Hotel review: Mandarin Oriental, New York

We check-in to check out the Mandarin Oriental, New York.

How does the Mandarin Oriental, New York shape up in the New York City hotel scene?

Mandarin Oriental, New York back story

The Mandarin Oriental, New York is one of the six or seven New York hotels that form the foundations of the Big Apple’s five-star offerings. But its impact on luxury hotels in NYC is far greater than merely being a member of this elite club.

When it opened in 2003, as part of the Time Warner Centre development on Columbus Circle (now the Deutsch Bank Center) the Mandarin Oriental, New York was the first hotel to start in the air and keep going; the lobby is on level 35 and the rooms occupy levels 36 to 54. This elevated perspective on Central Park is surprisingly rare (and unheard of in 2003) but showcases the dream New York Central Park vista in all its glory.

The Mandarin Oriental, New York was the first hotel to start in the air.

First impressions

Entering the foyer on ground and taking the guest lift (as opposed to the residence’s lift as it is a mixed-use office, residential hotel and retail centre) is relatively unassuming, aside from the team of bell boys and concierge staff ready to assist.

The lift doors open on level 35 to reveal a lush Chihuly glass sculpture (the work is installed across two locations, the lobby and ceiling of the foyer 35 floors below to connect the two spaces) that separates the concierge and front desk.

Beyond the sculpture, check-in and concierge desks the sunken lobby bar, MO Lounge is the star of the show with magnificent views of the icon that is Central Park. This sense of arrival is rather unique in a New York hotel; an understated and restrained internal aesthetic so as not to detract from the million-dollar views of the park. This merely confirms the Mandarin Oriental, New York as a very special hotel.

Check into the lavish Mandarin Oriental, New York.

The room

The rooms and suites are what you expect of the super-premium luxury brand that is Mandarin Oriental. Suites and rooms are divided into two classes; Hudson River and Central Park.

As the name suggests, Hudson River rooms and suites have views across the Hudson to New Jersey, south to Hells Kitchen and Chelsea and north to Lincoln Centre and the Upper North Side.

Hudson River suites have a show-stealing view.

Central Park rooms and suites are the million-dollar (probably two) views of Central Park and some of the most sought-after in all of New York, particularly the Premier Central Park View Suite on the southwestern corner suite of every floor.

Central Park rooms have a million-dollar view.

These corner suites are equivalent to two NYC studios with a lounge room, ‘restroom’, ensuite bathroom and three different TVs.

The tones are chocolate, mauve and slashes of lilac against a silver backdrop. The enormous curved sofa doesn’t dominate the equally large lounge room. A marble bathroom is spacious (for NYC) and the TV inset into the mirror is a welcome novelty.

Settle into a Central Park suite.

But it is the view that is the show stealer here. Waking up and pressing a button to open the black-out curtains to reveal Central Park is a great pinch-yourself moment.

Wake up to Central Park views.

The facilities

Being surrounded by arguably the world’s best dining scene, the hotel has opted for straightforward yet high-quality offerings at the MO Lounge.

Sip well-crafted cocktails at MO Lounge.

This lack of in-house fine dining surprisingly benefits guests. Within the Deutsche Bank Center itself, there are some of the finest restaurants in the city (and world) including Thomas Keller’s Per Se and hot new Italian eatery Bad Roman. All are on the concierge team’s speed dial, who are likely to get you a seat over a two-night stay.

Pop into Bad Roman during your stay. (Image: Quentin Long)

Breakfast at the MO Lounge is al a carte only and befitting a hotel of this standard. Extensive selections of eggs, waffles, pancakes and (even better for Australians) coffee that the best Melbourne and Sydney baristas would be proud of.

The day and evening menu is equally appropriate to the brand, albeit unfussy. Think hotel staples like a club sandwich or a burger and then the more aspirational lobster nicoise salad or hand-cut pasta.

Special mention for a sweet end to a NYC evening. If you return to the hotel desperately seeking a sweet end, the Chocolate Decadence is a masterclass in a brilliantly balanced dessert. Hazelnut feuilletine with soft caramel and chocolate mousse is nowhere near as sweet as it sounds, but a symphony of crunchy smooth chocolate greatness. A negroni to accompany it is advised.

The spa at any Mandarin Oriental is world-renowned and within the ultra-competitive wellness market in New York, it says a lot that the spa attracts both locals and guests.

The VIP spa suite offers relaxing treatments.

The location

On the Colombus Circle (the southwestern edge of Central Park) the hotel is south of the Lincoln Centre and north of the Theatre District. Below the hotel, the shops at Columbus Circle are designer and the aforementioned celebrated fine dining restaurants.

The suites at Mandarin Oriental, New York overlook the city skyline. (Image: Quentin Long)

Our rating

4.5 stars – it holds itself to such a high standard and meets them but a small number of the in-room finishes are ready for refurbishment.

What we loved

It doesn’t get any better than the sumptuous views in the spacious indulgent suites and a nightcap with the greatest view in the world from the bar.

What we’d change

Some of the in-room decor was ready to be replaced.

Soak up sweeping city skyline views at the luxury wellness pool.

Details

Mandarin Oriental, New York
80 Columbus Circle
New York, New York 10023
(212) 805-8800