1 Hotel Central Park

My stay at 1 Hotel Central Park - with its lush modern eco centric design - redefined my expectations of luxury hotels in New York

Nestled just steps away from the iconic Central Park, 1 Hotel Central Park redefines the essence of casual luxury with a thoughtful approach to sustainability.

I’d previously visited 1 Hotel Central Park few years prior. After that, I spend a few visits at The Hoxton in Brooklyn. But, for this trip, I felt drawn back to Central Park. After looking at a few options and remembering how much I loved 1 Hotel Hanalei Bay, I decided to return to 1 Hotel Central Park.

Per usual, my room was beautifully designed with natural elements—think organic linens, live plants, and warm wood tones. This created a tranquil escape throughout my stay. It was wonderful to head out and visit sites in Manhattan and then come back to the hotel.

I will say – if you arrive too late for dinner at Jams restaurant, I highly suggest walking across the street to Merci Market. After walking back to the hotel after a failed attempt to get a late seating at Bourbon Steak, the gracious front desk agent suggested that I walk over.  There, I was able to get a hot pastrami sandwich, chips and a drink for a midnight dinner. Classic New York.

1 Hotel Central Park is a true embodiment of how luxury can coexist with responsibility, offering an unforgettable stay that feels as good as it looks.

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Previously – The minute Amanda told me about her experiences during her stay at 1 Hotel Central Park, I noted that the next time I was in New York, I would stay there.

Needing a weekend to myself amid dealing with stress, grief and wanting to re-discover things that brought me joy again, I made reservations for a short stay in Manhattan.

Location

The best part of my overnight flight from Los Angeles to New York? It was a smooth, direct journey. The downside? I arrived at 1 Hotel Central Park far earlier than planned, leaving me with a four-hour wait before check-in.

A bit worn out, I decided to make the most of the extra time. After a quick recharge, I settled into the hotel’s restaurant, Jams, for a leisurely meal. A gourmet burger and a refreshing cocktail were just the thing to help me unwind. With time to spare, I wandered through the calming, nature-inspired spaces of the hotel, soaking in its eco-luxury charm before finally heading to my room for some much-needed rest.

I had no idea the wait would be more than worth it.

Room + Stay

The moment I stepped into my room, I was completely taken aback by the stunning design—effortlessly blending nature with modern sophistication. It was everything I had hoped for—and more.

Choosing a high-floor room overlooking Central Park was one of my best decisions. The partial view gave me a beautiful, tranquil glimpse of the park, offering a perfect contrast to the quick pace on the street below. It felt like my own little sanctuary, with greenery just beyond the window, rather than another building across the street.

I remember sitting in the cozy alcove of the bay window, gazing out at the peaceful expanse of Central Park. In that quiet moment, I found myself reflecting on life—grieving the loss of my mom, contemplating my sense of identity, and sifting through the experiences, relationships, and choices that have shaped me.

It’s rare to find a hotel room that offers not just a beautiful setting, but the perfect space to connect with yourself. That’s exactly what this room provided—a serene, thoughtfully designed sanctuary that gave me the room to do what I had hoped for on this trip: slow down and go deeper within. There was something about the view, a tranquil escape in the midst of the city, that allowed me to simply exist in the moment.

There I was – in New York. I’d made dining reservations for Keens Steakhouse and Per Se. I was in such a state of gratitude for my present life. I felt the possibilities that were ahead of me were guiding us towards a deeper sense of purpose and fulfillment. I didn’t know then, but I was going to embark on a process of traveling the world. From Dubai and the Maldives to Istanbul to Brussels and The Netherlands, I would learn more about the world and about my own path in it, through art and self discovery.

Overall

My stay at 1 Hotel Central Park was nothing short of a visual feast. More importantly, it offered me the creative space I didn’t realize I needed—allowing me to feel, even if just a little bit of hope in a time of great loss, once again.

From its breathtaking architecture to its lush, garden-like atmosphere and impeccably designed rooms, 1 Hotel Central Park delivers an experience of pure beauty and understated luxury. It’s the perfect blend of nature and sophistication, promising an unforgettable stay in the heart of Manhattan, just steps from Central Park.

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