A luxury tour through New York – stop at three excellent hotels

For some time America was something like a second home to me. I spent a summer at Cornell University and ran the Ritz-Carlton in Naples for a few years. What has changed in the world of the American hotel industry since then?

I want to use my vacation to get out and I’m planning a road trip to three first class hotels in the New York metropolitan area. The Mandarin Oriental, Glenmere Mansion and Winvian Farm are among the top of the upscale hotel industry. They couldn’t be more different.

We will take the plane to New York City and from there we will rent a car to the hotels. A tour full of anticipation – and surprise.

Asian beauty: a luxurious atmosphere in the Mandarin Oriental

The Mandarin Oriental sits majestically on Columbus Circle, nestled between the energy of Midtown Manhattan and the tranquility of Central Park. This luxury hotel features 15 rooms, six suites and one penthouse suite, all offering wonderful views of the spectacular view of New York City.

When I arrive I am greeted by name and hotel manager Jerome immediately accompanies me to my room. The service in this excellent hotel fully corresponds to the star level. Everyone is polite, approachable and helpful at any time of the day.

Such a view of service is unique and rare, even in high-end hotels. Asian hospitality groups such as Mandarin Oriental in particular seem to have mastered this mentality to perfection. I experienced this already upon arrival when I flew with Singapore Airlines from Frankfurt to New York City.

Since I had forgotten my charger, I asked the stewardess for help – she quickly and naturally offered her personal device to use. The staff at Mandarin Oriental are just as attentive and helpful. A worthy six-star property with stunning Asian-inspired interiors.

Tuscan Six Star: all-inclusive stay at Glenmere Mansion

The first time I see the Glenmere Mansion hotel it feels like I’ve arrived in Tuscany. The Italian Villa-style building, built in 1911, is embedded in a 60-hectare estate. Large lawns and farmland surround the hotel, which is part of the famous luxury hospitality group Relais & Châteaux, which is currently celebrating its 70th anniversary.

Relais & Châteaux is a very special hotel and restaurant group. Around 800 restaurants are associated with more than 370 Michelin stars, perhaps unique in the world. The association, founded in France in 1954, is growing rapidly, especially in America and Mexico. There are already over 80 member companies here. There are more than 600 applications from restaurants every year, as Relais & Châteaux President Laurent Gardinier told me in a later conversation. But this is not about size, but about class – the registration conditions are formulated in detail. Relais & Châteaux agents are distinguished by exceptional service, exquisite cuisine and a unique atmosphere.

Everything is also very simple at the Glenmere Mansion Hotel, an adults-only hotel. The service is fast and attentive, everything is all-inclusive. A butler on hand 24 hours a day eliminates the need for a minibar or espresso machine. The furniture looks elegant and high quality thanks to old furniture and many natural materials. The only thing I could have done without was the barrel of natural water from Norway – America sure has good water too.

Library, greenhouse or golf room: a creative overnight stay at Winvian Farm

I’ve lived in some very luxurious homes around the world – a home designed like a golf course is something completely new. Winvian Farm, which is also a Relais & Châteaux hotel, offers particularly creative accommodation options for guests. My 80 square meter golf cottage is decorated with golf clubs, golf balls, posters and flags and the carpet is also reminiscent of a golf lawn. The tiny house has its own kitchen, a real fireplace and a private porch that offers amazing views of the surrounding forest.

Winvian Farm has 17 other homes, each with a unique theme. Treehouse, greenhouse, library or helicopter – all the cabins have been designed with great attention to detail and are generously equipped. I also gave bonus points for the Winvian Farm restaurant inside, where I eat the best pasta outside of Italy. This kitchen deserves two Michelin stars.

Winvian Farm has 17 other homes, each with a unique theme. Treehouse, greenhouse, library or helicopter – all the cabins have been designed with great attention to detail and are generously equipped. I also gave bonus points for the Winvian Farm Restaurant inside, where I eat the best pasta outside of Italy. This kitchen deserves two Michelin stars.

My trip through New York City took me to three of the most luxurious hotels in America. This top level of the hotel industry is one thing above all: an individual. Each hotel visited offers a unique definition of luxury and elegance. What an unforgettable adventure in the world of luxury accommodation.

To the author

As a former large hotelier and operator of the most relevant hotel status in the German-speaking region die-101-besten.com Carsten K. Rath is a professional globetrotter. He travels to all the hotels he writes about for Travelnews by himself.

Rath is also the author of the “The 101 Best Hotels” ranked books. With its ranking it comes to Switzerland for the first time in 2024. You can order the book “The 101 Best Hotels in Germany” by e-mail to board@i-sle.ch or via- line at https://die-101-besten.de/interesse-am-buchband-die-101-besten-hotels-deutschlands-2023-2024 possible