An ultra-luxury getaway to New York City is always best served with a mix of classic and new. Why not enjoy breakfast (and lunch and dinner — we’re not here to limit ourselves) at Tiffany’s following a five-star slumber on Billionaire’s Row?
Thanks to the Park Hyatt New York, the latter is hitting a new stratosphere — with some comforts of home sprinkled in.
The Park Hyatt New York’s new Manhattan Suite is the talk of the town and the international luxury travel orbit. Yes, the price tag — $50,000 a night and a two-night minimum — set tongues wagging, as it’s the latest in a broader ultra-luxury suite standoff across the island amid newer competitors like Aman New York, the Fifth Avenue Hotel and The Surrey, a Corinthia Hotel, as well as the long-awaited revivals of the Four Seasons Hotel New York down the street and the Waldorf Astoria New York.
But the Park Hyatt New York’s Manhattan Suite isn’t just about nightly rate bragging rights. The $10 million buildout entailed swapping out earlier iterations of the hotel’s spa and salon for a 2,000-square-foot suite (that can swell to 3,500 square feet if booked with the two adjoining Central Park Balcony Suites) — an enclave of exclusivity on the Park Hyatt’s 25th floor.
What resulted is a mix of a hotel aficionado head-turner and true comfort, thanks to amenities like a curated, fully stocked kitchen and private swim time at the Park Hyatt’s pool just down the hall.
“Obviously, we have listened to guest feedback, and one consistent theme was about having a private, residential-style residences,” said Laurent Ebzant, area vice president and general manager of the Park Hyatt New York. “It’s built around how our guests live. It’s livable, residential and experiential.”
The Park Hyatt New York is perched just south of Central Park and has maintained a lofty spot in the city’s ultra-luxury hotel scene throughout its decade of operation. But the competition is increasingly fierce in this new era of Manhattan luxury. The arrival of the Manhattan Suite is a nod to an earlier success in offering guests a residential experience: The Park Hyatt previously offered a Manhattan Sky Suite within the One57 residential tower above the hotel.
So, what’s it like staying in the latest incarnation of the Manhattan Suite? Opulent, of course, but there’s also a surprising foundation of hominess one might not expect from a luxury tower in the heart of one of the world’s most bustling cities. At a time when scuttlebutt on the ultra-luxury scene implies some hotels aren’t exactly being as hospitable as their nightly rates suggest, I’m happy to report the Park Hyatt New York team is proud of its new product — and welcoming guests with open arms and soul.
“With the arrival of some of the new players and many more to come in New York, we didn't want to lose ground on the product itself,” Ebzant said. “We celebrated our 10-year anniversary last year, and what better way for us to celebrate than saying we are here, and we are evolving.”
Despite my late-night arrival, the Park Hyatt New York team greeted me with a smile and a much-appreciated escort up to the Manhattan Suite to show me the ropes (especially with how to handle the sound system and 165-inch living room television). I was immediately grateful for twice-daily housekeeping, as my jaw dropping at first sight of the Sawyer & Company–designed suite may have scuffed the travertine floor in the foyer.
At a time when $1,000 a night doesn’t go as far as one would like in New York, an additional $49,000 is clearly the antidote for those needing ample elbow room. The 18-foot ceilings and floor-to-ceiling windows provide the backdrop to a dining room set for eight, two seating areas, a wet bar, a minibar and plenty of square footage to entertain or unwind after a day of strolling the nearby designer boutiques of Fifth Avenue.
The soaring grandeur of it all didn’t come at the expense of livability. I invited one of my best friends over to hang out, and the wine and gossip flowed just fine in the living room dotted with a Tatar Art Projects–curated collection featuring artists like Erin O’Keefe and An Te Liu. Room service — be it a midnight burger following my check-in or a sunrise frittata — arrived in less than 30 minutes each time. Along with welcome treats like pastries and spiced nuts, the Park Hyatt team also delivered afternoon crudités and snacks throughout my stay.
Personalized wellness touches included the Park Hyatt team installing a Peloton bike by request in front of the suite’s wall of windows. Nothing screams King of Manhattan quite like a Cody Rigsby class with an East River view, after all.
The Manhattan Suite’s primary king-size bedroom includes an AI-powered Restorative Bed by Bryte. Along with Sferra linens and a tech-powered lull-you-to-sleep process, the bed adjusts during various sleep cycles to relieve pressure points and regulate climate for a better night’s rest. It even sets a wake-up experience designed to have guests feeling refreshed in the morning. I certainly did — and I have a hunch it wasn’t just the soft jazz I had on Spotify.
I’ve always felt ultra-luxury standards are made or broken in the closet and bathroom. Is it really that hard to install a few well-placed hooks for towels and robes near the shower? I’m happy to report the Manhattan Suite excels in both.
The primary bedroom’s walk-in closet includes a cavernous display of built-in shelves, hanging space and drawers — plus velvet slippers and robes to lounge in throughout the palatial spread. The bathroom features Le Labo products, heated floors and a Rossano Ferretti Gama hair dryer to make your tresses shine. A steam shower (with ample towel hooks nearby!) offered the perfect warm-up after a day on the go, but the soaking tub proved to be the ultimate wind-down with a glass of pinot noir and the early notes of that Spotify jazz playlist.
Lounging is not a problem in the Manhattan Suite, and there are even more ways to unwind if you book the two adjoining suites — each with its own cozy living space and balconies overlooking Central Park. The headliners for functionality are the fully stocked kitchen and the tucked-away office, a great spot to hit deadlines or just create Zoom backdrop envy.
While my inner Nate Berkus fawned over the Miele appliances in the kitchen, the real sign of hospitality appeared before I even checked in. The Park Hyatt New York team reached out about stocking preferences — a standard offering for all Manhattan Suite guests — and my “I’m a salty kind of guy” response translated to canisters of popcorn, potato chips and chocolate chip cookies (yes, I gluttonously devoured all). In the fridge were my picks of sodas, beer and wine — plus a surprise trio of Van Leeuwen ice cream tubs that paired perfectly with those cookies. Those looking to whip up a full dinner on their own or via private chef have access to a full range of appliances and cooking gear.
“Guests don’t necessarily want lavish every night,” Ebzant said. “They want comfort.”
The suite’s kitchen wing also includes a powder room, more closet space and a tucked-away office where I answered emails and eventually retreated with a book (and a few more salty and sweet snacks from down the hall).
There’s more than enough square footage in the Manhattan Suite to make this a one-stop New York City escape, but the full Park Hyatt offering is meant to be enjoyed.
A stay in the Manhattan Suite includes a private hour of pool time — arguably the most brag-worthy perk of the experience. Be sure to take a few laps in the saltwater pool and dip your head underwater to enjoy the piped-in classical music from Carnegie Hall across the street. I always did think Brahms was what my breaststroke was missing.
The hotel’s Equinox-caliber gym is located just one floor above the suite, and the relocated Spa Nalai is on the same floor as the suite and pool. And if you’re a fan of the Rossano Ferretti hair dryer in the suite, book a full day of self-haircare at the Rossano Ferretti HairSpa on the eighth floor.
Hotels in the same league as Park Hyatt New York might have a reputation for expense-account dinners — not always the top traits for those with the most discerning palates. But you’d be missing out if you didn’t try at least one meal at the Living Room Restaurant & Bar.
Breakfast service included waiters with the kind of attentiveness like remembering your coffee order for the duration of your stay. My delectable yogurt parfait (and side of bacon) was paired with watching the city’s power players start their day. Later that evening, my friend and I faced the difficult decision of lobster pasta versus truffle risotto — until our ever-charming waiter surprised us with both. “You shouldn’t miss out,” he said with a wink.
Fear not: We didn’t. And nor should your clients.
To book the Park Hyatt New York’s Manhattan Suite, call (877) 261-9742.
Suite Success
Planning to suite hop in New York City? Here are a few other showstoppers:
The Manner
Park Hyatt New York has several new siblings thanks to Hyatt’s Standard International acquisition. Fashion-forward The Manner’s Duplex Penthouse rises to the top with its crimson-fueled décor, wraparound terrace and cover-worthy SoHo views.
Aman New York
The one-, two- and three-bedroom Homes perched atop Aman New York are pure stealth wealth. Think fireplaces, open living spaces and serious privacy for the Aman-obsessed.
The Plaza
The Royal Suite brings Fifth Avenue grandeur with a grand piano, private library, dining room for 12 and its own elevator — because royalty doesn’t wait in the lobby.