Park Lane New York Hotel Review: The Best Views in Manhattan

On a recent “treat myself” trip to New York City, I found myself glued to the most unlikely spot: the window in my room at the Park Lane Hotel. Oversized picture windows overlook Central Park and the Manhattan skyline beyond, and I found myself transfixed, watching the sky change color, the rhythmic flow of pedestrians below, and the flashes of yellow from the iconic taxis driving by was too intriguing to leave. 

The location is by far the best reason to book the Park Lane New York, with a prime spot on Central Park South giving you epic views along with easy access to Central Park and the glitz and glamour of Fifth Avenue.

I spent a weekend in a King room at the Park Lane New York hotel and this is my honest review. 

Location

Waking up to sweeping views of Central Park’s lush landscape is one of the quintessential New York experiences offered at the Park Lane Hotel. Its covetable address on Central Park South means the park is merely steps away. I enjoyed starting my day with a jog through Central Park, followed by coffee and breakfast from one of the numerous restaurants nearby. 

However, the Park Lane isn’t just a gateway to green spaces. Its central Midtown location also places many of Manhattan’s top attractions at your doorstep. The upscale boutiques lining Fifth Avenue are a short walk away for world-class shopping. The dazzling Theater District and iconic venues like Times Square provide endless entertainment options within easy reach. Cultural havens like MoMA and the Metropolitan Museum of Art are similarly accessible on foot. 

Numerous subway stations are within a few blocks of the hotel, which makes it easy to hop on most subway lines to explore the rest of the city. The Park Lane Hotel is great if you plan on walking or taking public transportation for most of your stay. 

Guest Rooms

I stayed in a Park View King room, which was very spacious for a Manhattan hotel room at 430 square feet. The park view room was only around $100 per night more than the city view king room, and the Central Park view is undoubtedly worth the money. 

My room was comfortable, although a bit dated, with old-fashioned gold carpet and heavy drapes. I loved the beautiful Central Park-inspired murals that adorned the walls, along with the ultra-plush mattress topped with Bellino linens. The bathroom was on the small side, and also a bit old, but it was equipped with incredibly luxurious-smelling Le Labo toiletries which more than made up for it. 

There’s a small desk space built into the TV console area with a tiny chair, but I wouldn’t recommend this room if you’re planning on working remotely.  

Despite the bustling location across from Central Park, my room was extremely well-soundproofed, and I didn’t hear any street noise during my stay. 

If you really want to splurge, you can get a Panoramic Park View room on a higher floor, with even larger windows. There are also suites available, ranging from studios to two-bedrooms. More affordable rooms city-view rooms are also available. 

Hotel Services and Amenities

Service at the Park Lane was typical of a high-end New York City hotel, with the staff being friendly and welcoming but not overbearing. 

My favorite hotel amenity was the deluxe fitness center, which was stocked with Peloton bikes, and the pricey Mirror by Lululemon resistance training system. The gym was always empty when I went in. 

Amenities include:

• Slippers and robes
• Evening turndown service upon request
• In-room garment steamer
• Fitness center with Peloton bikes at The Mirror by Lululemon
• Valet parking
• Business center

Dining

There are three restaurants at Park Lane New York: Darling, Rose Lane, and Park Lane Cafe. Located on 47th floor of the hotel, Darling is the only rooftop lounge on Billionaire Row, and it’s exclusively open to hotel guests during the day. I highly recommend coming up here for a coffee in the morning to enjoy the view and some solitude. At night, Darling turns into a clubby vibe, with big groups coming in to take pictures of the skyline and enjoy the over-the-top seafood towers. 

For a lighter and more laid-back meal, Rose Lane has a stunning garden-like terrace that is the place to be in warmer weather. The indoor bar also features a fireplace if you’re visiting in the winter. I loved the pizza and cocktails here. 

Park Lane Cafe is definitely the most casual hotel dining option, although it does serve elevated fare like Wagyu meatballs. I thought this was a good spot for a happy hour drink, but I didn’t eat here. 

Pros

• Le Labo toiletries
• Spacious rooms
• Comfortable beds
• Blackout curtains
• Very quiet
• Great fitness center
• Unbeatable location
• Incredible views from most rooms

Cons

• The rooms are a bit dated
• Bathrooms are on the small side
• Wait times for the elevator can be long at times
• No spa

Who’s it For?

The Park Lane New York mainly attracts business travelers and wealthy visitors looking to stay in style. The crowd here was definitely older, likely due to the price tag. 

Price and How to Book

I paid $650 per night for a park view king room for a summer weekend trip in June. I found the best prices on Booking.com.

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