Baccarat Hotel & Residences New York

A five-pearl hotel from the famed and historic French crystal company, the Baccarat Hotel & Residences New York is indeed a crystal palace, a fine example of opulent luxury with a price tag to match. Crystal abounds, naturally, and interiors are chic and lavish, with plenty of sparkle and luxe touches like chandeliers, sumptuous furs and fabrics, and orb-shaped bouquets of red roses that provide a vivid contrast to the mostly champagne and platinum hues. Display cases hold special Baccarat pieces and custom commissioned artwork throughout the property. The lavish Grand Salon is at the center of activity here, its silk walls and parquet flooring providing a swanky backdrop to all of the chandeliers and crystal objets d'art glimmering here and there, while the Petit Salon features a mica-covered vaulted ceiling. The Bar, where all drinks are served in Baccarat glassware, features a wooden barrel-vaulted area that was inspired by the Versailles stables paired with black-and-white checkered flooring and burgundy walls adorned with art. At the higher-end of the high-end spectrum, the property draws well-heeled tourists, business travelers, and VIPs not afraid to splurge.

Situated right across the street from the Museum of Modern Art, the Baccarat occupies a prime Midtown location that's within walking distance of some of New York's top attractions, shopping, and dining. Radio City Music Hall is a five-minute walk away, while Rockefeller Center, Times Square, Central Park, and Carnegie Hall are all within a 10-minute walk. There's a subway station and a bus stop just down the block, giving easy access across the city, including top sites like the Empire State Building (13 minutes away), Metropolitan Museum of Art (17 minutes away), American Museum of Natural History (19 minutes), and the 9/11 Memorial (27 minutes). The shopping mecca of Fifth Avenue is just down the block as well, about a minute's walk from the hotel's front doors, and there are plenty of restaurants in the area. Grand Central Station is under a 20-minute walk or a 12-minute bus ride. LaGuardia Airport can be reached in about 25 minutes by car or 45 minutes via public transportation, while JFK Airport is a half-hour to 45 minutes by car, or around an hour via public transit.

Chic, modern guest rooms are awash in creamy and white shades complemented by parquet flooring and clean-lined contemporary furniture, with plenty of luxurious details sprinkled about, from crystal sconces to original art work on the walls. Baccarat crystal abounds, from the bathroom tumblers to the red lacquer minibars that are stocked with crystal stemware as well as Champagne and treats from French patisserie Laduree (plus free non-alcoholic beverages). Large flat-screen televisions are set within smoked mirrors, while all room settings are tablet-controlled, including lighting, temperature, entertainment, and room service. Rooms lack tea- and coffee-making facilities, and though room service is available, it's pricey and the menu is limited. Impeccable white marble bathrooms have soaking tub and rainfall showers, as well as toiletries from Maison Francis Kurkdjian Paris and plush Italian robes.Even entry-level Classic King Rooms have large sitting areas, while suites add spacious living rooms. The most luxurious options have dining areas, dressing rooms, and in the Baccarat Suite, even a butler's pantry and a separate staff entrance. The higher-category suites (Prestige Suite, Harcourt Two Bedroom Suite, and the Baccarat Suite) pile on the perks, with La Mer beauty products, flowers upon arrival, free daily hair blowouts (by appointment), packing/unpacking services, and more.

Among the hotel's opulent and exclusive features is a La Mer spa -- the first in the world from the luxurious skincare brand -- which offers four treatment rooms and a menu of sumptuous treatments. There's also a gorgeous heated indoor pool, with plush daybeds lining the sides and scented towels on hand. The fitness center is open 24/7 and is well equipped with Technogym machines, plus there's a room for yoga and Pilates. Bottled water and towels are available. Life at the Baccarat Hotel revolves around the lavish Grand Salon, where breakfast is served in the mornings, followed by light lunches, afternoon tea (in partnership with French gourmet tea company Mariage Frères), dinner, and evening cocktails -- though the menu is limited, especially the dinner options, and expensive. The Petit Salon is a more intimate space and also offers a breakfast, lunch, and dinner menu, as well as wine and cocktails. The Bar is a glamorous place to enjoy a drink, offering a great wine and craft cocktail list, as well as an outdoor terrace with a fireplace. The hotel's dining spaces, such as the Petit Salon and the Library (situated in an alcove adjacent to the Grand Salon) can be rented out for private events.The Baccarat has a fleet of luxury cars that are available for chauffeured service within a 15-block radius of the property. Other amenities include free high-speed Wi-Fi throughout.