1 Hotel Central Park

Opened in 2015, 1 Hotel Central Park is the urban version of its sister property in Miami. The luxury 1 Hotel brand is an eco-conscious company that uses sustainability practices throughout public spaces and rooms -- from reclaimed wood and salvaged materials to triple-filtered tap water and LED lighting. The green-ivy living wall occupying its exterior is just a hint at the over 24,000 plants found throughout the hotel. Inspired both by Central Park and its urban setting, the hotel's nature-meets-city design is sleek and modern yet remains comfortable and welcoming. Guests can expect to see a stunning mix of tree-stump tables, brick walls, and stone floors, accented by hanging plants, sheep wool throw blankets, and leather seating in the lobby. Fun additions include a huge metal screw sculpture by the elevators, books on crystals and bonsai in the second-floor lounge space, and a lobby "farm stand" where guests can grab fresh fruit for free. As the fairly small lobby and adjacent restaurant occupy the first floor, the space is typically buzzing with guests and diners coming and going. We also saw some adorable pooches during our visit thanks to the hotel's pet-friendly policy. While certainly geared toward the environmentally conscious traveler, the hotel has broad appeal to all tourists and business travelers, thanks to its proximity to Central Park and Midtown attractions.

For travelers that want to be near Central Park, the 1 Hotel offers just that at lower prices than nearby luxury properties. The hotel sits just one block from the southern entrance of the park, surrounded by a ton of fine-dining restaurants and chain eateries. Carnegie Hall and popular shops on Fifth Avenue can be reached in five minutes on foot, while Rockefeller Center and Times Square are a 10- to 15-minute walk, respectively. Subway lines within a five-minute walk include the N, Q, R, W, and F, plus other lines can be reached in about 10 minutes on foot. The Financial District and World Trade Center Memorial Foundation are about a 30-minute drive or subway ride away. 

Consistent with the public areas, guest rooms continue the hotel's stylish urban design, green elements, and neutral color scheme. Though slight variances occur between room categories, all are outfitted in chic modern furniture, reclaimed and salvaged wood, and industrial accents such as hanging light bulbs, metal desk lamps, and cement sinks. Comfy beds have hemp mattresses and organic bedding, and pops of color come from green elements in rooms -- think potted succulents or window planters -- and blue bed runners. Some rooms have separate sitting areas, window daybeds, and/or dining tables. While many rooms have pleasant city views, some are of neighboring buildings and those that face Central Park are partially blocked by other hotels. Also note that some past guests have complained of traffic noise.Standard amenities include flat-screen TVs, desks, Nespresso coffeemakers, minibars, free Wi-Fi, safes, wooden bluetooth speakers, and Field Guides, which are phones that allow guests to control the thermostat and order room service, among other things. Eco-friendly touches include yoga mats that can be taken outside the hotel, cotton socks and robes, triple-filtered tap water, air filters, little chalkboards instead of notepads, and five-minute sand timers to be used while showering. Sophisticated bathrooms have either spacious walk-in showers or shower/tub combos, as well as hairdryers and 1 Hotel-brand toiletries.

Given its five-pearl status, travelers may be disappointed that there are no on-site spa facilities, though the concierge can arrange treatments at outside companies. The hotel does have an all-day restaurant, Jams, which is run by celebrity chef Jonathan Waxman of Barbuto fame. The airy, wood-filled space serves seasonal fare such as gnocchi and duck breast, plus brunch buffets on Saturday and Sunday. Outdoor seating is available in the warmer months, and a long marble bar offers stool seating. In-room dining is available 24 hours, and guests can grab fresh fruit, nuts, and granola from the lobby's "farm stand" by the elevator for free.All other amenities are on the second floor, including the small 24-hour gym with a good range of cardio and weight-training equipment. Near here is a small business center with two computers and a printer, plus five meeting and lounge spaces. Wi-Fi is free throughout the hotel, and pets are allowed for free.