ARRIVAL/CHECK-IN: I felt immersed in New York luxury immediately upon my arrival at JW Marriott Essex House. From the moment the doorman opened the front entrance and welcomed me to the lobby, I sensed the history of the building and the whirlwind energy of New York in the modernized Art Deco décor. Immediately to the right I found the check-in desk adjacent to two full-time concierges. The front desk staff welcomed me and seemed to be familiar with my name when I presented my identification, as if they study the check-ins of the day … a welcoming feeling! After sorting out my reservation and providing me with room keys, the desk staff guided me to the elevators while pointing out the club lounge I could access during my one-night stay.

GUEST QUARTERS: I stayed in the Central Park View Suite, on one of the top floors of the hotel, with only five or six rooms accessed by the elevator. The suite comprised two rooms; one containing a couch, television and dining table flowed into the bedroom, where my king-sized bed sat between two large nightstands. The marble bathroom off the bedroom provided plenty of full-sized towels and washcloths and Aromatherapy Associates products. I am not sure if every room offers this feature, but my suite included a Peloton machine in the bedroom, should I have decided to work out prior to my day in the city. The suite also includes a tiny kitchenette with a personal ice machine and sink. The star of the room was the view of Central Park. From above, I saw Central Park Zoo, horse rides and Wollman Rink.

SERVICES/AMENITIES: In addition to the two beautiful ballrooms within Essex House, public spaces include SOUTHGATE Bar & Restaurant, located off the lobby and open for breakfast, lunch and dinner. This proved a great spot for a bite to eat or a glass of wine before a night out. JW Marriott Essex House also boasts PRIMP spa and fitness center, filled with more Pelotons for those who do not have them in their room. The hotel also provides in-room services like massages and hair styling. For top members and guests, the club lounge on the first floor is also available, providing complimentary meals, coffee and drinks for breakfast and dinner.

TOP TAKEAWAYS:

• In a top-notch location, with more than 100 rooms facing Central Park, the property offers guests private curated tours of the park.
• Essex House receives hundreds of requests each year for Thanksgiving, as the famous Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade passes the front door, and guests get a front-row seat.
• The perfect location for business or leisure, Essex House caters to travelers’ needs.

JW MARRIOTT ESSEX HOUSE
160 Central Park S.
New York, NY 10019
tel 212 247 0300
marriott.com