, F at 42nd Street-Bryant Park is one block away. Grand Central Station is a five-minute walk; LGA is a 35-minute drive; JFK is a ninety-minute drive.
Book now: via Booking.com
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