To create a peaceful retreat filled with greenery amidst the bustling city of Manhattan is quite a remarkable achievement. The close proximity to Central Park certainly helps, along with a strong commitment to incorporating nature into the design. Despite the city’s busy atmosphere, 1 Hotel Central Park manages to offer guests a serene escape in the midst of New York’s energy. The hotel, located in the vibrant heart of the city, features a striking three-story living wall covered with pots of English ivy on its exterior, offering a glimpse of the environmental focus that defines the hotel.
1 Hotel Central Park is part of the exclusive group of 1 Hotels worldwide that aim to redefine the concept of travel. This hotel, opened in 2015, is joined by sister properties in Miami’s South Beach, Brooklyn, San Francisco, West Hollywood, Sanya (China), and Toronto, with more locations set to open soon. The brand’s core idea is simple yet impactful: travelers should also be stewards of the planet they explore. By integrating nature into its design and implementing sustainable practices, 1 Hotels strives to make a positive environmental impact.
At 1 Hotel Central Park, this commitment is evident in the use of natural and organic materials that bring the outdoors inside. The interior, designed by AvroKo Hospitality, showcases a blend of various woods, exposed brick, marble, stone, and locally-sourced glass. The original architectural elements of the building, such as steel beams and concrete ceilings, are preserved and highlighted. The lobby features quartzite Nacardo stone, reclaimed wood from local structures, and a reception desk crafted from steel, brass, and oak. The space is adorned with art inspired by nature and offers guests a farmstand-like display of fresh apples.
Each of the hotel’s 18 floors features unique artistic interpretations of the floor numbers and incorporates living plants and moss in hallway niches. Guest rooms, including 23 suites, boast reclaimed wooden details and cozy window nooks overlooking the city streets, perfect for enjoying a cup of coffee or a nap. The 17 Alcove Suites offer additional living space, while the City and Park Suites provide different views of Manhattan. The Greenhouse Suite, with panoramic city views, offers luxurious accommodation spread across five rooms.
1 Hotel Central Park is LEED certified and showcases energy-efficient heating and cooling systems. The hotel promotes mindfulness by encouraging water conservation through a five-minute shower timer and using naturally derived cleaning products. To reduce plastic waste, guests are provided with recycled glass carafes and tumblers instead of plastic water bottles. The hotel exclusively uses organic bedding, robes, and towels. Even its complimentary transportation service is eco-friendly, utilizing an Audi e-tron for rides within a 15-block radius.
Additional amenities at the hotel include a 24-hour fitness center named ‘Field House’ equipped with modern exercise equipment like Peloton bikes, as well as ‘Jams,’ a restaurant and bar helmed by Chef Jonathan Waxman serving three meals a day. The hotel also features a cozy communal area on the second floor for guests to relax and socialize.
Image Source: Washington DC News Station
