ARRIVAL/CHECK-IN: I landed at JFK in anticipation of Global Traveler’s Wines on the Wing event this spring. I hadn’t been to New York in 10 years, and I was eager to see how the city had transformed since my last visit. My ride from the airport brought me to the front steps of Park Terrace Hotel, right next to Bryant Park in the heart of Midtown. Although my room wasn’t quite yet ready, Arlette and Giovanni from the front desk team graciously took my bags while I grabbed a late lunch next door at Heritage Restaurant and Bakery. Within the hour the hotel staff sent me a brief email, letting me know my room was done, and after a swift check-in process, I received my keys to a corner room on the 11th floor.

© Carrie Cox

GUEST QUARTERS: As I opened the door to my room, I expected the windows would showcase a magnificent view (and I was not disappointed). However, I didn’t expect the room to feel like a modern oasis, reminiscent of a luxury spa resort. With soft colors of seafoam green, cream and taupe, the room practically beckoned me to relax and “move in” for a few days. My extremely comfortable king-sized bed was stacked with cozy pillows and topped with a white, textured bedspread. A Bose speaker and plenty of tech plug-ins next to the bed gave me room for my gadgets to charge seamlessly. A separate seating area allowed me to host a virtual meeting from the large (and, again, comfortable) loveseat with three different art pieces on the wall behind me.

The bathroom was clean and crisp in the same shades of seafoam green and white, and a large glass shower door made an otherwise smaller bathroom feel much bigger. A sleek, acrylic barn door gave privacy between the bathroom and bedroom, maintaining the modern oasis concept and feel. During the evenings I may have been spotted wearing the plush white hotel robe while looking out the windows at the incredible view below.

SERVICES/AMENITIES: With a name like Park Terrace, the implication holds that somewhere on the property you’ll find an outdoor terrace near the park. Without disappointment, the hotel has just that: a grand terrace with sweeping views from the sixth floor — a perfect rooftop respite in the heart of New York. The newly renovated lounge is also striking with golden-honey wood tones coupled with pops of green, mimicking the park below. With ample room for work or pleasure, there’s also a small conference room available for larger parties looking for privacy.

On the bottom level there’s also a separate, private lounge area for groups or events, along with a gym for anyone who doesn’t quite reach their “steps goal” while walking the city streets.

TOP TAKEAWAYS:

• In a city full of choices, I highly doubt you’ll find a better location for the value Park Terrace Hotel brings.
• An excellent stay for business or pleasure, the hotel sits within easy walking distance of several bakeries and restaurant options.
• Outside your room, the newly renovated lounge and terrace area offer beautiful bonus spaces to work or relax above the city.

PARK TERRACE HOTEL
18 W. 40th St.
New York, NY 10018
tel 212 781 6400