Review: The St. Regis New York

How did it strike you on arrival?
A New York institution that channels the city's glamorous past like no other, steps from Fifth Avenue buzz. Founded by John Jacob Astor IV, this is the pinnacle of New York luxury hotels, with opulent chandeliers, miles of marble, and gilded everything. Coming to the St. Regis is like stepping into another, rarefied world.

What’s the crowd like?
Fellow guests are often here for a special occasion, whether an anniversary, birthday, or wedding—fittingly, for such a special place.

The good stuff: Tell us about your room.
Even the smallest rooms here are 400 square feet, and all have a particular kind of old New York glamour with a European influence: Art Deco flourishes, crystal chandeliers, striped wallpaper, leather bed headboards, animal print seating, and velvet sofas. It manages to impress without being over-the-top.

We’re craving some deep, restorative sleep. They got us?
The bed, as you'd expect, is among the best you'll find anywhere.

Please tell us the bathroom won’t let us down.
The bathroom is a marble-and-gold paradise. Huge and gorgeous (with rain shower and many with separate tubs), and lovely bath amenities from Laboratoire Remède.

Maybe the most important topic of all: Wi-Fi. What’s the word?
Fast, free Wi-Fi.

Anything stand out about other services and features? Whether it’s childcare, gyms, spas, even parking—whatever stuck with you.
You must have a Bloody Mary at the iconic King Cole Bar, under the famous mural by Maxfield Parrish—supposedly, this is the birthplace of the drink, and the bar's version is so good it's easy to believe.

What was most memorable—or heartbreaking—about your stay?
The sense that you're truly staying in one of New York City's last-remaining legendary hotels is an experience you simply can't get elsewhere.

Bottom line: worth it, and why?
Grand surroundings and service that makes you feel like royalty comes at a high price, but at the St. Regis, it's actually worth it (even for a night). It's hard to duplicate the experience anywhere else.