To craft an oasis of lush greenery within the concrete jungle of Manhattan is no casual feat. One block proximity to the south entrance of splendid Central Park certainly aids in the effort, as does a holistic commitment to biophilic design, yet the city’s hustle and bustle naturally infiltrates this urban retreat. 1 Hotel Central Park represents the best of both New York’s vibrancy and its guests’ desire for sanctuary. A sylvan haven within the beating heart of New York, the luxe hotel’s stunning, three-story living wall exterior - comprised of individually planted pots of English ivy - hints at the environmental ethos within.
Just one of a handful of 1 Hotels worldwide, the Central Park locale is a beautiful example of the brand’s mission to ‘evolve travel.’ 1 Hotels launched in 2015 with the opening of this property as well as properties in Miami's South Beach, Brooklyn, San Francisco, West Hollywood, Sanya (China), and Toronto. (Several more openings are planned soon.) The brand is inspired by a simple idea: those who travel the world should also care about it. 1 Hotels upholds this vision by channeling nature through design and taking sustainable steps that make a difference.
At 1 Hotel Central Park, this entails bringing the outside in with natural and organic materials. Designed by AvroKo Hospitality, the interior features varied woods, exposed brick, marble, stone and locally-sourced glass. The original building’s existing architecture, such as riveted steel beams or concrete ceilings, is highlighted when possible. In the lobby, quartzite Nacardo stone complements a floor of Belgian blue stone with a border of reclaimed wood from old barns and factories in the New York area. The reception desk is made from blackened steel, antique brass and solid oak. A reclaimed oak ceiling is accented by suspended art inspired by nature. And a farmstand-like offering of fresh red and green apples is there for the taking.
On each of the 18 floors, unique artistic renditions of the floor numbers are represented in a different design, such as penny nails. Living moss and plants grow in hallway niches and alongside each guestroom door. Of its 229 guest rooms (including 23 suites), most feature reclaimed wooden timbers and cozy, pillow-laden window nooks perched above Manhattan streets – the perfect spot in which to enjoy morning coffee or an afternoon nap. For those desiring a bit more space, the hotel’s 17 Alcove Suites - almost twice the size of the hotel’s standard rooms - feature separate living rooms. Two City Suites feature views of Manhattan’s streets, and two Park Suites feature views of Central Park. For the ultimate in space, the Greenhouse Suite, with unparalleled views of the city, offers 1,200 square feet within its five rooms.
The hotel’s LEED Certification is well-illustrated with its energy efficient heating and cooling systems. Additional ‘mindful’ aspects include a five minute shower timer to gently encourage water conservation. All cleaning solutions are naturally derived. Plastic water bottle use is discouraged with the bedside placement of recycled glass carafes and tumblers. (New York City tap water is world-renowned for its quality.) All sheets, bedding, robes, and towels are 100% organic. Even the hotel’s complimentary transportation is ‘green.’ The house car is an Audi e-tron; rides within a 15 block radius of the hotel are provided on a first come, first served basis.
Additional amenities include a 24 hour ‘Field House’ fitness center with state-of-the-art equipment including Peloton bikes, Jams, a 100-seat restaurant and bar from Chef Jonathan Waxman serving breakfast, lunch, and dinner, and a cozy communal space on the second floor.
1414 6th Ave., New York, New York
All photos courtesy of 1 Hotel Central Park
