1 Hotel Central Park: A Green Escape in Midtown NYC

1 Hotel Central Park
New York, New York
Green Chic, $$$

When we touch down in big cities across the U.S. and need a place to camp out, get some work done, and have a healthy meal, we pretty reliably check to see if there's a local 1 Hotel. We know the atmosphere will be vibey, the place will smell nice, the seating will be comfortable, the music will be chill, and the plants will be abundant. We think of it as a city amenity for city people.

It's also a destination in itself. 1 Hotel Central Park, in particular, feels like a chic green extension of the best urban park in America (in our humble opinion). Instead of marble and brass — the accoutrements of many a Midtown hotel — guests find big sofas and throw pillows, organic light fixtures, and cross sections of giant tree trunks hanging on the walls. There's a three-story living wall, lots of reclaimed barn wood, and planters brimming with ferns and moss

The Elm House suite at 1 Hotel Central Park — The Elm House Suite. Photo courtesy of 1 Hotel Central Park.

A room at 1 Hotel Central Park — A room and window nooks. Photo courtesy of 1 Hotel Central Park.

Entrance at 1 Hotel Central Park — The reclaimed wood entrance. Photo courtesy of 1 Hotel Central Park.

At a Glance

The Vibe: Hanging plants instead of chandeliers; yoga mats instead of tiny plastic shampoo bottles.

Standout Detail: The hotel's sustainable, biophilic design feels especially refreshing in an urban environment (like densely built Midtown Manhattan).

This Place Is Great For: Luxury travelers with a wellness bent who want a Midtown or Uptown experience without the grand, stuffy aesthetic of traditional five-star hotels. One block from Central Park South, it's an excellent location for a city vacation.

Rooms: The 234 nature-inspired rooms feature energy-efficient heating, cooling, and lighting systems, along with organic cotton mattresses, filtered-water taps, and cozy window nooks. Suites have a more residential feel; some have private terraces and kitchenettes. And let's not forget the gorgeous views. The Pergola Terrace King is our favorite, with a 395-square-foot private terrace and a pergola overflowing with greenery. It can also be connected to the 900-square-foot Elm House Suite for parties and events.

Food + Drink: With exposed brick and cozy lighting, Jams is chef Jonathan Waxman's showpiece for California-inspired cooking using seasonal, locally sourced ingredients. The Lobby Farmstand offers seasonal fruits to guests and locals daily.

On Site: The Field House fitness center has an assortment of workout equipment, including kettlebells, treadmills, and Peloton bikes, along with complimentary fitness classes for guests. Pets are welcome. An electric Audi provides short rides around the neighborhood, while the retail shop stocks sustainable finds from like-minded home and wellness brands.

Jams at 1 Hotel Central Park — Jams restaurant. The Farmstand. Photo courtesy of 1 Hotel Central Park.

Bar at Jams at 1 Hotel Central Park — The Bar at Jams. The Farmstand. Photo courtesy of 1 Hotel Central Park.

The Field House at 1 Hotel Central Park — The Field House. The Farmstand. Photo courtesy of 1 Hotel Central Park.

The Farmstand at 1 Hotel Central Park — The Farmstand. Photo courtesy of 1 Hotel Central Park.

What to Do Nearby

1 Hotel Central Park is in the thick of Midtown's action — art, theater, design, shopping, and nature. MoMA, Fifth Avenue, Rockefeller Center, Columbus Circle, and Broadway theaters are all within walking distance, as are Lincoln Center, Bryant Park, the New York Public Library, and Times Square. Nearby Hell's Kitchen has plenty of good restaurants, and several subway lines put the rest of the city easily within reach.