The long-awaited return of a Manhattan icon: Four Seasons Hotel New York is back

Few places are more iconically Manhattan than Four Seasons Hotel New York, with its hallowed I.M. Pei-designed halls and its enviable location between Park and Madison avenues along Billionaires' Row. After closing during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020, the hotel remained closed for more than four years, only reopening in the fall of 2024. Now, thanks to gorgeous enhancements, the hotel is ushering in a new era of Midtown sophistication.

We've been waiting patiently at the edge of our subway seats for a peek inside this park-facing skyscraper, and the time has finally come.

Here's what it's like staying at Four Seasons Hotel New York — one of the world's most recognizable Four Seasons properties.

Related: A review of Four Seasons Astir Palace Hotel Athens

What it's like at Four Seasons Hotel New York

Perhaps it was the effect of the gleaming marble floors or the towering stone pillars, or maybe it was the drama of the 33-foot glass ceiling or the moody light cast by sconces tucked into the corners of the geometric space, but as I passed through the turnstile entrance into the Four Seasons' grand art deco lobby, I felt enveloped in elegance. It seemed like the design elements from every corner were echoing one another, each one a piece of the larger story that the hotel tells.

That story goes back to 1993, when the 52-floor Four Seasons Hotel New York made its debut on the city's hotel scene. And while it's no longer the tallest hotel in the city, it has endured as a Manhattan landmark for decades (though, to be clear, not that many decades; the property happens to be the same age as a certain hotel editor). While the hotel is a home away from home for many a well-heeled traveler visiting the city, it's also a mainstay for many locals looking to enjoy a cocktail at the end of a long work day.

Recent updates to the property include enhancements to lighting, engineering and technology, as well as new dining and drinking concepts at the bar and restaurant, and refreshes throughout guest suites and the spa.

How much Four Seasons Hotel New York costs and how to book it

Four Seasons Hotel New York is home to 219 accommodations, ranging from junior suites and terrace suites to multibedroom suites and specialty suites. Nightly rates here are very steep year-round; this is certainly one of the most expensive stays in Manhattan. I checked in to a Central Park Suite, which tends to start around $3,595 per night. Rates for junior suites over the next few months start around $1,795. For those who want something that truly goes above and beyond, the property's crown jewel, the 52nd-floor Ty Warner Penthouse, goes for a cool $80,000 per night.

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Since the hotel is a member of the American Express Fine Hotels + Resorts program, those who hold The Platinum Card® from American Express or The Business Platinum Card® from American Express can book via the American Express travel portal to receive elite benefits like availability-based upgrades, up to $100 of on-property credit for things like drinks or meals during your stay, complimentary daily breakfast for two, and guaranteed late checkout.

The hotel is also part of Chase's The Edit. If you hold a Chase card, like the Chase Sapphire Reserve® (see rates and fees) you can book this property through Chase Travel℠ and enjoy perks like daily breakfast for two, availability-based room upgrades, early check-in and late checkout based on availability, a $100 property credit to be used during your stay, and a welcome gift. If you hold the Chase Sapphire Reserve, you can redeem Chase Ultimate Rewards points for reservations at properties in The Edit collection.

Limited-time offer: Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card (see rates and fees) — highest-ever 100,000-point bonus after spending $5,000 on purchases within the first three months from account opening.

Rooms at Four Seasons Hotel New York

Talk about a room with a view. It took very little time — scratch that, it took no time — for me to settle into my 700-square-foot one-bedroom Central Park Suite. With a full living room, a walk-in closet that connected to a spacious marble bathroom, and a bedroom with sweeping park views, it was hard to imagine a more comfortable or sumptuous place to call home during a trip to the city. With neutral-toned Japanese tamo ash furniture throughout the spaces and plenty of natural light from three enormous windows (two in the living room, one in the bedroom), the suite epitomized understated elegance.

Upon entering the room, a small entryway opened up into the large living room, which featured two huge windows, one facing north over the park and one facing west. A beautiful cerused oak desk sat below the park-facing window — perhaps one of the more idyllic work setups I've encountered.

One wall held a flat-screen TV mounted over a set of drawers. On the opposite wall, a minibar area held chic glassware as well as a selection of premium spirits, a Lavazza pod-style espresso machine, soft drinks in a minifridge below the countertop and a drawer of assorted snacks (all for a fee).

Stylish coffee table books throughout the suite made for good reading material, and I appreciated the touch of fresh white rose floral arrangements.

As if the living room view hadn't wowed me enough, the enormous (nearly floor-to-ceiling) window that spanned the length of the bedroom was just as impressive, featuring views of the park and even the Hudson River in the distance.

A walk-in closet exuded a warm atmosphere, thanks to rich English sycamore cabinetry. This area presented plenty of shelving and storage space for clothing and luggage (there was a safe, as well). Two cozy white robes hung next to a vanity that sat under a floor-to-ceiling mirror at the end of the closet. A door to the right led into a gleaming bathroom with breccia oniciata marble, in hues reminiscent of the marble seen in the lobby. In addition to the soaking tub and glass-encased standing shower, there were dual sinks and toiletries from Spanish skincare brand Natura Bisse. The toilet was separated from the counter with a divider wall.

What I ate at Four Seasons Hotel New York

If you're in search of a lounge-style cocktail bar with sultry vibes, look no further than Ty Bar, which honors different eras of New York City's history through its cocktail list. Replete with high ceilings, red velvet and dim lighting, it feels like the ultimate see-and-be-seen spot for an evening tipple.

I enjoyed a crisp vodka martini ($41) alongside bites like deviled hen eggs ($26) served with lemon creme fraiche and caviar, as well as 57th Street sliders ($27), which came with aged New York cheddar, pickles, aioli and brown butter milk buns (the sliders were so delicious that they may have graced the table twice).

The hotel's primary restaurant, The Garden, was unfortunately closed during my stay, but the atmosphere here is quite different from its spirit-forward counterpart across the hall.

With soaring ceilings, large street-facing windows and African acacia trees rising up behind the bar, the space felt lush and airy, and offered beautiful views of the art deco lobby below. Helmed by chef Maria Tampakis (who is coming from the Four Seasons' downtown location), the restaurant is open for breakfast, brunch and lunch, and offers an Italian-inspired menu crafted from locally sourced ingredients.

While I thoroughly enjoyed the moody vibes of Ty Bar, my favorite dining moment at Four Seasons Hotel New York was the in-room dining service. It simply doesn't get much better than fluffy pancakes and expertly crafted espresso drinks being rolled into your suite on a white tablecloth-clad cart.

Alongside the lemon ricotta pancakes ($35) and a rich cappuccino ($15), I enjoyed a fresh pastry basket ($21), freshly squeezed orange juice ($18) and flavorful shakshuka with eggs ($38). It was a wonderful start to the day, and paired well with the sweeping park views before me.

Amenities and things to do

• Across the board, from in-room dining to Ty Bar's rush hour and at the front desk from morning till night, service was excellent — true to Four Seasons form. Hotel staff members were attentive, but not overbearing: there when you needed them, discreet when you didn't.
• Unfortunately, the spa was not yet open, but will debut in mid-to-late 2025 and is sure to be very popular, so book services ahead of your stay once it opens.
• There is a 24-hour fitness facility with plenty of cardio equipment and free weights, as well as a well-stocked refreshments station with towels and water.
• For those traveling with children, the hotel can provide complimentary coloring books and toys, and the concierge can assist with arranging babysitting services if needed.
• Guests can expect twice-daily housekeeping (including turndown service), daily newspaper delivery, on-demand shoe shining service and a coffee service in the lobby every morning.

Insider tips

• Make a reservation at both Ty Bar and The Garden if you plan to eat on the property, as space can book up quickly.
• For those who are keen to get a good workout, speak with the concierge about booking a one-on-one training session with one of the on-site fitness instructors. The session can take place in the hotel gym, in your own suite or outdoors in Central Park.
• Those traveling with pets should inquire about the Paws and Plates gourmet pet menu.
• Take advantage of the robust, top-tier concierge services — per the hotel's own words, the concierge desk will be happy to help you arrange anything.

Accessibility at Four Seasons Hotel New York

Four Seasons Hotel New York has a helpful accessibility overview webpage that details all accessibility features.

The hotel has two accessible room types: Junior Suite City View and Central Park Suite, both of which feature wide, wheelchair-accessible doorways; lowered door peepholes; a lowered safety box; and flashing lights for alarms. Bathrooms in accessible guest rooms feature roll-in showers with a foldable chair as well as a grab bar next to the toilet.

There is an accessible route from the hotel's entrance to accessible guest rooms, and the following public spaces are accessible: the business center, the restaurant, the meeting room, the ballroom and the exercise facility. Service animals are welcome at Four Seasons Hotel New York.

Bottom line

With its prime Midtown location, just steps from Central Park, Four Seasons Hotel New York is a good choice not only for those enjoying a vacation in the city but also for guests in town on business. And though there are only two on-site dining options, they're sure to leave an impression — especially the experience of enjoying a cocktail at the bar while gazing out across one of the world's most iconic hotel lobbies.

To me, Four Seasons Hotel New York feels like the modern embodiment of a bygone era of Manhattan luxury, a la "Breakfast at Tiffany's." Understated and sophisticated — with a hint of playful pizzazz (we're looking at you, Ty Bar) — both New Yorkers and those traveling to the city in search of peerless service can rest assured that one of Manhattan's finest hotels is back in business, and perhaps experiencing its very own renaissance.

Related reading:

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• Cabo's newest luxury resort has a swimmable beach and excellent dining: Four Seasons Cabo San Lucas
• 'The White Lotus' in real life: 5 things I learned while staying at Four Seasons Resort Maui at Wailea
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