Accommodation is key when visiting New York City. Seasoned travelers know that with so much to do and see in what David Letterman dubbed “The Greatest City in the World” it is best to be centrally located. And only one hotel in the Big Apple is connected to Grand Central Station and just a short walk from Times Square: The Grand Hyatt New York.
What Is the Grand Hyatt New York?
Origins: “The Commodore”
Named for “Commodore” Cornelius Vanderbilt, the Commodore Hotel was developed with the other luxurious hotels and office buildings connected to Grand Central Station that were dubbed “Terminal City,” a complex owned by the New York City Realty and Terminal Company in the early 20th century. When the Commodore opened in 1919 its lobby, containing a waterfall and modernist ceilings created by celebrated mural artist John B. Smeraldi, was called the most “beautiful in the world” and constituted the largest room in the building.
Glass Exterior
When Donald Trump purchased the Commodore in 1977, the Trump Organization poured over $100 million into the rebuilding of the hotel, completely gutting the first few floors and covering the exterior masonry with the now recognizable reflective glass. In 1996 Hyatt took over full ownership of the hotel.
Location, Location, Location
No other hotel in New York can boast such a perfect location for visitors to recharge while staying in the cradle of the city that never sleeps. Now the only hotel connected to Grand Central Station, a stay at the Grand Hyatt New York places the modern traveler within walking distance of New York’s top restaurants, boutiques and entertainment attractions.
21st Century and Beyond
After winning the 2007 and 2008 Corporate and Incentive Travel magazine “Award of Excellence,” the Grand Hyatt New York was again renovated in 2011, this time at a cost of $130 million. While maintaining the 1919 structure with its 138 unique room configurations, the removal of the 1980s interiors and subsequent redesign set the Grand Hyatt New York at the elite level with which travelers familiar with the Grand Hyatt Tokyo, Grand Hyatt San Francisco, and Grand Hyatt Hong Kong have become accustomed.
What Are Some Amenities Offered At The Grand Hyatt New York?
Restaurants
Of course, a premier property like the Grand Hyatt New York, optimally situated in Midtown Manhattan, has one of the finest restaurant and bar combinations in the neighborhood. Patronized by celebrities and tourists alike and full of Western European flair, New York Central is an all-service kitchen and lounge that has been given the Wine Spectator’s Award of Excellence three years running. The dining room’s modern open kitchen, wall-to-wall windows and illuminated bar will stun even the most hardened New Yorker with its spectacular chandelier and cosmopolitan ambience. A seasonal menu of fresh ingredients with a Western European influence offers breakfast, lunch, dinner, and even an express menu because, well, New York is waiting.
Business and Fitness Centers
Providing a serene working environment all day, every day, the Business Center at the Grand Hyatt New York offers the full complement of elements that an efficient, modern-day office does, including equipment rental, copy center, internet, phone, and fax.
The StayFit Fitness Center guarantees that you don’t have to leave your exercise regimen at home. Also open 24 hours a day, this fully outfitted gym has all the latest cardio and free weight equipment as well as wall-mounted televisions, free towels, and filtered water.
Just across from New York Central restaurant you’ll find The Lounge at New York Central, the perfect spot to rub shoulders with Midtown’s movers and shakers. Try a small plate from the tasting menu to accompany your cocktail, sit back, relax and take in a favorite Midtown meeting spot.
Special Events Venues
With 60,000 square feet of adaptable venue space, the Grand Hyatt New York will be able to handle whatever event you might throw its way. In-house catering, audio/visual amenities, and a capacity for up to 1700 guests ensure your group will find all the convenience and exclusivity you might require. Rooms include the Empire State Ballroom, Manhattan Ballroom, Regency Room, Park Avenue and Chrysler Rooms, as well as conference levels, galleries, and casual lounges.
Room Service
Guests of the Grand Hyatt New York will love Market, the lobby-adjacent super-chic mini-mart offering a diverse range of eats, snacks and beverages 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. In addition, Market-To-Go provides in-room delivery for breakfast and dinner. You’ll enjoy meals made from local ingredients and packaged in an eco-friendly manner.
What Are the Best Things to Do During My Stay?
Restaurants and Bars
There is an amazing selection of great eateries and watering holes just steps from the Grand Hyatt New York. Here are but a few.
ABC Kitchen
Enjoy the sleek decor and a menu leaning toward the newest in American cuisine, based on ingredients from local farms. Reserve a spot well ahead of your visit.
230 Fifth
The biggest outdoor rooftop garden in New York. Have a drink and enjoy the view, or stay inside the elegant penthouse bar.
Balthazar Restaurant
A New York City fan favorite, traditional French menu under a luminescent glow.
Budakkan
Jaw dropping, Eastern-inspired interiors mixed with the latest in Asian cuisine.
Arts and Culture
Venture outside the hotel to find these cultural landmarks within minutes.
Empire State Building
A time-honored New York classic. The view from 102 stories up is nearly unsurpassable, and just a quick jaunt from the Grand Hyatt New York.
Musical Magic
In the mood for music? Here are some suggestions to witness amazing music in a unique atmosphere.
Beacon Theater
Get cozy with 2,800 of your closest friends in this intimate theater known for its topnotch musical headliners and elegant atmosphere.
Carnegie Hall
You’d be crazy not to take the few steps over to this classic venue for jazz and classical music in a sophisticated setting.
Bryant Park
Join the who’s who of the socialite set and view films projected on a screen during the warm months in Bryant Park. Once the snow comes, grab your skates and hit the rink.
Frick Collection
This European-focused museum of art and household design is a wonder to behold, set in a gilded age mansion.
Lincoln Center
New York Philharmonic, New York City Ballet, and The Met Opera are just steps away.
Bowery Ballroom
Enjoy a 1920s-era concert hall that welcomes the edgiest indie acts of today.
Cake Shop NYC
Indie bands and vegan finger foods. Coffee or tea anyone? This one-of-a-kind venue is as refined as the underground gets.
NYC Attractions
People travel from all over the world to experience New York City activities like these unbelievable attractions, all within walking distance of the Grand Hyatt New York.
Grand Central Terminal
A place to get somewhere else but certainly a great place to go, Grand Central has many different halls and gorgeous concourses in its vaunted, Beaux Arts’ designed structure. A visit to the main foyer with its star-spangled ceiling and Tiffany clock is worth the trip, but stick around for a classic meal at Oyster Bar.
Theatre District
Would you believe that over 13 million people attend Broadway shows each year? The reason so many flock to New York’s 40 Broadway theatres is simple: the quality is second to none. Every year brings a new batch of musicals, comedies, and drama to the area bordered by 41st and 52nd streets, and Sixth and Eight Avenues. Get a cheap seat for as low as $60, or go for broke and see the footlights for upwards of $500.
Chrysler Building
A classic of the Art Deco style, the Chrysler is one of New York’s most famous skyscrapers. See it at night to appreciate the full effect of its illuminated triangular windows. Often identified with a long-lost era of New York history, this automobile-themed wonder once raced with the Empire State Building to become the tallest building in Manhattan.
The High Line
Rare that you could end up anywhere more enjoyable on a beautiful day than the High Line. New York’s elevated green space is a hugely popular destination and for good reason. This railroad fell into disuse in the 80s but has now been reborn in the form of a 1.5-mile long park, stretching from the Hudson Yards to the border of the Chelsea neighborhood. Its flowers and wild grasses are a true gift to those strolling along and enjoying some of New York’s most amazing views.
Conclusion
Image from: Pixabay
The next time you're planning a trip to New York City, look to the Grand Hyatt New York for all your accommodation needs. Its modern rooms matched with the hotel’s historic lineage and iconic glass exterior combine to create the magic of a true New York landmark. And while you wouldn’t even have to step outside to access some of the best food and drink that Midtown Manhattan has to offer, the Grand Hyatt New York is perfectly located just steps from some of the city’s best theaters, museums, restaurants and bars.