New York hotels: Expensive hotels

While the Peninsula New York’s location is likely what attracts many guests, it is the hotel’s highbrow, homey touches that keep them there. During a holiday season visit, festively costumed carolers greeted guests from the atop the grand staircase. Adjacent to the check-in desk, the seasonal Peninsula Sweet Shoppe, open daily for young guests from 4 to 6pm, offers a free candy store for children to mix and match from different candy jars to create custom personal goody bags. Finally, en route to the elevators, guests encounter an enormous gingerbread house replica of the hotel. If the devil is in the details, the Peninsula New York is heaven on Earth. Climb the escalator to discover a plethora of goodies. Stop at one of the 235 guestrooms, which average at 400 square feet and top out at 3,000 sprawling square feet. Each room features an electronic system of control panels—specifically designed for the hotel—that allows visitors to control their environment easily and efficiently. Among other features, the wall-mounted panel controls temperature; the bedside panel controls the television, the air conditioner and whether you want privacy or your room cleaned; and the bathroom panel controls lighting (there are multiple options, including sexy mood lighting) and the wall-inset television directly over the bathtub. Each room also features a separate sitting area, apart from the comfortable bed, an oversized work desk, free Wi-Fi and in-room fax-machine capability, as well as plu

At the Plaza Hotel, all that glitters is gold. Literally. From chair legs and mirror frames to the bathrooms of each guest room and suite, the details are gilded with 24-carat gold plating. It’s classy and opulent and reminiscent of another time—but then again, it’s the Plaza. The midtown hotel has been a New York icon, offering first-rate lodging since 1907. Throughout the years and after many renovations, the National Historic Landmark’s guest list has been a who’s who of celebs, from the Beatles to Christian Dior, and the backdrop for many cultural works like The Great Gatsby and Eloise at the Plaza. As soon as you enter the main doors, the fresh scent of gardenias takes you far away from the all-too-close scent of Central Park’s horse-drawn carriages. A friendly staff is waiting to greet you in the main lobby under a magnificent crystal chandelier. Head toward check-in and pass the stairs that ascend to the moody Rose Club lounge, where you can enjoy an expertly crafted cocktail, like the King Basil ($24)—which combines the herb with cucumber, gin, lillet and orange bitters—on a burgundy tufted-velvet couch. Stay on the ground floor for the lobby-adjacent Champagne Bar, where you can sip elegant bubbles and delight in caviar while taking in the regal atmosphere. The Palm Court, also on the main floor, is well known for its high-tea service, but the restaurant cheekily undersells its evening-fare menu by placing the petite three pages of food behind an extensive drinks me

There are certain hotels in New York that make you feel like you’ve somehow ended up in the middle of a storybook, and the Ritz-Carlton Central Park is one of them. This isn’t a hotel that you want to walk through quickly just to get to your room. It’s one that you want to savor and experience, from the moment two men in top hats open the door and guide you to the lobby. Immediately, you’re surrounded by warm wood and cool marble, an enveloping experience that feels worlds away from the drab concrete sidewalk that you just left behind. The service is friendly and courteous, but there is an air of formality to the common areas. The main congregating area is the Star Lounge which is on the first floor just off from the lobby. Elegantly-dressed guests and locals mingle on the luxurious green and beige furniture, sipping cocktails from legendary bartender Norman Bukofzer. Those who feel inclined to visit the bar, located just around the corner from the lounge, would be well-served ordering The Central Park Cocktail. The hotel’s signature drink was inspired by the nearby park, and is as light and refreshing as a stroll through The Ramble. The room décor, which is much lighter than the downstairs lounge, is understated and comfortable. Turn-down service is offered nightly, and a full in-room dining menu is available 24-hours a day (The club sandwich on toasted sourdough is a must-try). But let’s be honest, the most-impressive feature of these rooms are the outstanding views of Cent

Undeniably lavish, minus the pomp, The Mark does everything right (and makes it seem easy, too) Known for its impressive celebrity clientele, The Mark beckons the fashion-conscious with near-tangible magnetism. Why? Because ostentatious aspects of design are married with more contemporary and zealous aesthetic choices. Yes, there’s black-and-white decor and yes there are marble features, but it’s all punctured by distinctive orange hues in the form of flora, wallpapers and soft furnishings. In short, it looks really, really nice.  And the whole operation is slick and polished, from succinct check-in to simple check out. As for the suites, the bath is luxuriously deep and the wifi is speedy. Plus, it’s culinary wonderboy Jean-Georges Vongerichten who heads up the fine dining restaurant and bar offerings, so you can expect an eclectic menu with the likes of hamachi sashimi, Scottish salmon and parmesan-crusted chicken with artichokes and lemon-basil butter. Delicious. Neighborhood: A five-minute wander from Central Park and pretty close to the Guggenheim, The Met and the rest of Museum Mile, you’re perfectly located for a few days of culture. But while it may be the glistening streets of the Upper East Side that draws tourists and inner-state travellers to the hotel, it’s The Mark’s flamboyance that keeps them there.  Nearby: The Metropolitan Museum of Art: for creative inspiration Papaya King: to get your fill of hot dogs and syrupy papaya juice Bemelmen’s Bar: for a luxe dri

Just opened in 2015, the Baccarat Hotel & Residences New York emits a vibe that’s at once modern and vintage. Its crisp, clean lines and dark-leaning aesthetic (of course with ample pops of the brand’s signature red) serve to highlight the facility’s eponymous crystal collection—including 15,000 pieces of stemware and 17 chandeliers. The hotel is the legacy brand’s first, and it doubles as a museum of sorts to the company, which King Louis XV of France founded in 1764. In short, if Marie Antoinette were a millennial, she’d stay at the Baccarat, where opulence reigns supreme. The 114 guest rooms (which range from 400 to 1,780 square feet) include sprawling windows, a luxe four-poster bed, a glass-walled shower and an extravagant take on the hotel minibar, which isn’t so “mini” here: The in-room red-enamel bar includes full-size bottles of many premium spirits and, unsurprisingly, Baccarat crystal glassware out of which guests can drink. And forget standard minibar snacks like peanuts and potato chips—this rendition is stocked with goodies from French bakery Laudurée. Hankering for some bubbles rather than what the contents of the minibar offer? Grab the bedside smart tablet and press the “champagne” button, which instructs you to pick a bottle from the hotel’s menu; after you do that, a chilled bottle is delivered to your room, alongside two crystal flutes, with expedience. The smart tablet also controls the room’s temperature, lighting, drapes, and it serves as the telephone,

“If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it.” The phrase might be a little crude, especially referring to The Pierre, but in this case, nothing seems more fitting. Sure, they might have recently spruced up the Rotunda and newly-added Perrine, but the old-world charm shines through. The classic, five-star hotel sits right on the southeastern edge of Central Park, on Fifth Avenue and 61st Street. While it might not have the grandest lobby or the showiest decor, the understated elegance in its 1930s bones is hard to resist. And when I trundled in off the subway, burdened with over-sized Uniqlo and Flying Tiger plastic bags in my elbow creases, the staff didn’t turn up their noses or act surprised when I asked where check-in was. During the speedy process, they implored me to take chocolates (milk and dark) and promptly handed me the keys to my room, adding, “You’ll have a great view of Central Park in the snow.” Before you make it to your room to scope out that view, white-gloved attendants ride the elevator up with you, pressing the button to your floor, lest you soil your delicate hands. Opened in 1930, none of the decor really feels new or modern or fresh, but that’s part of the allure. The hallways are tastefully lined with cream and gold trimming, with a total of 189 rooms, 49 of which are suites. There isn’t a spa in the hotel, but there is a 24-hour fitness center along with 24-hour laundry and car services. The room I was given was outfitted with a king-size bed with a golden, tuf

A hidden place within the elegant avenues of New York's Upper East Side is currently in the spotlight. The Lowell Hotel is a serene establishment that is tucked away within a residential block and surrounded by some of the top fashion stores in the world. This 74-room hotel is 17 floors full of creature comforts, refined artwork and posh furnishings, and is consistently named one of the best hotels in the world. The minute you walk into the lobby of the Lowell Hotel you are immediately hit with the smell of fresh orchids and hydrangeas. The enticing scent only gets better with the complimentary hot chocolate and cookies offered to guests while checking in (best way to beat off the New York winter chills). The Italian marble lobby is currently under renovation but is still quite extravagant, with no expense spared by the current owners. This boutique hotel has been decorated by famed interior designer, Michael Smith. He is best known for decorating the Obama’s private residences in the White House and being BFF’s with the family. When you get up to your private residence, be thankful you don’t have to deal with the typical flimsy hotel key card; you actually get an wrought iron key to unlock your oasis. One also may luck out and get one of the few rooms with an actual wood burning fireplace, a rarity in NYC. Just make sure to call down to the front desk to have them light it, while you are lounging in your sitting room, drinking fresh made Keurig coffee and wrapped in your com

Some hotels are defined by their architecture, others by the type of scene they attract. Sofitel New York is a vision in limestone and glass, and has a lovely on-site restaurant, Gaby Brasserie Française. But the main thing that defines a stay here, and will probably convince you to return for a second or third time, is the excellent service. The experience manages to achieve a sense of luxury without a hint of snobbishness or pretension.  A sense of ease comes naturally here, and that’s helped along by the tasteful décor. The bold colors and polished marble in the Neo Art Deco lobby are eye-catching without being too loud or aggressive. The warm and inviting rooms are full of muted browns and tasteful grays, striking the perfect balance between comfort and sleek design. Many of the rooms offer stunning views of the city, and some include terraces. If you can swing it, it’s worth splurging on the suite themed for the Tony Awards. As the official hotel of the iconic theatrical awards show, the property has created a one-of-a-kind suite with multiple rooms, two bathrooms and the largest private hotel room terrace we’ve ever seen in midtown. There are also rooms themed for specific Broadway shows that are available to book, perfect for any theater lover coming to visit the nearby Great White Way. Room service is offered, but a night spent at Gaby Brasserie Française on the first floor makes for a lovely evening. After indulging in the decadent French cuisine—the Onion Soup Grati

Located 8 minutes away from Times Square, the WestHouse Hotel New York is a member of the Small Luxury Hotels of the World brand and is frankly a good representation of what smaller luxury hotels can be. Nestled on a quiet street, the WestHouse first impresses with a quaint, but opulent welcome room. The welcome staff are pleasant and disclose multiple features of the hotel that would be otherwise lost without guidance. Behind the welcome desk sits the Den bar and lounge that serves guest with light appetizers and drinks throughout the day. The rooms are what make the WestHouse a desirable stay with wall-to-wall white marble accents and glass-front rain showers that beacon jealousy. Each room is decked with either a luxury queen or king size bed lined with 400-thread Sferra luxury linens and can be confidently described as having heaven-like quality. The rooms also carry Samsung 46’ HD LED televisions if you’re in the mood for a stay-cation within a vacation.   Each room is layered with towels and luxury products by DayNa Decker that leave a pleasant aroma within the room. While not having room service or on-property dining, the WestHouse makes up with a rooftop Terrace that is stocked with drinks and light appetizers and is constantly refreshed for its guest. Every night from 5-8pm the Terrace hosts a happy hour with food and drinks. The menu items change each day and can range from grilled chicken dishes to lobster. Each staff member greets guest with excellent retort and g

The location alone is worth the visit: Set on Lexington Avenue and 21st Street, overlooking the private, gated, “I’ve always wanted to go in there but it’s always so damn locked,” Gramercy Park. Built in 1925, the bohemian-style Gramercy Park Hotel was taken over by famed real estate tycoon and art collector Aby Rosen in 2004, who closed it for two years to renovate with celebrated artist Julian Schnabel heading the design efforts. The result? A visually stunning beaut that drips with style, exuberance, and one of the chillest vibes you’ll get from any hotel in the city. The concrete exterior welcomes you through custom bronze arched doors with clear beveled glass and cast bronze handles—just in case you miss the huge bronze revolving door. The lobby’s second floor was taken out to accommodate the 20-foot ceilings fitted with wood columns, while smack dab in the center sits a massive hand-blown glass chandelier. The space is adorned with a wood-burning, nine-foot high fireplace; black and white tiled floor; brown leather chairs and red velvet sofas; maroon curtains, and artwork from the likes of Schnabel, Damien Hirst and Botero (from Rosen’s personal collection). Across from the two lobby bars is the hotel restaurant, Maialino, the beloved Danny Meyers’ critically-acclaimed Italian trattoria that can be seen aglow outside from the street-level. The hotspot is always bustling with patrons dining on things like braised suckling pig, salt-baked sea bass, or squid ink pasta with