Central Park is renowned as New York City’s green lung, and its 1 Hotel property namesake feels like a natural extension, filled with greenery that spills from the building’s ceilings and pillars. As another link in the brand’s sustainable hotel chain – and a sister property to 1 Hotel Brooklyn Bridge – this is a tranquil pitstop for travellers refuelling before taking on New York’s biggest sights.
Beyond its plush bedrooms outfitted with organic textiles, this Sixth Avenue hotel feels like a part of the city: drawing in droves of New Yorkers to its hip restaurant Jams , where you’ll overhear authors chatting to editors alongside tourists planning their nearby shopping routes.
What’s the deal?
Reclaimed woods, living walls sprawling with vines and a striking forested entranceway make 1 Hotel Central Park stand out for all the right reasons among Manhattan’s chrome skyscrapers. Abundant plants breathe new life into this 18th century industrial building, whose airy bedrooms are decorated in cream tones that bring a sense of calm in contrast to the downtown hubbub.
Service is similarly effortless and contemporary, with kind and attentive staff ready to answer queries about getting around the city, as well as an in-room app that serves as your virtual butler throughout your stay. There’s also the valuable use of a complimentary electric car set to take you around town within a certain radius – be sure to book early, as it’s available on a first-come, first-served basis. Best of all is the hotel’s handy location near Fifth Avenue, an easy walk from Manhattan’s iconic landmarks including MoMA, Broadway and, of course, Central Park.
Why stay?
Light comes at a premium in New York’s sandwiched buildings, but it streams into 1 Hotel Central Park’s cosy bedrooms. Rooms are outfitted with terrariums and hemp mattresses, while bathrooms are styled to feel like luxury greenhouses, equipped with Bamford products, mushroom wood details and marble and glass panelling.
It’s not completely cut off from the city’s famous hustle, with workspaces on the second floor and people tapping away at laptops in Jams, not to mention a fitness centre brimming with Peloton bikes, kettlebells and more on a wooden floor repurposed from a local school.
Cathay editors say…
“Jams is a cut above the standard hotel restaurant and feels like Manhattan’s ultimate meeting place, filled with creative pop-ups and greenery that dangles from the ceiling – meticulously spray-misted each night to preserve its vibrant shade. DJs spin here throughout the week, and you have to try the oyster specials that honour its collaboration with non-profit Billion Oyster Project . However, it’s the farm-to-table menu that truly shines, with salsa verde roast chicken, citrus tuna crudos and moreish affogatos to end on a sweet note.”