Inspector Picks: Five Diamond Hotels in New York City

Baccarat Hotel New York

28 W. 53rd St.

AAA Inspector 592: I could have skipped the trip to Versailles and just come here. The crystal-infused flamboyant design is something to behold.

Ultra high-end contemporary luxury reaches its American zenith with this storybook destination from the fabled 250-year old French glass company. Service is top-notch and its decor is fit for royalty. Baccarat crystal chandeliers sparkle as they chime overhead and exquisite stemware overflows with champagne in the lounges, all of it creating rich pleasures for the senses. Lavishly ornate artisan woodwork, sculptures, white marble, custom moldings and rich details are in all the rooms and suites, creating simply grandiose interiors. The in-house lounge and bar are lively and attain high marks for atmosphere. Service is refined and enthusiastically engaging, managing to confidently keep aloft the flamboyant perception of extraordinary luxury befitting royalty. The cellar swimming pool, lined with a wall of most comfortable cabanas, is subdued but nifty in design. It will come as no surprise if the the well-traveled might view the minimalism and restraint of other contemporary hotels as being simply passé after an opulent stay at the Baccarat.Book Now

The Dominick Hotel

246 Spring St.

AAA Inspector 592: NOT FOUND

With stellar views of the city from the higher floors, this bastion of stylish luxury features swanky modern Italian furnishings, impressive artwork and marble bathrooms. Guests will be pampered by the doting staff at the pool on a rooftop terrace and sublime spa. The SoHo location puts you at the very heart of Manhattan's fashion culture, a short walk away from completely unique, world-class shopping opportunities and myriad fun restaurants and bars.Book Now

Four Seasons Hotel New York Downtown

27 Barclay St.

AAA Inspector 592: Finally! A bonafide lap pool in a downtown hotel, and lots of natural light...gorgeous.

This stunning property perfectly balances a design concept which is simultaneously artistic, modern and highly comfortable. Rooms are streamlined, yet retain the brand’s signature style of luxury. Near the World Trade Center, Wall Street, Tribeca and a wide choice of stellar dining options, this property sits squarely in the middle of the contemporary action. The hotel embodies a 21st-century Manhattan design aesthetic, one which fuses a sense of tradition with a cool modern minimalism and delivers essential conveniences like a hotel services app, mobile room key and in-room tablet. The Four Seasons brand is once again self-assuredly at the forefront of the pack with this grand hotel.Book Now

The Langham, New York, Fifth Avenue

400 Fifth Ave.

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Here you will find stylish luxury and art in a restrained, modern-minimalist style. All rooms feature fine wood finishes, high-tech accessories and fine marble-clad bathrooms with designer amenities. The beautiful suites here have all the fine finishes of the regular rooms but also feature the ultimate Manhattan luxury—extra space. The hotel features first-rate fine dining and an exceptionally good club lounge. Some suites offer guests designer kitchens and deep soaking tubs.Book Now

Mandarin Oriental, New York

80 Columbus Cir at 60th St.

AAA Inspector 592: Wow! The lower lobby did not prepare me for the enchanting views of Central Park or Midtown that I could see from the main lobby and restaurant areas.

Expect rooms with contemporary luxury and cosmopolitan flair. Its exceptional location affords proximity to high-end shopping, entertainment and some of the city's very best restaurants. Guest rooms are not overly spacious but are well designed and have a sophisticated style. The marble baths are roomy and sleekly outfitted with appealing enhancements. Eastside facing rooms have expansive park views, while westside rooms face the Hudson River with beautiful sunset views. These Hudson view rooms have a slightly different layout, include even larger floor space, and feature a window over the deep soaking tub to watch a panorama of colors descend nightly over nearby New Jersey.Book Now

Park Hyatt New York

153 W. 57th St.

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A highly refined modernist style greets guests at this gleaming, glass jewel in the sky, which has become a new Midtown landmark. Rooms are calm and light filled while the baths provide high luxury. Serene designer touches include a custom beverage center, a digital media hub and curated art. Crisp fine linens, aromatic scents, supple leather furnishings and an oversize soaking tub further make for a truly luxurious guest room. Facilities are exceptionally good and include an indoor pool and whirlpool, hair and beauty salon, spa and state-of-the-art fitness center. This pet-friendly property donates all pet fees to animal charities. An underground parking garage is conveniently on-site. Carnegie Hall is across the street and Central Park is a short walk away.Book Now

The Peninsula New York

700 5th Ave.

AAA Inspector 592: Ideal for an urban weekend getaway, the spa and fitness areas here are just about my very favorite in all of New York City. Truly exceptional.

Signature service from a uniformed staff is just one of the many sophisticated refinements at this grand Beaux Arts-style hotel located near Central Park in the very most prime Fifth Avenue district. The rooms have a comfortable modern style, with a multitude of controls that allow guests to adjust lighting or temperature without ever leaving the bed. The best-in-class spa, 24-hour accessible fitness facility, pool and rooftop bar have spectacular views that are not to be missed. The rooftop has an herb garden from which the in-house chef draws upon. The in-room entertainment system can be pre-programmed for specialty and international television channels of your choosing. Highly recommended. Book Now

The Pierre New York-A Taj Hotel

2 E. 61st St at Fifth Ave.

AAA Inspector: With a beautiful ballroom, rotunda room and a glorious grand entrance setting; a fashionable wedding here is destined to be a New York social event.

White-gloved elevator operators add classic elegance at this most grand hotel. Rooms are traditionally decorated; bathrooms are somewhat compact but luxuriously appointed with fine quality amenities. Refined and sophisticated dining and public spaces make this a top pick for weddings and gala events. Proximity to Central Park, as well as to Fifth Avenue is second to none. The designer Yves St Laurent lived in the hotel for many years, using it as his New York residence. His photo now adorns the 38th floor on which he resided. Elizabeth Taylor was another prominent guest in-residence during her heyday.Book Now

The Ritz-Carlton New York, Central Park

50 Central Park S

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World-class style and service, paired with contemporary technology are the hallmarks of this outstanding property, which stands majestically at the south entrance to Central Park. The concierges at this hotel are among the best in the city at snagging those hard-to-get restaurant reservations. The exercise area is exceptionally well-designed and leading edge, very suitable for any type of workout routine.Book Now

The St. Regis New York

2 E. 55th St.

AAA Inspector: The history of New York literally pours forth here, and it is a must see kind of place even if just for a cocktail at the iconic lounge.

A New York landmark since 1904, this extraordinary property offers style at a grand level. When combined with contemporary luxury and attentive services, it’s in a rarefied, supreme class altogether. This historic hotel was built by John Jacob Astor IV as a sister property to the Waldorf Astoria, just a few years before Astor went down with the Titanic. Today, guests can enjoy unlimited use of the private on-site health club and the sublime King Cole Bar is pure New York classic. Prime Fifth Avenue shopping is a few steps around the corner. The hotel offers a variety of uniquely noble experiences, including learning the art of sabrage, the French tradition of opening a champagne bottle with a sabre sword.Book Now

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