I Past Ritz's I used were Amelia Island, SanFran, and Palm Beach and to date, the Ritz has been good, but NOT Four Seasons quality. The Ritz Central Park however is a pleasant surprise and management at other Ritz's would do themselves good to visit this place.
************************************



*PRE-ARRIVAL: NO problems on the phone and concierge was fine reserving a sedan from Penn Station.

*LOCATION: Took 25 mins from Penn Station, and it's right on Central Park. Close to Times Square and Broadway in a more subdued part of town.

*CHECK-IN: GREAT. Wonderful greetings and bags are taken within 60 seconds. Front desk was expecting us by name. They had suites and wouldn't upgrade me, but all was well and they escorted us to the room.

*LOBBY: Lovely, typical Ritz. Lovely decor, floral arrangements, lounge area and kind of a sanctuary in NYC.

*ROOM: Park View room. 450 square feet, and the pic on their website is very accurate.

Very comfortable bed, typical high thread count sheets and good pillows.

Surprisingly the air conditioning was almost of proper strength for IMO, you should be able to sleep comfortably with a blanket. There was decent lighting in the room and the view of Central Pk was lovely. I suggest not being lower than 11th floor for this.

Nice marble bathroom with upscale toiletries, robes, and seperate shower. The water pressure was LOW and erratic throughout a shower. Sometimes I think hotels are using the recent enviro-fashion to skimp. Sure we can make adjustments, but decent water pressure shouldn't be outlawed either.

*SERVICE: Everyone was friendly and great. Phones, room service, concierge. The concierge IS helpful and goes beyond merely making you a reservation, or looking things up in Zagat that you already know.

*HOUSEKEEPING: No problems. Just what you'd expect at a Ritz.

*ROOM SERVICE: We ordered it once and the delivery was prompt, friendly, accurate, and warm. Food was good.

*DINING: We ate in the lounge which doubled as restaurant as they remodel. I'm a comfort-food guy and SURPRISINGLY, the food was marvelous. 3 mini burgers were great, fries were hot and crisp, service was perfect. Next table ordered a type of garlic pasta and just from the smell I could tell it was well prepared.

*WORKOUT: I forgot to use this as I usually do. But I'm sure it's nice. The burgers sure were :)

Enjoy, and safe travels to all of you.

Recommended: Yes