The Ritz-Carlton, Central Park

The Ritz-Carlton New York, Central Park

CrazyAzn23

There's a lot to like about this hotel -- from its enviable location overlooking Central Park to the impeccable and personable service -- but what I like best is that this undoubtedly luxury hotel manages to maintain a homey elegance, and does not intimidate you with an overabundance of style.

Rooms are spacious and decorated in traditional, English countryside-style. Suites are larger than most New York City apartments. Rooms facing Central Park come with telescopes, and all have flat-screen TVs with DVD; the hotel even has a library of Academy Award-winning films available. The marble bathrooms are also oversize and feature a choice of bathrobes, terry or linen, and extravagant Frederic Fekkai bath amenities.

For families who can afford the very steep prices, the hotel is extremely kid-friendly. Suites have sofa beds, and cribs and rollaway beds can be brought in. Children are given in-room cookies and milk. You can even bring your dog (under 60 lb.); if it rains, the pooch gets to wear a Burberry trench coat. Now that's homey elegance. While the kids and dogs are entertained, the older folks can be pampered with facials or massages at the Switzerland-based La Prairie Spa, or dine at the spectacular Atelier .

Facilities: Restaurant; bar; lobby lounge for tea and cocktails; fitness center and La Prairie spa and facial center; concierge; complimentary Bentley limousine service; business center; 24-hr. room service; babysitting; overnight laundry/dry-cleaning; technology butler and bath butler services.