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 Mandarin Oriental, New York is a stylishly, sleek modern hotel with an Asian flair for design, knows how to create a sensation beginning at the front door.
There’s a sophisticated, handsome new man in New York residing on the Upper West Side! Not exactly breaking news in a city full of handsome men, but in this case, the new “man” is none other than the Mandarin Oriental, New York!
After having stayed at four of the many Mandarin Oriental properties, (Mandarin Oriental Hyde Park in London, Mandarin Oriental, Miami, Turnberry Isle Resort & Club, Florida and The Mark, New York), I eagerly awaited the opening of the 203-room, 48-suite Mandarin Oriental, New York, located at 80 Columbus Circle at 60th Street, New York, New York 10023, which opened on November 15, 2003, www.mandarinoriental.com/newyork. After having just spent the weekend there, the wait was definitely worthwhile.
 This stylishly, sleek modern hotel with an Asian flair for design, knows how to create a sensation beginning at the front door. After entering the marble entrance lobby, you take the elevator to the 35th floor Reception. Upon exiting the elevators, you see an original glass “flower garden” rising in the center of the lobby. Just beyond this sculptural garden, is the Mandarin Oriental Lobby Lounge with magnificent views of New York, which serves light refreshments, afternoon tea and late night desserts. Each Mandarin Oriental hotel has its own signature fan, and Vivienne Tam designed the fan for the Mandarin Oriental, New York. To the left is the hotel’s 90-seat restaurant, Asiate, and to the right is the MObar, which seems to be the new “hotspot” in New York, with long entrance lines to get into this trendy bar. The hotel’s ambiance is enhanced by the many ornate kimonos in glass frames decorating the walls, as well as their stylized Oriental Nimbus Cloud design that is featured throughout the hotel, on the chandeliers, the elevator doors, and even on the custom drawer pulls, which carry this design.
After a quick check-in, my husband and I were whisked to our room on the 52nd floor of the hotel, and were asked if we would like a Welcome Tea. It was a cold and windy New York winter day, so we readily accepted this gracious gift of hospitality. Our tea arrived a short while afterwards in a beautiful Asian teapot on a lacquer tray, which held an orchid, 2 teacups and biscotti. The tea is a special blend created for the Mandarin Oriental, and was a wonderful way to start our relaxing weekend.
 From our 52nd floor aerie we had views of the New York skyline, as well as of Central Park, where we could see the ice skaters from our floor-to-ceiling window. Our large room had a lush king-size bed, with Fili D’oro Italian linens, and so many inviting silk pillows that the bed seemed to beckon us to come and rest for awhile. There was also a velvet chaise set against the window, to relax and enjoy the happenings of New York. The Mandarin Oriental, New York really takes its guests’ needs into account, and has taken special care with selecting state-of-the-art electronic amenities, beginning with its large Samsung Flat Panel LCD television in the bedroom that also had laptop connections, high-speed Internet access, Entertainment, High Definition Cinema, as well as Radio/CD/DVD capabilities, all through the use of the television. There was an in-room safe with laptop rechargeable access, as well as a private bar with refrigerator. There were 2 telephones in the bedroom, one on the desk and another at bedside, along with a tasteful Big Ben alarm clock. In addition to an iron and ironing board, there was an emergency flashlight in the closet, which is a great idea for hotels.
The large marble bathroom had a deep soaking tub with an adjustable hand-held showerhead, and a bath tray holding a wonderful assortment of Aromatherapy Associates products. There were also bath crystals in a jar set on the edge of the tub. The large walk-in shower not only had an adjustable hand-held showerhead, it also had a Rainwater showerhead. For those who like to take a walk in the rain, this is perfect. There were soft terry robes and slippers, a hairdryer, scale, and an adjustable vanity mirror. There was also a 13” Samsung television, so that guests could watch the television while soaking in the tub. There was also a private toilet and another telephone.
After an enjoyable day of sightseeing, shopping and art gallery hopping, we returned to our room just in time to see the evening view sparkling as the “city that never sleeps” come to life. We watched the view unfold from our room for awhile, before we too, headed back out to enjoy the night.
 Upon awakening the next day, we went to the Fitness Center, to find time for a workout and a swim in their 75-foot lap pool with floor-to-ceiling windows on 3 sides of the room. Tim, the Personal Trainer on duty, helped determine a program for us, and led us through the use of some of the state-of-the-art Life Fitness exercise machines. The exercise room also had great views of New York, making exercise easy. After lifting weights, working on the machines, and taking a swim, it was time for a sauna to relax and unwind. A shower afterwards, and we were ready to have breakfast at Asiate, with its sweeping views of New York. Chef Noriyuki Sugie, Chef de Cuisine, presides over this tasteful restaurant, combining elegance, style and creativity in his culinary presentations using elements of French and Japanese cuisine. We thoroughly enjoyed our breakfast of Asiate Turkey Hash, which was created by Executive Chef Christian Schmidt, before beginning our day in New York. (See our Chefs' Recipes for this wonderful recipe.)
Although the hotel has a luxurious Spa, time did not allow for treatments during this stay, perhaps on our next visit to the Mandarin Oriental, New York. The hotel is conveniently located adjacent to the Time Warner Center, and is also accessible from within the hotel. The Mandarin Oriental, New York is within walking distance to Central Park, Lincoln Center, and Fifth Avenue shopping, making it a perfect location to enjoy all that New York has to offer. Welcome to New York, Mandarin Oriental, New York!
Mandarin Oriental, New York
80 Columbus Circle
at
60th Street
New York, New York 10023
1-800-526-6566 toll free
www.mandarinoriental.com/newyork
© April 2004. Luxury Experience. www.luxuryexperience.com All rights reserved.
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