Four Seasons New York
The Four Seasons New York is the most iconic hotel in Manhattan. It is a modern day palace in the sky that is unique in so many ways that it is difficult to think of what hotel in the city compares. If your taste runs to sleek and contemporary look no further.
When Four Seasons New York was built in 1993 the hotel incurred the highest construction cost per room of any hotel in the world. It was predicted that its owners would never recoup their investment. Designed by famed architect I.M. Pei, this sheer 52-story midblock tower of creamy limestone rises in a series of setbacks atop a four-story base that extends from 57th to 58th streets.
Arrivals are whisked through an austerely dramatic “Masters of the Universe” lobby with 30-ft ceilings to registration, where staffers sport MTV-style microphones. A spectacular onyx skylight illuminates the soaring atrium lobby and its elevated sitting areas, which are perfect for a light lunch, tea and conversation. The design focuses on the architectural elements: horizontal Danish beechwood panels, limestone cladding, octagonal pillars, that onyx skylight and geometric lamps. All fuse into a visual masterpiece.
Fine dining takes place in L'Atelier de Joel Robuchon, one of New York’s best. Chef Joel Robuchon's offshoots in Paris and Las Vegas are renowned for impressing gourmands and the same goes here. Mr. Robuchon's exquisite and expensive French-accented fare requires reservations, sometimes months in advance. Located just off the lobby at Four Seasons New York, 57 remains a popular dining room, serving all meals, including a delectable New American dinner menu.
Owner, Ty Warner has put his stamp on the lounge TY, and offers a sophisticated hors d’oeuvres menu, along with a premium selection of aperitifs, spirits and champagne.
The Four Seasons New York basement health club is an exceptional facility for active guests, and the spa provides an ever-expanding array of health and beauty treatments.
Elevators at Four Seasons New York are numerous and swift; one never waits more than a few seconds. In fact, everything at the Four Seasons New York moves at a brisk pace. Still looking fresh from renovations, a testament to housekeeping and maintenance crews, the rooms and suites all show a superb collection of quality fabrics, oversize flat-screen TVs and a smattering of residential-style furnishings that complement the sophisticated contemporary design—no hard edges here.
Measuring in at nearly 600 sq ft, the guest quarters at Four Seasons New York are much larger than the Manhattan norm. Indeed, they are larger than some Manhattan apartments. Foyers have bars with excellent accessories, bright lighting, mirrors and minibars. Color schemes feature soothing gold and earth tones, and the custom work in English sycamore includes fine cabinetry in the living areas and large closets. Standard accoutrements run to flat-screen TVs (with DVD and CD players), dual-line phones with speakers, voice mail and data ports, Wi-Fi, MP3 players, and electronic "Do Not Disturb" signs. The plush bedrooms, many with coffered 10-ft ceilings, enjoy tall windows that open and bedside controls that do everything, including closing the drapes.
The Florentine marble baths are huge and beautifully appointed with deep tubs, stall showers, magnifying mirrors, hair dryers, large towels, and scales, pint-size TVs, phones and robes. Their vast dressing areas come with well-lit vanities.
The lavish Park and City view units in the High Tower (floors 31-50) at Four Seasons New York are just as large as or larger than the accommodations below, but their spectacular views are certainly worth requesting. Executive suites provide such thoughtful necessities as paper shredders, and for those with power and cash to spare, the two Presidential suites are fresh from makeovers, and they already have a guest book filled with front-page faces. The Ty Warner Suite on the 52nd floor is the most expensive accommodation in the city. The rack rate is $30,000 a night.
Twice daily, housekeepers at Four Seasons New York come round, and room service never stops. Children can expect pint-sized robes and special toiletries.
The top notch polished and beautifully uniformed staff moves with the grace of ballroom dancers and responds instantly to all requests. The expression "New York minute” could refer to the service at the Four Seasons New York.
Four Seasons New York is a member of exclusive Virtuoso travel network. Book online or contact our Virtuoso Travel Advisor Info@classictravel.com for more details.
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