A few weeks ago, my 11-year old daughter and I spent a night at the Residence Inn in Central Park. We had no idea before our arrival that we were headed to North America’s tallest hotel! The 68-story building houses some of the best views in the city, without a doubt. The views from our room were simply stunning and it was such fun to point out the surrounding buildings and gaze down at the people and taxis from so far above. You can’t feel more New York City than this with such incredible views through windows that surrounded our room facing the park.
Now for the low down on our experience:
Location: Located just blocks from the park, the Hudson River and in the heart of the theater district, the hotel is right down the block from Studio 54 where Cabaret is playing and 54 Below, the late night cabaret club. The Late Night with David Letterman studio is also down the block. There’s a Crumbs bakery right there and loads of restaurants, including Ellen’s Stardust Diner where we ended up. Central Park is a short five blocks north. Lincoln Center is 10 blocks up. And of course, the subway is right there to take you to anywhere you want to go.
Amenities: This new hotel (opened in December of last year), offers valet parking, a restaurant and free Wifi. It also comes with complimentary breakfast, served in a big, airy lounge with club chairs and stools. A grocery shopping service is available from morning until 7pm.
Our Room: The hotel sits on the top 20 floors of the Marriott and offers boutique style rooms. Each has a kitchenette complete with a sink and refrigerator, dishwasher, microwave, dishes and cookware for longer stays. We had a studio with a cozy King size bed, bedside tables and a lovely white lounge chair by the window with a stool to relax in at the end of a long day out in the city. The decor is simple, modern and sleek in all whites. The bathroom is also white with a big bathtub and shower.
Kid-Friendliness Factor: My daughter and I showed up just before a serious rain storm and we were starving, so we immediately headed to Ellen’s Stardust Diner where we ate whilst being performed by professional singers. Then we stopped at Crumbs for dessert and tea, took our goods to our room on the 46th floor, got in bed and watched movies all night long. That was what we wanted to do and we both loved it. The bed was cozy, the views were divine and we wanted to spend time together. We could have gone to a play but the idea of being on the 46th floor with a park side view thrilled both of us to such a degree that we decided it was the perfect night. In the morning, we both enjoyed breakfast, which was very comprehensive with hot and cold food as well as our walk around Central Park. We chose to wake up late for breakfast so it was really crowded, but I’d assume if you wake up before 9am, you’ll be better off. It was also a holiday weekend, so any other time would no doubt be less busy.
My Daughter’s Verdict: My daughter thought the hotel was lovely. She loved the views as much as I did and found our bed to be incredibly comfortable. For her, it was all pretty perfect. We didn’t need further bonding, we are as bonded as you need to be, but it was a perfect night. It was a bit of a staycation for two New Yorkers in their own town.
Cost Factor: Rooms start at $249 a night and depend on time of season.
To book a room, head here.
Disclosure: I was provided with a complimentary room but all thoughts and opinions are my own.
