The fall is such a great time to visit New York City. The weather is great and it is ideal walking weather. This past fall we booked a last minute award trip up to New York City on a Delta jet and used a few award nights for a stay at the Ritz Carlton New York Central Park.
The Ritz Carlton New York Central Park is a tier 5 Ritz Carlton hotel. This means it is the top award category and requires 70,000 points per night. A standard rate at this hotel is typically around $600 a night. So we decided 140,000 Marriott points for 2 nights, while not the best redemption value, would be worth it to spend time in this part of the city and visit some friends located nearby.
Arrival Into New York
We used 45,000 Delta SkyMiles per person to secure two first class seats from Atlanta to New York. We arranged for a driver to pick us up from the airport and take us directly to the hotel. While slightly more expensive than a taxi, it was nice to have a sign with “The Weekly Flyer” on it and a comfy ride directly to the hotel.
Flight Into New York
Hotel
Upon arrival, a bellman opened our car door, took our small weekend carry-on bags and escorted us to the door. We entered the hotel and headed left to the check in desk. This next part is where it gets bad for me. I’m a sucker for upgrades (like seat 2E on the OWMD-but for good cause) and always looking to make the most out of my limited time with Mrs Weekly Flyer.
The award booking secured us a general award room on a low floor looking directly at another building. The room was small and would have no view. So when the front desk person asked if I would like to upgrade, I jumped at the chance to have a mid level park view room for only about $100 a night.
The room was spacious and had a spectacular park view. We really enjoyed our two nights at this hotel.
Room Entrance
King Bed
Large Marble Bathroom
View Of The Park
View Of Park
View of Park & Street
Surrounding Area
One of the best features of this hotel is the location. We spent part of our two days just frolicking around the park. We made the usual rounds through the park. There was a movie being filmed and we even saw a wedding party taking pictures.
One night we went to Sojourn, a nice little restaurant on the upper east side. On another day, we stopped by a wine store around the corner for a nice bottle of French wine.
Amphitheater
Wedding Pictures In The Park
Ice Skating
Bottom Line
The Ritz Carlton New York Central Park is impressive. The convenience of the location to the park makes this a great hotel for a short stay in the city.
Unfortunately, it is expensive both in terms of points and paid rates. As a tier 5 Ritz Carlton hotel, this means you’ll have to shell out 70,000 points per night to stay here when there are plenty of other options (like the Hyatt 48 Lex) that require less points and less cash.
New York is a fun city with lots of things to do and see. What are your favorite things to do and see while visiting the city?
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The Weekly Flyer writes about travel from a business traveler perspective. He travels the world every week accumulating points and miles along the way.
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This is the best in-city Ritz in the US. To compare it to the Hyatt 48/Lex is sort of comparing SQ F to AC Y!
NYBanker- I missed the part where I compared the two on equal terms.
Please enlighten us why one should never stay at the Hyatt 48 Lex if they don’t have $600 a night or 70k marriott points to spare..
I agree with NYBanker, it’s definitely the best in-city Ritz in the U.S. Staying there is one of my favorite NYC activities!
Pretty sure he said that he was splurging on the Ritz. It’s obviously a nicer property but commands a much higher rate. Plain and simple there are other nice options that require less than $600.
I didn’t say no one should stay at the 48/Lex (and in fact I’m staying at the new Hyatt in a few weeks for the first time!)…but when you say there “are plenty of other options,” perhaps insert the word “lesser”?
Also…what floor were you on? 8 or 9? (if you recall) Being just above treetop level is imho the best view line there. others prefer the very highest floors…which are also very nice (you can see up to Yankee Stadium from the high floors)…but I like being in the city and looking out and seeing treetops.
Hi Banker – Until you’ve stayed at both, maybe you should with hold judgement…, especially when this post isn’t comparing the two on equal terms, no?
Either was above tree tops as can see from the pictures.
So the view is better from squirrel height as opposed to pigeon height? Your going to see the same bums pissing themselves from the 8th floor that you do from the 12th.
when you looked in the telescope did you see me running in central park?
Hi Kathy – I couldn’t keep the telescope moving fast enough, slow down next time…
On a working trip, with little time for enjoyment, I’d take the lesser room. On a trip that is already a splurge event, purely for the luxurious enjoyment of being there…. I’d jump at the $100 dollar upgrade to have a much bigger room with that view! Excellent decision !
Having been to both, I was indeed correct.
NYBanker – To each his own. I’d gladly stay at either property. You may have your preferences.
I will never never stay at a Ritz property again. The Bait and Switch treatment I received after building up points with RC was Criminal. I reserved 3 nights at the Central Park NYC Ritz, using their website. I was a Rewards member in good standing, and booked a room in good Faith when the Site offered us a Combo points cash booking. 3 Days prior to arrival, I received an email saying we needed more points to obtain the room rate they had confirmed to me 3 months previously. Not a few more points, but significantly more. When confronted with this, I cancelled our reservation. They stated I would still be charged one nights fee. 3RD World policies, Goodbye Ritz, Hello Airbnb!!!!!