Editorial take
Who should book JW Marriott Essex House New York?
If this is your first New York trip, shortlist JW Marriott Essex House New York for a practical reason: Central Park views, classic luxury, special occasions. The name, star rating and lobby photos matter, but the real test is whether the location helps your days feel easier.
It is less compelling if you want value, boutique intimacy or a downtown base. Before booking from the UK, compare the final price after taxes and property fees, check the exact room setup and make sure your airport arrival route is not needlessly awkward.
Location and map
Where is JW Marriott Essex House New York?
160 Central Park South faces the park directly, which puts Central Park across the road and Fifth Avenue, MoMA and Carnegie Hall within a short walk.
Nearby
Central Park, Columbus Circle, Carnegie Hall, Fifth Avenue shopping and MoMA.
Closest subway
57 St-Seventh Av and Fifth Av-59 St
Hotel facts
What to know before booking.
First-timer context
Why JW Marriott Essex House New York might feel special.
What it is known for
- The hotel opened on 1 October 1931 to a design by Frank Grad & Sons, and its six-storey red neon rooftop sign went up the following year.
- It opened under developer Abraham E. Lefcourt but was seized by the Reconstruction Finance Corporation in 1932, barely a year later.
- It is a member of Historic Hotels of America, the National Trust for Historic Preservation's official programme.
New York moments
- Guests over the decades have included David Bowie and the composer Igor Stravinsky.
- Casey Stengel was a regular during his years managing the Yankees and later the Mets.
- The hotel has passed through an unusual number of owners, including Japan Air Lines from 1984 and Dubai Investment Group in 2006.
On screen
- The rooftop sign is a fixture of Central Park South skyline shots, which is how most people recognise the building.
Review questions
What travellers keep asking.
Do all rooms look over Central Park?
No. The hotel faces the park but many rooms look elsewhere, and park views are priced accordingly. If the view is the point of the trip, book that category specifically.
Is Central Park South a good first-trip base?
It is excellent for the park, Fifth Avenue and museums, and a walkable distance from the theatres. It is quieter and more expensive than staying nearer Times Square.
Booking checklist
Check these before you reserve.
Total price
Look beyond the nightly rate. Check taxes, destination fees, breakfast and cancellation.
Room layout
For New York, room size, bathroom privacy, bed type and storage can matter more than star rating.
Arrival route
Match the hotel to your airport, luggage and arrival time, especially after an overnight UK flight.
Sources and update notes
Last updated: 17 August 2026. Hotel rates, fees, rules and transport details can change.