The Ritz-Carlton New York, Central Park
Write A Review
"Overpriced and no amenities"
We chose to spend a weekend in New York to celebrate a birthday and, while we usually stay at the Mandarin Oriental overlooking Central Park, we decided to try the Ritz-Carlton this time. Unfortunately, aside from the view from our high-floor room facing Central Park, the experience was disappointing. The hotel is extremely overpriced for what it offers. We’ve stayed at luxury properties worldwide, and there’s a difference between expensive and worth it, versus expensive and not justified. Here, the rooms are very costly, yet the amenities are minimal—a small gym and a “spa” limited to treatment rooms with no sauna, jacuzzi, pool, or relaxation areas. It’s hard to see how this qualifies as a true five-star property. The lobby is tiny and lacks the grandeur you’d expect, and the restaurant/lounge feels underwhelming. Despite booking through Fine Hotels & Resorts, we did not receive an upgrade, which was disappointing given that the only possible upgrade was several categories higher. Breakfast was another letdown: two juices, two coffees, avocado toast, and a bagel with salmon came to $175. While the cost was covered by credits, the food was ordinary and certainly not worth such pricing. If you’re only after a nice Central Park view and don’t mind overpaying for a room without meaningful amenities, this hotel might work. But if you’re looking for a property where you can also relax and enjoy world-class facilities, the Ritz-Carlton New York falls short.
"Bad experience, snobby staff, overall disappointing experience"
We were very disappointed with our stay at the Ritz Central Park over Mother’s Day weekend. As a lifetime Platinum and recent Titanium member, I booked using two suite night rewards to secure an upgrade. I also received an email from the concierge inviting us to experience the club lounge, which I assumed was part of my guaranteed benefits. At check-in, however, I was told the hotel would not honor my suite night upgrade and we were instead given a subpar room with what they called a “partial park view”—in reality, you had to lean into the window just to catch a glimpse of the park. To make matters worse, we were denied lounge access, with the front desk explaining that the email was just a marketing tactic to pay extra for an upgrade. What was especially frustrating is that when I checked the website that same evening, all the suite categories I had requested were still available. It’s upsetting to see the hotel refuse to recognize loyalty, preferring to leave rooms empty rather than extend the benefits Marriott promises. Staff came across as dismissive and snooty, and even something as simple as requesting a coffee machine required a call. After years of Marriott loyalty, this experience was truly disheartening. Overpriced, poor service, and no value for money—I would not return to this property.
"Location Location"
The Ritz-Carlton New York offers a prime location right in front of Central Park, but the overall experience could be improved. The lobby is small and somewhat dark, yet you’re always welcomed with a warm smile at the door. While the lobby bar has no windows, it feels cozy, and a thoughtful touch is the coffee cart available from 6–8 a.m.—perfect for jetlagged travelers awake before nearby cafés open. Standard rooms are on the smaller side, though upgrading to a suite provides more space, including a long corridor separating the living area from the main bedroom and two bathrooms—one with a shower and one with a bathtub. This setup is convenient for families, as it offers separate rooms, TVs, and amenities. However, even the suites lack park views. Prices are understandably high given it’s the Ritz and Central Park is right across the street. While the location is excellent and some thoughtful details enhance the stay, the service and overall management could be better for a hotel of this caliber.
"Great Stay at The Ritz again!"
This was our third time staying at this property, and we’re already looking forward to returning in December. From the moment we arrived, the service was exceptional. A special thank you to Robinson (or Robertson—I hope I got the name right) at the front desk. He gave us such a warm welcome, surprised us with thoughtful birthday touches, upgraded our room, and even arranged complimentary drinks. The Ritz-Carlton is always known for its luxury and impeccable service, but Robinson truly went above and beyond. Thanks to him, this stay exceeded even our highest expectations. This hotel continues to be one of our favorite places to stay!
"Just paying for a name!"
The hotel is beautiful and the location is ideal, but it feels very overpriced with little included in return. Breakfast for two cost $150, and the only complimentary touch was a coffee cart from 6–8 a.m.—hardly what you’d expect from a luxury brand. As an avid traveler, I’ll stay elsewhere in the future, as it feels like you’re paying for the name only.
"Outstanding bellman team"
I was warmly greeted by the bellman team, especially one gentleman of Turkish origin who stood out with his hospitality. My girlfriend and I mentioned that we work at another Ritz-Carlton property, and he used his empowerment to make our experience at the bar truly amazing. Thank you for making our visit so memorable!
"Small resturant and bar on location"
My wife and I have stayed at many Ritz-Carlton hotels, and while this one is considered full-service, it feels quite small. The location is convenient with plenty of dining options nearby and close access to the park, but it lacks the scale and amenities of other Ritz properties. Make sure you know what you’re getting for your money.
"Excellent base to tour New York as a family"
We received a warm and friendly welcome at the front desk. The staff were very helpful as we arrived early, but our rooms were already available and even upgraded. We also received a thoughtful additional gift, which was greatly appreciated. Our children’s room was a king with a rollaway, and my wife and I had a room on the 10th floor with a lovely view of Central Park. Both were very well appointed, though it would be helpful to have a coffee machine or kettle in the room. The hotel is very well located for Central Park and the surrounding area. Of course, it’s New York, so the surroundings are busy, but we weren’t disturbed by noise at all. We didn’t have much opportunity to use other facilities, aside from breakfast—which we found very overpriced for the portion size and quality—so we chose not to dine there again. Overall, a comfortable stay in a fantastic location. Recommended.
"Lovely Hotel"
We stayed here for a festive break, mainly for Christmas shopping, but the prices in America are now truly eye-watering. Being a luxury hotel, we expected to pay more for food and drinks, but breakfast for three regularly costing between $200 and $300 was a real shock. We hadn’t realized just how much prices have escalated over the past six years—perhaps it’s Manhattan too! That said, the food was very good, and we especially loved the cosy lounge for cocktails and nibbles throughout the day. A special mention to Al, the terrific doorman who is a real credit to the hotel. One star deducted for the lack of heating in the bathrooms (no heated towel rail either), both in our room and my mother’s, which felt rather odd for a luxury stay. Despite this, we would definitely stay again.
"Typically great Ritz experience"
We were three couples traveling together to Ibiza from JFK and stayed here for a couple of days beforehand. Service was attentive, courteous, and refined—everything we’ve come to expect from the Ritz. The hotel itself was very clean and well maintained, reflecting the high quality we’ve consistently found with this brand. During our stay, I experienced a medical issue in the night and had to be taken to the hospital on the day of our departure. Thankfully, it turned out to be minor, but I wasn’t discharged until well past the normal checkout time. I communicated with the front desk about the situation, and they were extremely understanding. Despite our late 6 PM checkout, they chose not to charge us for an additional night. That kind of customer-centered decision truly enhances our loyalty to the brand. Even without the medical incident, this was a wonderful stay, and I would highly recommend this hotel.
The Ritz-Carlton New York, Central Park
Situated on Central Park South, this iconic hotel combines old-world elegance with modern amenities, featuring rooms with views of Central Park. Known for its exceptional service and luxurious accommodations, it's a favorite among discerning travelers.
Address
50 Central Park S, New York, NY 10019, United States
Email
n/a
Telephone
+12123089100