If you haven’t stayed on Billionaire’s Row in New York City, then you are in for a treat. The address is ranked the world’s number one luxury street, even ahead of London’s Grosvenor Square.
The Four Seasons Hotel New York sits in the heart of it all; a modern-deco landmark designed by famed architect I.M. Pei, standing at 52 stories high (the tallest luxury hotel in the city). I visited and discovered its billionaire-worthy sleeping quarters and more.
Suite
I checked in to a very chic Gotham Junior Suite, which features oversized windows that place you right in between Manhattan’s skyscrapers – great for people watching if you are front facing. The suite has state-of-art technologies including a curved 65-inch television which can be enjoyed from just about any corner of the room, especially the hand-made king-sized lighted pedestal bed.
The room has a modern, minimalist feel, with a custom-made, oversized cerused oak executive desk, Japanese tamo ash furniture and a separate makeup/dressing area finished in English Sycamore, with custom mirrors and seating. In the bathroom you will find a deep soaking tub that fills in just two minutes.
Now, I stayed in the Gotham Junior Suite, because, sadly, I’m not a billionaire, but if you happen to be one, then you’d probably want to switch our room out for the hotel’s Ty Warner Penthouse Suite instead.
This is the most expensive one-bedroom suite in the world – the 4,300 square foot boudoir is near £41,000 per night and offers unobstructed panoramic views of Manhattan from four cantilevered glass balconies, along with a private spa, Zen room, Peloton bicycle, Bösendorfer baby grand piano, private elevator, and a continuous waterfall cascading from ceiling to floor on a wall made of green bowenite semi-precious granite sourced from South Africa.
Its amenities include a chauffeured Rolls-Royce at your disposal, personal trainer, in-suite L.RAPHAEL spa treatments when required, round-the-clock dedicated l’attache, and private Meals in the Sky prepared by executive chef John Johnson upon request.
Restaurant and bar
The Garden has a completely different feel to the rest of the hotel. As its name suggests, you are transported to an exotic indoor garden with enormous twisting African Acacia trees towering over (I forgot to check if they were real or not). Here you can experience a power breakfast, lunch or weekend brunch like no other.
In terms of highlights, mine was The Garden’s signature lemon ricotta pancakes with local organic maple syrup, ordered with a latte with the most detailed latte art I had ever seen.
On the other side of the grand lobby, you’ll find Ty Bar’s glowing display of liquor, where masters will mix up bespoke seasonal cocktails and classic cocktails of the 1920s and 30s (tip: try the Negronis with Bootlegger Gin, Campari, Punt E Mes Vermouth). Ty Bar’s glamorous red-velvet draped setting features plush banquets and a roaring fireplace, where guests can enjoy a selection of locally sourced seasonal light bites prepared whilst casually enjoying an event or game on the big screen.
Spa
L.RAPHAEL’s can be found in the hotel basement, offering a wide variety of treatments, both solo and as a couple. All anti-ageing, slimming, beauty and wellness programs are personalised, results-oriented and effective. I tried the Anti-Jet Lag Oxy-Jet Energy booster treatment, basically cool oxygen-magic and massage, which definitely worked a treat and got me energised. It is probably best to book this one during the day.
Fitness
The hotel has a fully equipped fitness centre and offers personal training one-on-one. There is also in-room fitness instruction, but we recommend heading to Central Park, literally round the corner from the venue. No need to do it alone either – you can book one of the Four Seasons’ fitness trainers who will accompany you on a guided walk or paced run in the park. Nature, tour and exercise; now that is multi-tasking.
To do
What is there not to do? This is New York City after all. Up the road you have the new flagship Nordstrom, with its top-rated Wolf Restaurant (North American/Italian) inside. Other amazing eats you will hear Manhattan’s billionaire club rave about include Zuma (Japanese), Scarpetta (Italian) and Buddakan (Asian fusion).
There’s the glitzy Fifth Avenue close by, home to every boutique imaginable as well as the newly opened Rita Hazan salon. Broadway is a stone’s throw away, with long time shows including Book Of Mormon and Wicked (though, we recommend going to Sleep No More, an immersive theatre instead) and finally there’s the big sights; the Empire State Building and so forth, but for seasoned visitors check out the new Edge – you’ll feel like you’re floating in the sky.
Getting there
From one of the major international airports, don’t bother with public transport. There are too many changes and different tickets to purchase. Book an Uber or take a taxi.
Factbox
Address: 57 E 57th St, New York, NY 10022
Phone: +1 212 758 5700
Website: fourseasons.com/newyork
Images all courtesy of The Four Seasons Hotel, New York
