Hotel Spotlight: The Baccarat Hotel in Manhattan

If you’ve ever booked a hotel in Manhattan, you know the process of deciding where to stay can be a bit overwhelming due to the city’s wide selection and variety of options. Whether you prefer uptown or downtown, a steal or a splurge, a hip boutique or tried-and-true chain, you’re sure to find a hotel perfect for your trip. If, however, what you’re looking for is glamorous luxury in the heart of Midtown, then look no further than the Baccarat Hotel! A few weeks ago Greg and I headed to New York for a family weekend celebrating his dad’s retirement but were able to arrive a few days early and enjoy the city just the two of us. Since our busy schedule didn’t allow us to take an “official babymoon”, we decided to make the most of our time in the city and celebrated by booking a room at the Baccarat. Whether this is your first time hearing of the hotel or its been on your radar, here’s what you can expect during a stay at this nothing short of spectacular hotel.

From the moment I stepped foot through the front door I was transported to another world, which, in my opinion, is the sign of a great hotel. To set the stage, Baccarat is a legendary French crystal maker dating back to the 1700s. When Baccarat opened its first hotel in New York City in 2015, the company expanded into a luxury hospitality brand with the mission of offering perfection of service and design that matches the perfection of their crystal. This commitment to fine craftsmanship is woven into every detail of the hotel. It didn’t take long for me to get my first glimpse of this, as while we waited in the foyer for the elevator to take us up to the lobby a grand display of 2,000 Baccarat glasses affixed to LED lights on the wall produced a mesmerizing light show welcoming guests into their magical world. With imposing chandeliers, rich fabrics and arrangements of fresh red roses throughout the property, you get the feeling that no expense was spared.

Hotel Review by Courtney Brown: Baccarat Hotel in Manhattan

And our room was no exception! Unlike the over-the-top opulence found in the public spaces, our room was subtly luxurious with parquet wood floors, soft white walls, fine bed linens (which are bought new and personally ironed for each guest!), a beautiful white marble bathroom and of course, signature Baccarat crystal accents throughout. The rooms were designed in a way to make guests feel as though they are staying in their own personal pied-à-terre in Paris, not just another hotel room. New York City hotel rooms are notorious for being small, but our room felt very spacious and no detail was overlooked. In fact, the room was stocked with all the best French amenities - delectable Ladurée treats, La Mer bath products, and even a champagne call button. What more could you want?! We had such a relaxing stay and found our room (which was a Grand Classic King if you’re wondering which to book) to be a quiet sanctuary worlds away from the hustle and bustle on the streets below.

While it was tempting to not leave our room, I’m so glad we did because I enjoyed our time in the common spaces just as much. Our second morning there we ventured down to the Grand Salon for breakfast, which turned the most important meal of the day into a glamorous occasion. Right off the lobby, the Grand Salon dazzles with silk-covered walls, high-backed banquettes and plenty of crystal. Even if you’re not staying at the hotel it’s a great place to visit during a trip to NYC, especially for afternoon tea (be sure to book a reservation at least 24 hours in advance). The hotel’s glamorous bar and alluring outdoor terrace overlooking the MoMA are also not to be missed! My favorite spot in the hotel though is the pool. Located right off Spa de La Mer (the first dedicated spa by the coveted skincare line), the heated black-and-white marble-tiled pool is lined with crisp white cabanas and has a meditative atmosphere. We spent two hours relaxing on the daybeds and had the place completely to ourselves the entire time! Once again, feeling worlds away from the busy city outside.

Midtown can sometimes (unfairly, in my opinion) get a bad rap. Visitors familiar with the city often overlook it due to its touristy draw and opt to stay in a trendier or quieter neighborhood. It’s true that Midtown is quintessential New York, but a dose when done right can be absolutely wonderful! The hotel is located on 53rd Street directly across from the MoMA, placing it in short walking distance of 5th Avenue, Broadway, Central Park and Museum Mile. While Midtown is home to many storied institutions known for their luxury and grandeur - The Plaza, The St. Regis, The Peninsula - The Baccarat doesn’t feel stuffy or dated. Instead, its sophisticated scene feels fresh and timeless. All this to say, if you’re typically hesitant of staying in Midtown, I promise a stay at The Baccarat will change your thoughts on the matter. Greg and I both agree it’s our favorite hotel we’ve stayed at in the city, and while it’s not where you’d stay on a family vacation or business trip, it is absolutely where you should stay for a special occasion and is worth the splurge!