Fodor's Expert Review The St. Regis

Name: The St. Regis
Address: 2 E. 55th St., at 5th Ave., New York, New York, 10022, USA
Telephone: 212-753–4500;877-787–3447
Price range: $$$$

2 E. 55th St., at 5th Ave., New York, New York 10022, USA See on Map Fodor's Choice

Jessica Colley Clarke

World-class from head to toe, this 5^th Avenue Beaux Arts landmark comes as close to flawless as any hotel in New York, with tech-savvy rooms, charming historic touches, and the iconic King Cole Bar. They even have butlers, who have been waiting on each and every guest since the hotel first opened its doors in 1904.

Photo: @zappitell_studio

room

Rooms are luxurious in style and comfort, complete with high ceilings, crystal chandeliers, silk wall coverings, and Louis XVI antiques. Easy-to-use bedside consoles control lighting, audio, and climate, and big flat-screen TVs rise via remote control from the foot of the bed. You are required to do minimal movement at this hotel.

Designer Suites are outfitted in one-of-a-kind style by Dior, Tiffany, and Bentley and have fabulous views.

YOU SHOULD KNOW Prices are quite high, even for pretty basic rooms that don't offer views or separate tubs in the bathrooms. No way to get around it: this place is super expensive.

Photo: @zappitell_studio

bathroom

As expected in a hotel of this caliber, bathrooms are luxe spaces filled with marble and fluffy towels. Although to be honest, it's hard to find any space in this hotel that isn't "luxe." Many rooms (though not all) offer big (luxe) walk-in showers and separate (also luxe) soaking tubs.

lobby

An opulent, marble-filled space with chandeliers, vaulted ceilings, and historic touches, including an original mail chute (if you're interested in sending a letter for whatever reason).

dining

The legendary King Cole Bar, a dimly lit institution with playful Maxfield Parrish murals, is a gorgeous place for a meal, a snack, or a cocktail.

Try the Bloody Mary--they're famous for a reason.

LOCATION

Getting Around

From the doorstep of the St. Regis, the Theater District in midtown, cultural landmarks like the Museum of Modern Art, shopping along 5^th Avenue, and the wide open spaces of Central Park are all within an easy walk. The nearest subway service is the E and M trains at 5^th Avenue/53^rd Street.

Restaurants

In a bright space overlooking the garden at the Museum of Modern Art, The Modern (5-minute walk) is much more than a museum restaurant--the dining room holds two Michelin stars. Renowned French chef Eric Ripert serves superb seafood at Le Bernadin (10-minute walk), a luxurious restaurant worth a splurge for lunch or dinner. For an affordable, belly-warming meal, order the soup dumplings at the no-frills restaurant Joe’s Shanghai (3-minute walk).

Bars

The Monkey Bar (3-minute walk) is not just a popular place for oysters and steaks, but is a proper bar in its own right with carefully executed signature cocktails and an impressive wine list. For a casual beer, pull up a stool at Bill’s Bar and Burger (6-minute walk), overlooking the busy foot traffic of Rockefeller Center.

WHY WE LIKE IT

This glamorous property dating back to 1904 provides a glimpse into the pleasures of old New York. Impeccable service (we love the butler service that comes with every room) plus original historic details in the bar and beyond all enhance a stay. The price is steep, but this hotel is filled with character and delivers a special (and very, very luxe) experience to guests.