The Hôtel Plaza Athénée is quintessential New York high class. Only a block away from Central Park it sits in the prestigious district of Manhattan’s Upper East Side. And with some of the world’s famous calling The Plaza Athénée a home-away-from-home, expect to rub shoulders with various celebrities in its house bar: Bar Seine. Athénée accommodates 143 opulent rooms, all individually decorated with a hint of European flare; they are grand in size and provide stunning views of bustling Manhattan. So while on a luxury holiday in New York, I believe this is where one should always rest ones head.

LOCATION

A 45 minute drive by private car and even shorter helicopter ride from JFK international airport will have us weaving in and out of yellow cabs before arriving at one of the most admired address in Manhattan: the Upper East Side. Just a shopping bag away from Madison Avenue and a block from Central Park, this is the ideal location for city shopping and culture seekers such as us.

OUR ROOM

Pure decadence oozes from every inch of our luxury pad. No two rooms are the same, but feature rich Italian Sferra linens, luxurious Asian inspired silks and warm tones which showcase their European style. A selection of guest rooms and suites are decked out with enlarged marble bathrooms and deep soaking tubs with dual sinks, as well as birch hardwood floors to strut our stuff around. With dazzling views of the glittering New York skyline, it’s the perfect backdrop for a romantic night in or to simply recuperate after burning a hole in (y)our pocket down Madison Avenue. For the crème de la crème we can check into the Presidential Suite, boasting 2,000 square feet of luxurious space, it’s bigger than most New Yorkers’ apartments. Well at least bigger than my first one on 14th St.

WHY I LIKE IT

After wandering the ‘city that never sleeps’ sights, there is nothing greater than escaping to The Plaza Athénée Spa. Featuring four Asian themed private treatment suites it is the epitome of luxury and indulgence, and designed with natural elements offering the comfort and splendour for which the hotel has become known. My favourite (and keeping with the Asian theme) is the Thai massage - YES!!!, I felt like I was walking in a new body after that hour. If that’s not enough the Plaza Athénée Spa is the only luxury hotel spa in NYC that hosts Valmont Cosmetics skin care all the way from Switzerland. Using natural ingredients Valmont rejuvenises the skin leaving one feeling inspired and ready to hit the city. Let the sparkle begin!