|  Why
We're Fans
High
in the Sky in Manhattan
By
Louis Charles
Those
who think the term “instant classic” is a
contradiction need only step into the lobby of the Mandarin
Oriental, New York. Despite residing in the behemoth Time
Warner Center, it seems like an institution, with
its timeless style and tasteful tributes to the ancient
Orient.
Ensconced
on the lofty 35th through 54th floors of the center’s
north tower, this property offers an experience that begins
at ground level, in a lobby anchored by a striking, contemporary
Dale Chihuly Waterford crystal sculpture. Your appetite
whetted for things to come, you then take the elevator
up to a dedicated lobby for more Chihuly (a “bouquet”
growing dramatically out of a moss garden), tooled silver
inserts shimmering in the granite reception desk and sweeping
views of Central Park and Broadway.
Isolated
in the glass-walled complex, the Mandarin Oriental, New
York feels somewhat stark at times, but this does not
detract from its striking atmosphere. Using a blend of
retro 1940s style and Asian touches, the bedrooms reflect
the Far East heritage of the Mandarin Oriental group,
while at the same time evoking the city’s chic urban
apartments. Color schemes of gold and black or Chinese
red and sterling silver add to the cool ambience; but
there’s no denying the allure of the view over the
park, Hudson River and Manhattan skyline.
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| Sweet
Dreams and a Skyline |
The
hotel likes to boast that each room contains $27,000 worth
of technology—your flat- panel LCD TV can be used
to read your text and fax messages, listen to your voicemail,
watch a DVD, play a CD from the in-room selection or use
your laptop. Tubs have their own flat-screen TVs, and
safes include rechargeable access for your laptop. On
a less high-tech note, a bedside reading program provides
books selected by New York Magazine, and the
Presidential Suite includes a Steinway piano and 250-year-old
parchment calligraphy book of Chinese characters. If you’re
craving a personalized touch, you can count on the Mandarin
Oriental’s signature orchids on your pillow at turndown.
These
days it seems a top-of-the-line hotel can’t have
a trendy dining venue and bar unless they’re designed
by Tony Chi. In Asiate,
Chi’s hand is most evident in the suspended, modern
tree branch sculpture offering an ode to Central Park;
diners wanting a more realistic version need only look
out the windows. Asiate serves a fusion of French and
Japanese cuisine from chef Noriyuke Sugie, whose background
is as eclectic as the food he creates. As a youth he worked
in a Tokyo restaurant to support himself as a rock 'n'
roll guitarist, but eventually he chose food over music,
and as Asiate proves, that choice has paid off. Inspired
by 1930s residential design, MObar is also a Chi creation,
highlighted by an island bar of polished, hammered nickel.
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Superbly
Appointed Rooms |
75
Feet for Laps with a View |
We
love the Mandarin Oriental spas, and the 14,500-square-foot
facility in New York upholds our esteem. Thoughtful décor
incorporates bamboo flooring, natural stone, water features,
Chinese furnishings and window treatments of Japanese
rice paper.
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VIP
Spa Suite with Fireplace |
Along
with traditional treatment rooms, it also includes an
amethyst crystal steam room, mineral water vitality pool,
his and hers relaxation lounges, a tea lounge and a VIP
spa suite with its own changing room, steam sauna and
fireplace. Treatments, based on Chinese, European, Balinese
and Thai traditions, are broken down into categories such
as Massage, Rituals and Journeys, which begin with a foot
bath and consultation with the therapist to determine
your needs. Rounding out the experience is a stunning
75-foot lap pool overlooking the Hudson River.
Whether
you’re in town to drag your parents through
FAO Schwartz’ flagship store or conduct an executive
board meeting, the Mandarin Oriental, New York offers
plenty to meet your needs. But it is globetrotting
pleasure seekers who most feel at home here, soaring
above the treetops in style.
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Mandarin
Oriental, New York
