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Hotel Review: JW Marriott Essex House, Midtown Manhattan, New York City in the USA

JW Marriott Essex House is an Art Deco delight located on Central Park South. LLM travel writer Georgie Bentley-Buckle checked into review one of the new suites from the Central Park suite collection.

By Georgie Bentley-Buckle   |  

Situated on Central Park South, JW Marriott Essex House is an Art Deco hotel that embodies Manhattan’s most glamourous decades gone by. Originally opening its polished revolving doors in 1931, the landmark property is a member of the Historic Hotels of America and offers truly stunning views across Central Park in Midtown Manhattan.

Hotel 

JW Marriott Essex House exterior
Situated on Central Park South, JW Marriott Essex House is an Art Deco hotel that embodies Manhattan’s most glamourous decades gone by

JW Marriott Essex House is a proudly positioned property offering an opulent escape from the urban jungle that lies at its feet. Providing a true sense of place situated in the epicentre of the sleepless city, views cast across the park and the striking skyscrapers that line its perimeter from inside the 40-story building. With an Art Deco style eluding to its rich and storied heritage; discover curated art, colourful fresh flowers and sparking chandeliers that epitomise the era the hotel was first conceived.  

Rooms and suites 

JW Marriott Essex House bedroom with views
JW Marriott Essex House is a proudly positioned property, offering an opulent escape from the urban jungle that lies at its feet

With 528 rooms and suites, JW Marriott Essex House caters to thousands of visitors each month. Notably, the hotel recently launched a new collection of suites, suitably coined the ‘Central Park Suite Collection’ which consists of three gorgeous suites that pay homage to the hotel’s iconic ‘front lawn’ (Central Park). This included the sumptuous pink Meadow Terrace Suite we checked into for a long weekend. 

Each newly reimagined suite tells a story through considered design. This includes artwork and finer details inspired by a handful of iconic personalities who helped shape the cultural landscape of New York City. Each featuring jaw-dropping views complimented with beautiful artwork, the collection is an example of JW Marriott’s ethos for a mindful and tasteful approach to luxury.

Known for her opulent, sumptuous eye, our Meadow Terrace Suite was inspired by the legendary Elsie de Wolfe – a renowned Manhattan interior designer and socialite. The perfect pad for our girls’ trip, the feminine suite is a sophisticated space featuring a sizable private terrace that framed sweeping views of the entire park beneath, inviting the outside in. An opulent escape that seemingly floated above the excitement of the city, each element champions Elsie de Wolfe’s balance for tasteful indulgence with meticulous attention to detail. This starts in the foyer with artwork adorned with florals and peacocks and intricately designed marble casing across two bedrooms, three bathrooms and lounge and kitchen. 

Food and drink

South Gate Bar and Restaurant
Breakfast is served at the South Gate Bar and Restaurant

With endless eating options nearby and throughout the city, dining within the hotel is not a central focus. Breakfast is served at the South Gate Bar and Restaurant or in the club lounge for those residing in suites and certain other room categories. From eggs, bacon and sausages to fruit, pancakes, coffees (and in true New York style) toasted bagels; the generous buffet set guests up for the day.

For the remainder of the day, the South Gate Bar and Restaurant is a hybrid cocktail bar, relaxed restaurant and lounge offering American favourites prepared with style and based on classic French techniques. Classic cocktails with modern twists are also available for a nightcap or to prep for a night on the town. Next door, discover Greek food at Loi Estiatorio, serving Mediterranean seafood by celebrity chef Maria Loi, a nearby American steakhouse, Marea, a two Michelin-starred Italian outpost and restaurant Daniel; a symphony of the seasons, inspired by the traditions of French culinary heritage.

Spa and wellness

JW Marriott Essex House’s PRIMP Spa
JW Marriott Essex House’s PRIMP Spa is the hotel’s destination for some on-site pampering

JW Marriott Essex House’s PRIMP Spa is the hotel’s destination for some on-site pampering. From treatments including massages, body scrubs and facials to choose from, there is also a steam room and gym available at guests’ fingertips. Meanwhile, outside the walls of the hotel guests are invited to learn about the history, culture and architecture of the neighbouring Central Park on a city running tour, following invigorating routes. Complimentary for hotel guests, the running guides tailor the route to all levels for confident pacemakers and beginners alike.

To do 

central park new york city
The hotel’s Midtown location means that Central Park is on your doorstep

The hotel’s Midtown location means that Central Park is (literally) on your doorstep. It’s also simply steps from the famed Fifth Avenue and Columbus Circle with all the restaurants and entertainment the Big Apple boasts. Additionally, the city’s cultural elements are a stone’s throw and include the Lincoln Centre, Carnegie Hall, the Museum of Art and Design and Broadway for theatre aficionados. 

In a nutshell 

This Art Deco delight offers the ultimate ‘suite life’ in the epicentre of the Big Apple. A luxurious oasis high above the city that never sleeps, the introduction of the Central Park Suites offer a handle of exclusive, awe-inspiring settings over the expanse of Central Park, for a cityscape to remember.

Factbox

Address: 160 Central Park S, New York, NY 10019, United States
Phone: +1 212-247-0300
Website: marriott.com/en-us/hotels/nycex-jw-marriott-essex-house-new-york