What’s it like?

Very grand, though relatively small flagship of the Ritz-Carlton group. It has the feel of having been here for years, though it only opened in April 2002. Service is superb – a slight fault with the plug in the bath was fixed within two minutes of reporting it. The hotel caters for those not constrained by budget – and it shows.

Where is it?

On the corner of 6th Avenue and Central Park South. Rooms on the north side look straight onto the park (and are the most expensive); rooms with interior views of the courtyard are the least expensive.

Room Facilities:

There are eight room categories among the 277 rooms, from the Ritz-Carlton Suite (1,530 square feet, 21st floor view of Central Park, “I am master of the universe”) to an Avenue Guestroom (425 square feet), interior view (“I will be one soon”). All have comfortable beds with 300-thread count linen, marble baths with separate shower, linen and terry robes by Frette, in-room laptop safe (though attached to the wall, which meant balancing the laptop on its edge then closing the safe door), DVD player, 27-inch Sony Wega flat screen TV and multi-line cordless telephone with voicemail and data line capabilities, and high-speed internet access. In addition, there’s a 24/7′ Technology Butler, twice-daily housekeeping service, evening turndown, bath butler and bath menu, complimentary overnight shoeshine and morning newspaper. There’s a small fitness centre, and La Prairie at The Ritz-Carlton Spa ? though being this close to the park, most go jogging and are welcomed back with towels and energy drinks or bottles of water. Club floor rooms have views of Central Park and the Club Lounge has complimentary snacks throughout the day, business centre services, a wireless laptop, packing and unpacking services, arrival and departure service and a club concierge. Guests staying in Superior, Deluxe, Avenue and Park View guestrooms can pay a premium of $150 per room per night for access to these facilities.

Business Centre:

A 24-hour business centre is available to all guests, with copying, transcription, presentationand secretarial services.

Bars and restaurants:

Atelier for French with an American twist, serving breakfast (a la carte), dinner and Sunday brunch. The Star Lounge has afternoon tea and also serves an American bistro-style lunch and cocktails throughout the day.

Price:

From $650 for an interior view room (excluding taxes).

Contact:

The Ritz-Carlton, Central Park, 50 Central Park South, New York, tel 1 212 308 9100, www.ritzcarlton.com.