Covered in layers of leafy ivy, the rather traditional New York City corner structure stands out from the "crowd of concrete", making 1 Hotel Central Park appear as an extension of Manhattan's green epicentre rather than just another addition to the skyscraper metropolis.
Being a keen gardener and admirer of all things green, I was drawn to its visual aesthetic, with its emphasis on nature and elaborate use of beautiful contemporary accents of plant life throughout its public spaces.What made the experience more unique was that this urban-forest approach goes hand-in-hand with a commitment by the 1 Hotel group to preserve nature in every aspect of the organisation. The group takes sustainability seriously.
This is seen on many levels in its daily operations and includes the use of natural and organic elements such as reclaimed stone, recycled wood for furniture and decorative detailing, organic cottons and linens, farm-to-table ethics in their restaurant menus, and the innovative implementation of water and energy saving where possible.
I found the rooms luxurious and spacious in an earthy way, without being intimidating or over the top. The use of natural materials made the experience even more comfortable and lavish. Attention to detail is prominent throughout, with a conscious but subtle emphasis on sustainability in the choice of accessories.One of my favourite details was the soft window seat, from where I had a bird's-eye view of the street, surrounded by iconic Art Deco monstrosities, while sipping a delicious glass of wine...