Best for
Essex House works particularly well when Central Park walks and Midtown performances anchor your trip, keeping outdoor time close to a busy cultural itinerary.
Best for
Essex House works particularly well when Central Park walks and Midtown performances anchor your trip, keeping outdoor time close to a busy cultural itinerary.
What makes it special
Original brass elevator doors and geometric Art Deco details connect everyday arrivals to old New York, giving the building character beyond its familiar brand.
Room to consider
A Central Park South address does not guarantee a park-facing bedroom, so confirm the booked outlook and bed configuration if either determines your stay.
Insider tip
Confirm Executive Lounge eligibility for your exact booking before planning breakfasts there, since access is restricted and should not be assumed from hotel membership alone.
Free membership gives you access to preferred rates, exclusive benefits and current promotions for your stay.
JW Marriott Essex House New York is for travelers who want Central Park to shape the stay. The hotel stands at 160 Central Park South, between Sixth and Seventh Avenues. The park is across the street. Columbus Circle, Carnegie Hall, Fifth Avenue shopping, Lincoln Center and the Theater District all sit within a useful Midtown radius. Its red Essex House rooftop sign, installed in 1932, still gives the building a clear place on the skyline.
This is not the quietest or smallest 5-star hotel in New York. It is a large Art Deco landmark with a strong address and a polished Marriott style. Some rooms and suites look straight toward the trees of Central Park. Guests who want a townhouse mood may prefer the Upper East Side. Guests who want high floors above Columbus Circle may look at Mandarin Oriental. Essex House works best for visitors who value a Central Park South base with history, space, meeting rooms and easy access to Midtown.
Cream and gray geometric patterns run across the feature wall and carpet, framed by dark wood furniture. King rooms have a broad tan padded headboard, with rectangular lamps on the bedside tables. In the Double layout, a tan armchair and matching footstool stand near the window. Pale cushions soften the darker bed frames, and a shared table sits between the beds.
The bathroom pairs a bathtub with a shower above it. Its long vanity has a broad mirror, with the tub set beside a gray-veined wall. Rooms face either 58th Street or the building’s interior, so the outlook follows the room selected.
Cream and gray geometric patterns run across the feature wall and carpet, framed by dark wood furniture. King rooms have a broad tan padded headboard,...
Low- and upper-floor rooms are offered; the floor depends on the room selected.
A thick dark frame surrounds the pale tan headboard. Behind it, staggered rectangles form a pattern across the wall. The bedside lamps have clear stacked bases, while pale trim runs along the ceiling. Some rooms have a curved chaise and padded footstool below the window. Linked black-and-white shapes cover the carpet, and a long dark writing console stands opposite the bed. Furniture and window positions vary from room to room.
Some bathrooms have a shower above the tub. Accessible bathroom options are available and must be specifically booked.
A thick dark frame surrounds the pale tan headboard. Behind it, staggered rectangles form a pattern across the wall. The bedside lamps have clear stacked...
The bedroom and sitting area share an open studio layout.
A dark-blue sofa faces two round coffee tables, with a pale tan armchair beside the window. Framed abstract art and long adjustable wall lights appear in some interiors, while others have floral cushions and smaller framed pictures. Patterned carpet runs beneath the seating.
Some layouts have a mirrored screen between the bed and lounge, with a desk built along one side. A dark wooden cabinet has patterned doors, and a tiered ceiling light hangs above the room. The headboard combines a pale padded panel with a dark frame, with a wide bench at the bed’s foot.
An oversized bathtub has a shower above it. One rollaway bed can be requested for an additional charge.
A dark-blue sofa faces two round coffee tables, with a pale tan armchair beside the window. Framed abstract art and long adjustable wall lights appear...
This suite is on a lower floor.
The living room has a navy corner sofa and a round dark ottoman, with a pale armchair across from the seating. Light-paneled walls, a large round mirror and colorful abstract art give this space its own character. A tripod floor lamp stands near the window, and a dark cabinet runs along the opposite wall. The bedroom is in a separate room.
An oversized tub has a shower above it. One rollaway can be arranged for an additional charge.
The living room has a navy corner sofa and a round dark ottoman, with a pale armchair across from the seating. Light-paneled walls, a large...
Accommodation in this category is on a high floor.
Two cream armchairs stand at the paired living-room windows. Farther inside, a dark-blue sofa faces a large round ottoman on patterned carpet. A star-like light hangs over the lounge, with colorful abstract art against pale walls.
The bedroom is separate, with furnishings that vary between interiors. Some have a tall black buttoned headboard, pale furniture and a dark patterned cushion. Short patterned blinds hang at windows on two walls, with small abstract pictures beside one window. A chair and round side table sit near a padded bench with crossed legs. Blue-gray striped carpet runs beneath the furniture. The bathroom has an oversized bathtub.
Two cream armchairs stand at the paired living-room windows. Farther inside, a dark-blue sofa faces a large round ottoman on patterned carpet. A star-like light...
A foyer connects the two bedrooms.
Paired padded headboards and pale cushions furnish the Double portion, though the details vary between rooms. Some interiors have three windows around the sitting and writing area. Two pale chairs stand near the glass, and a cream chair sits at the dark desk. A long cabinet faces the beds, with pale doors and drawer fronts within a dark frame. Tall artwork brings patches of color beside it, above a black-and-white geometric carpet.
The King side has a broad tan headboard and dark-framed furniture. Rectangular bedside lamps light the sleeping areas. Showers sit above the bathtubs, beside gray-veined stone and long illuminated vanity mirrors.
Paired padded headboards and pale cushions furnish the Double portion, though the details vary between rooms. Some interiors have three windows around the sitting and...
One rollaway bed can be arranged on request for an additional charge.
A dark-blue sofa faces two round nesting coffee tables, beneath a piece of abstract art. A pale tan armchair sits near the window, while long adjustable wall lights reach over the seating. The adjoining guest room has its own sleeping area, and the bed arrangement follows the room chosen.
Bathroom layouts also depend on the bedding selected. In the Double layout, one bath has a shower above it. The other bathroom has a separate bathtub and shower. The King layout combines the bath and shower.
A dark-blue sofa faces two round nesting coffee tables, beneath a piece of abstract art. A pale tan armchair sits near the window, while long...
A high black buttoned headboard anchors the bedroom, with a dark patterned cushion against the white bedding. Light walls and a pale window shade surround the darker furniture. The living room lies beyond the bedroom’s privacy wall, with furnishings that vary between suites.
Some lounges have a navy sofa with gray patterned cushions and a round dark ottoman in front. Colorful abstract art hangs above the seating, beside a wall lamp with a curved dark arm and pale shade. At the paired windows, a glass-topped writing desk has a textured dark front and a cream chair. A flecked dark lamp stands on the glass surface. The bathroom pairs a bathtub with a separate shower, gray-veined stone and a long illuminated vanity mirror.
A high black buttoned headboard anchors the bedroom, with a dark patterned cushion against the white bedding. Light walls and a pale window shade surround...
This suite is on a lower floor.
Teal seats and pale armchairs surround two curved dark ottomans in the Art Deco living room. Light panels frame the large windows, with a dark cabinet and round mirror between them. Star-like lights hang above the lounge, where patterned carpet meets the wooden floor. A privacy wall divides this space from the separate bedroom.
The bathroom has a tub and separate shower, with a guest powder room also included. A crib or one rollaway can be requested, within the maximum number of guests. There is an additional charge for the rollaway bed.
Teal seats and pale armchairs surround two curved dark ottomans in the Art Deco living room. Light panels frame the large windows, with a dark...
Two rollaway beds can be arranged on request for an additional charge.
The glass coffee table rests on round gold-toned bases, surrounded by a pale sofa and dark-framed chairs. Blue accents continue through the interiors, with different finishes in the bedrooms. One has a blue feature wall behind a tan headboard, beside a gray lounge chair and footrest. The other pairs a dark padded wall with a sculptural hanging light at the bedside.
Sofas and dining furniture stand outside on the wraparound terrace. A walk-in closet provides storage inside, and the bathroom has a dark double-basin vanity. An oval soaking tub stands on its own. The cooking area has a separate service entrance, while the indoor dining table seats six.
The glass coffee table rests on round gold-toned bases, surrounded by a pale sofa and dark-framed chairs. Blue accents continue through the interiors, with different...
Two full bathrooms are complemented by a separate powder room.
Pink corner seating and blue cushions surround a glass coffee table in the living room. Patterned carpet and pale wall panels sit beneath colorful art, while a broad doorway leads toward the bedroom spaces. The primary bedroom has a dark padded headboard and curved reading lights, with a wide window beside the bed. The second bedroom has its own window facing the outdoor area.
Brick columns and a metal railing border the furnished terrace, where dining and lounge seating are arranged outside. Bathroom details include a double-basin marble vanity and a broad mirror. The dining table inside seats six.
Pink corner seating and blue cushions surround a glass coffee table in the living room. Patterned carpet and pale wall panels sit beneath colorful art,...
Three full bathrooms and a powder room are included.
Green chairs surround the dining table for eight beneath a forest mural made of silk panels. This room opens into the living space, with patterned chairs beside broad windows. Framed bird art hangs above a dark headboard wall in the primary bedroom. Small lamps stand at each bedside. The second bedroom has pale walls, paired windows and a blue cylindrical stool.
A white tub stands on its own by a window, beside a separate shower enclosed in glass. Leaf-patterned wallpaper adds rich detail to the guest toilet. The kitchen has a full-size refrigerator, stovetop and dishwasher. One rollaway can be requested for an additional charge.
Green chairs surround the dining table for eight beneath a forest mural made of silk panels. This room opens into the living space, with patterned...
The location is the first reason to book. From the front door, morning walks can begin in Central Park within minutes. Midtown meetings, concerts at Carnegie Hall and Broadway nights are easy to plan without long transfers. The hotel is also close to Columbus Circle. From there, guests can use the subway, shop at The Shops at Columbus Circle or continue into the Upper West Side.
Compared with The Plaza, which sits at Fifth Avenue and leans into grand hotel ritual, JW Marriott Essex House New York feels more direct and park-facing. Compared with The Ritz-Carlton New York, Central Park, a smaller hotel nearby, Essex House offers more meeting space and more room and suite types. It is a luxury hotel in New York for guests who want the Central Park South corridor without making the whole stay feel formal.
The rooms and suites mix Art Deco notes with modern hotel comforts. Expect marble bathrooms, plush bedding, work desks, minibars and Wi-Fi. Connecting rooms help families or groups stay together. Many travelers choose the hotel for Central Park views. The strongest categories are in the Central Park Suite Collection. These suites can include larger living areas, curated art, spa-style bathrooms, multiple bedrooms in selected layouts and views over the park or skyline.
The park-view rooms are the emotional center of the room list. In New York, not every room with a prized address gives guests an open outlook. That difference matters. A room facing Central Park South can change the daily rhythm: coffee before a museum visit, a pause after shopping, or a slow morning before a Broadway matinee. For longer stays, suites with living space or terraces feel more useful than a standard city room.
Travelers should still book with care. Some categories face the city rather than the park. Views vary by floor and angle. Guests who care most about the skyline may prefer a high-rise hotel near Columbus Circle or Billionaires' Row. Guests who want to feel linked to the park from the room should choose Essex House's named park categories. The address alone is not enough.
Dining now centers on Bourbon Steak New York by Chef Michael Mina. It sits on the lobby level across from Central Park. The restaurant is open for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Its menu uses a classic American steakhouse frame, with seafood, regional ingredients and a serious wine and spirits program. It gives the hotel a clearer food identity than a standard all-day hotel restaurant.
In-room dining also draws from the Bourbon Steak setting. That helps guests who return late from meetings, theater or a long day outside. The hotel also lists an Executive Lounge for eligible Marriott Bonvoy Platinum, Titanium and Ambassador Elite members and one guest. The lounge schedule includes breakfast on weekdays and weekends. It also lists evening service on selected days, with snacks, desserts and non-alcoholic drinks included.
That daily structure suits business travelers and families more than guests seeking a spa-led retreat. Essex House has fitness facilities and strong food access. It does not compete with Mandarin Oriental's spa and pool high above Columbus Circle. The trade-off is simple: choose Essex House for the park address, Art Deco character and a grounded Midtown routine. Do not choose it for a self-contained wellness weekend.
JW Marriott Essex House New York has more than 11,000 square feet of event space across 11 event rooms. The largest setup is listed for up to 400 people. The Grand Salon remains the key venue, with Beaux Arts influence, chandeliers and space for receptions, meetings and weddings. Petit Salon, Tivoli and other rooms add smaller options for breakouts, board sessions or private meals.
This is where Essex House stands apart from many smaller rivals. A couple planning a short Manhattan weekend may not need that setup. A board group, wedding party or incentive trip does. The address gives planners a clear New York backdrop. The event floors also keep guests close to Central Park, Midtown offices, museums and evening shows. Room blocks are easier here than at smaller hotels with fewer categories.
The hotel opened in 1931. Its six-story rooftop sign followed in 1932. That history matters because Central Park South has many costly rooms, but fewer buildings with such visible memory. Recent design work has refreshed the arrival experience while keeping links to the Art Deco period. Arches, geometric patterns, silver leaf details, chandeliers and curated art appear through the public areas.
The result is not a hushed heritage hotel. It feels like a busy Midtown landmark that keeps moving. Guests come through with luggage, meeting folders, theater clothes, parade plans and family lists. That motion gives the hotel its personality. It is less rarefied than Aman New York, less clubby than some Upper East Side addresses and less ceremonial than The Plaza. For many travelers, that makes it easier to use.
JW Marriott Essex House New York is ideal for travelers who want a 5-star hotel in New York with direct Central Park South presence. It also suits guests who value reliable service systems and rooms that work for both leisure and business. It fits families who want connecting rooms near the park. It fits couples who plan theater and dining around Midtown. It also fits teams that need polished event space without moving away from the city's cultural center.
It is less ideal for guests who want a small, highly residential hotel with very few public spaces. It is also not the first choice for travelers whose priority is a major spa, an indoor pool or a downtown mood. Those guests may find stronger matches elsewhere. The main reason to choose Essex House is the mix of park-facing history, Marriott reliability, Bourbon Steak, useful suite types and a Central Park South address that makes each Manhattan day easier to shape.
The strongest comparison point is practical rather than theatrical. The Plaza wins on legend and Fifth Avenue drama. Mandarin Oriental wins on height, spa and Columbus Circle views. The Ritz-Carlton Central Park wins on a smaller park-side mood. JW Marriott Essex House New York wins when the guest wants a larger landmark hotel with serious event capacity, clear family and group use, and enough Art Deco character to feel linked to old New York without giving up a modern rhythm.
Bourbon Steak combines American steakhouse dishes with seafood and regional ingredients, providing a substantial dinner option for guests who prefer to eat at the hotel.
PRIMP's in-room spa services let you arrange a massage without another city journey, a useful pause when sightseeing has already filled the day.
Guided Central Park running outings combine exercise with the park's history and architecture, giving runners local context that a familiar treadmill session cannot offer.
160 Central Park South, New York, NY 10019, United States
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Yes. Essex House New York is a strong choice for travelers who want a classic luxury stay by Central Park. It suits guests who value Art Deco history, park views, refined suites, dining, spa access, and a prime Midtown address.
Essex House New York is at 160 Central Park South in Midtown Manhattan. The location works well for Central Park, Columbus Circle, Carnegie Hall, Fifth Avenue, Broadway, Lincoln Center, and Museum Mile.
The hotel is a landmark Art Deco property with a famous rooftop sign and a history dating to 1931. Guests choose it for Central Park views, grand city atmosphere, spacious suites, walkable culture, and a strong sense of place.
Essex House New York has 528 rooms and suites. The mix includes classic rooms, family-friendly connecting options, terrace suites, and reimagined Central Park suites.
Rooms and suites have an elegant Manhattan style, with comfortable bedding, marble bathrooms, city details, and calm colors. Many guests choose park-view categories for a stronger New York feeling and memorable morning views.
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