Creating a haven of flourishing vegetation amidst the cityscape of Manhattan is a remarkable achievement. Being just a block away from the fabulous Central Park’s main entrance helps, along with a strong dedication to biophilic design. Nevertheless, the city’s constant activity inevitably seeps into this metropolitan hideaway. At 1 Hotel Central Park, guests can experience the dynamic essence of New York while seeking solace in a wooded sanctuary. The exquisite hotel, nestled in the vibrant heart of New York, showcases a breathtaking three-story living wall exterior made up of individually potted English ivy, reflecting the environmental principles upheld within.
Part of the select few 1 Hotels worldwide, the Central Park establishment epitomizes the brand’s commitment to redefine the travel experience. Inaugurated in 2015, the 1 Hotels brand includes properties in Miami’s South Beach, Brooklyn, San Francisco, West Hollywood, Sanya (China), and Toronto, with several new ventures on the horizon. The brand’s core concept is simple yet profound: travelers should cherish and preserve the world they explore. 1 Hotels embodies this ethos by infusing natural elements into design and implementing sustainable practices that have a positive impact.
At 1 Hotel Central Park, this philosophy materializes through the incorporation of natural and organic materials that bring the outdoors inside. Crafted by AvroKo Hospitality, the interior boasts diverse woods, exposed brick, marble, stone, and locally-sourced glass. The original building’s architectural elements, like riveted steel beams and concrete ceilings, are showcased when feasible. The lobby features quartzite Nacardo stone complemented by a floor adorned with Belgian blue stone and a border fashioned from reclaimed wood sourced from old New York barns and factories. The reception desk is a fusion of blackened steel, antique brass, and solid oak. A reclaimed oak ceiling is enhanced by suspended nature-inspired art, and a selection of fresh red and green apples is presented in a farmstand manner for guests.
Every floor showcases unique artistic renderings of the room numbers, executed in various designs such as penny nails. Living moss and plants thrive in hallway nooks and alongside each guest room entrance. Among the 229 guest rooms (including 23 suites), many feature reclaimed wooden timbers and comfortable windowsill corners adorned with cushions overlooking the bustling Manhattan streets, perfect for savoring morning coffee or a leisurely afternoon doze. For those desiring more space, 17 Alcove Suites, nearly double the size of standard rooms, offer separate living areas. Two City Suites afford views of Manhattan’s streets, while two Park Suites provide vistas of Central Park. For the utmost spaciousness, the Greenhouse Suite presents 1,200 square feet of luxury spread across five rooms with unparalleled city panoramas.
The hotel’s LEED Certification is exemplified through its energy-efficient heating and cooling mechanisms. Additional eco-conscious aspects include a five-minute shower timer to promote water conservation. Cleaning solutions are all naturally derived, and guests are encouraged to use recycled glass carafes and tumblers instead of plastic water bottles, given the exceptional quality of New York City tap water. All linens, bedding, robes, and towels are crafted from 100% organic materials. Even the hotel’s complimentary transportation upholds eco-friendliness, with the Audi e-tron serving as the house car, providing rides within a 15-block radius on a first-come, first-served basis.
Other facilities comprise a round-the-clock ‘Field House’ fitness center equipped with state-of-the-art amenities, including Peloton bikes, and ‘Jams,’ a restaurant and bar seating 100 guests helmed by Chef Jonathan Waxman, offering breakfast, lunch, and dinner. A cozy communal area is also available on the second floor.
Image Credit: Washington DC News Station
