Hotel insider: Residence Inn by Marriott Manhattan/Central Park, New York, United States

Checking in to the Residence Inn by Marriott Manhattan/Central Park, in the tallest hotel in the Americas.

A suite at the Residence Inn by Marriott. Courtesy Marriott International

The welcome

We arrive at the hotel parched from our journey and immediately sample the two types of flavoured waters on offer in the lobby (one with fresh citrus, the other with berries). The reception desk welcomes guests destined for the two separate Marriott properties housed in this tower, which boasts being the tallest hotel in the Americas. The Courtyard occupies the bottom floors while the Residence Inn, designed for longer stays, sits at the top from floors 37 to 65. We check in without any fuss and head to the Residence Inn elevators, ascending to our 58th floor room. There’s no doorman and no help with our bags, but the trip to our room is effortless, nevertheless.

The neighbourhood

We're on Broadway, smack between Central Park and Times Square, right around the corner from The Late Show with David Letterman (for a little while longer, anyway). Subway stops abound, so we move around the city with ease.

The room

The view is stunning and we make sure that it finds its way onto Instagram within seconds of our entrance. We can see the full expanse of Central Park and most of New York’s East Side. The decor is modern, with dark cabinetry punctuated with white furniture and bedding. Royal-blue drapes and accent pillows bring a punch of elegance. The appearance is bright and rich. The unassuming kitchenette with a sink turns out to be extraordinary. The drawers and cupboards house a fridge, a dishwasher, dishes and a microwave, making this a fully operational kitchen space. The room itself is cozy, but very functional. We sleep well and wake up feeling like we’re on top of the world – metaphorically and literally.

The service

As with the check-in, all the service is extremely friendly and efficient.

The scene

The hotel seems to cater to the global business traveller. The common room that also serves breakfast and the cafe both have a constant smattering of folks in business attire perched in front of laptops.

The food

The hotel features one food outlet – a cafe that serves sandwiches and salads. But a stay at the Residence Inn includes an impressive complimentary breakfast. The waffle station, eggs, potatoes, sausages, cereal, fresh fruit, breads and pastries offer a great variety of options, but the breakfast burritos were our favourite.

Loved

The original installations by the Floridian artist William DeBilzan that are featured in the common spaces throughout the hotel. The edgy, colourful paintings give the hotel its character. We also loved that the hotel has two beehives on the roof and will soon harvest its own honey.

Hated

Although the hotel is completely smoke-free, there were a couple of instances where cigarette smoke wafted into our room through the ventilation. But that can probably be chalked up to a naughty guest in an adjacent room.

The verdict

The comfort and location can’t be beaten. The amazing view is the icing on the cake.

The bottom line

Park-view king studios at the Residence Inn by Marriott Manhattan/Central Park, 1,717 Broadway, New York (www.marriott.com; 001 212 324 3774) cost from US$461 (Dh1,693), including taxes, fees, breakfast and Wi-Fi.

Follow us @TravelNational

Follow us on Facebook for discussions, entertainment, reviews, wellness and news.