Hotel at a Glance: Park Central Hotel New York

Years ago, guests such as Mae West, Eleanor Roosevelt, and Jackie Gleason cemented the reputation of the Park Central Hotel New York. Now, the 4-star hotel balances its old-world charm with modernity, thanks to a multimillion-dollar renovation in 2013 by the award-winning Jeffrey Beers International design firm. Enjoy a drink at the onsite lounge, where crystal chandeliers light an art deco-inspired dining room with towering ceilings and floating staircases.

• Get some sleep in your classic or premier room, which features pillow-top mattress, iDock station, and 46-inch LED TV.
• Grab breakfast or lunch at the onsite Central Market.
• Relax with a drink and listen to live music (Thursday nights) at Park Lounge, the signature bar serving tailored cocktails.
• Fit in a workout at the hotel’s fitness center. It’s equipped with Cybex stationary bikes, treadmill, and more.
• Within walking distance: Times Square, the Museum of Modern Art, Rockefeller Center, and Central Park’s southernmost border
• Explore Manhattan via numerous transit stops nearby.
• Design inspiration: Architect Jeffrey Beers called the hotel’s new design “a love letter to New York City.”

Times Square, Manhattan: Flashy Neon Lights and World-Class Culture

Times Square is at the intersection of Broadway and Seventh Avenue in Midtown Manhattan. The famous address—affectionately known as “the Crossroads of the World”—is home to hypnotizing billboards, giant wraparound news tickers, and the neon lights of Broadway. Beyond the glitz and gimmicks, there are a number of cultural offerings in the area, ranging from museums to Michelin-rated restaurants. Buildings of historical and architectural interest include the Paramount Building and One Times Square, site of the annual New Year’s Eve ball drop.

Nearby, the Museum of Modern Art houses a trove of masterpieces including Vincent van Gogh’s The Starry Night, Claude Monet’s Water Lilies paintings, and Andy Warhol’s Campbell’s Soup Cans. Save time for a stroll through the museum’s outdoor sculpture garden, where installations are clustered around sparkling reflecting pools. About a mile north of Times Square, the David H. Koch Theater is home to one of the world’s foremost dance companies—the New York City Ballet, which stages contemporary works as well as classics like Swan Lake and The Nutcracker.