Hyatt, GFI Hospitality and GFI Development today opened the Thompson Central Park New York from lifestyle hospitality brand Thompson Hotels.
The Thompson Central Park New York is in the former space of the Parker New York close to Central Park on West 56th Street between Sixth and Seventh Avenues.
The property has newly designed interiors, including a updated lobby, public spaces and 587 guestrooms and suites including the 174-room Upper Stories—a collection of accommodations with high-end amenities and programming, including access to the private Upper Stories Lounge—slated to open next year.
The Design
Thompson Central Park New York has public spaces designed by architect Thomas Juul-Hansen and guestrooms designed by Stonehill Taylor. The guestroom artwork and programming will be music-centric as a nod to the hotel’s history as a home to musicians and actors who played at New York City music venues.
In designing the hotel’s public areas, Juul-Hansen sought inspiration from history of the landmark building. The lobby has massive wood clad portals leading to an organic shaped wood and leather reception desk with seating just beyond. The central atrium has 36-foot-high ceilings with a central skylight and curated space for food and drinks below.
Next spring, a vaulted bar space connecting the atrium to both 56th and 57th streets will be lined with wood finishes and capped by a suspended canopy of foliage. Each space throughout the hotel is highlighted by bespoke lighting along with a curated collection of artwork inspired by the heritage of the neighborhood.
“When walking into Thompson Central Park New York, hotel guests are greeted with a sensory experience,” said Juul-Hansen. “From the building’s classic exterior to the luxurious, newly designed modern lobby space and atrium, we have created a bespoke atmosphere for travelers to connect with the iconic style and dazzling glamour of Manhattan.”
Thompson Central Park New York partnered with Stonehill Taylor to design the hotel’s 587 guestrooms and suites as well as the guest corridors. The architecture and design firm incorporated design elements to accommodate work and play. Linear and curving forms are side-by-side throughout the storage and sleeping areas, as well as the social and workspaces. The navy-blue leather beds are topped with white duvets and the guestroom walls are ribbed for an eye-catching detail. A geometric etagere supports sculptural lighting and texture-providing bric-a-brac while adding structural interest to the space. Double-bay rooms have a swivel TV so that guests can rotate entertainment to face both the sleeping and living areas. While walls and floors are finished in neutral earth tones, the furniture uses jewel tones.
Along the corridors, Stonehill Taylor incorporated balance between opposites to drive the design—from geometric designs in the carpet juxtaposed against light and dark elements to arched mirrors along the elevator lobbies to reflect light and add depth.
“With sophisticated travelers in mind, Thompson Central Park New York’s well-appointed accommodations feature classical elements utilized in sculptural, modern ways,” said Paul Taylor, partner, Stonehill Taylor. “From the functionality of the space to the jewel and earth tones, guests will find unexpected yet balanced choices, contributing to a remarkable hotel stay experience.”
F&B
Burger Joint, a hidden “speakeasy” space, is reopening at the hotel. The property is also unveiling SRO (Standing Room Only), a lobby bar that will serve hotel guests and visitors cocktails, wines and mocktails.
Next spring, the property will introduce several new signature restaurants.
Thompson Central Park New York is part of Thompson Hotels brand’s New York City footprint, joining the collection’s properties in Lower Manhattan, The Beekman and Gild Hall. The hotel is one of five Thompson Hotels properties expected to open across the U.S. this year.