What: Forbes Travel Guide Five-Star Four Seasons Hotel New York stands as a shining example of elegant architecture and impeccable luxury in Midtown Manhattan. Famed architect I.M. Pei lent his skills to this Big Apple hotel, including the lobby’s massive 33-foot-high backlit onyx ceiling, dubbed “The Cathedral” by Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis. Views run aplenty in the guest rooms—from Central Park to scenic shots of the Manhattan skyline. And if you’re looking for the most magnificent accommodations in town, book the $40,000-per-night Ty Warner Penthouse suite (named after the hotel’s owner); its grandiose amenities include a chauffeured Rolls-Royce, an art concierge, an en-suite spa room and four glass balconies.
Where: The luxury hotel is located on East 57th Street, near the crème de la crème of Manhattan’s shopping—Park and Fifth avenues. Must-visit NYC landmarks, including the Museum of Modern Art, Rockefeller Center and Central Park, are just a quick stroll from the hotel’s front door. But if you’re interested in touring more unconventional sites, the dedicated concierge is well versed in the city and can plan a day for out-of-towners and experienced New Yorkers alike.
When: This year marks the hotel’s 20th anniversary—it first welcomed guests in June 1993. Since receiving its first Forbes Travel Guide Five-Star award in 1996, Four Seasons New York remains one of the top hotels in the city. No matter which time of the year you plan a visit, you’ll always have something new to do—it is New York after all. But the city becomes a sweltering metropolis during the summer months, so trips during the spring and fall are most ideal so you can enjoy the outdoor attractions.
Why: The spacious guest rooms come with deep-soaking tubs, Rivolta linens, window shades that close at the touch of a button and 10-foot ceilings. The hotel’s dining scene is just as popular with hotel guests as it is with New Yorkers—The Garden restaurant offers a busy power breakfast spot under towering acacia trees, and the after-work crowd flocks to The Bar to imbibe on martinis from its seasoned bartenders and enjoy the views of Fifth Avenue. Our favorite is the Calvisius Caviar Lounge; the 1930s Art Deco-inspired bar serves up its own Italian farm-raised caviar (including white sturgeon and osetra) alongside champagne, Italian sparkling wine and vodka.
Photos Courtesy of Four Seasons, Five Star Travel Corporation
