VIBE

Though it opened in 1927 as the world’s largest apartment hotel, these days The Sherry-Netherland offers a more intimate retreat than its rarefied neighbors The Plaza and The Pierre; only 50 ultra-swank guestrooms remain, the rest having been converted to luxury residences for the city’s uppermost upper crust. Of course, downsizing the hotel hasn’t meant a reduction in wow-factor opulence: the gilded lobby is modeled on the Vatican Library, while other public spaces feature friezes from the Vanderbilt mansion, hand-loomed French carpets, custom crystal chandeliers, and historic wood-paneled elevators. The European-style white-gloved service is superlative, and onsite amenities like the elegant shopping arcade are undeniably luxe.

GO HERE WITH

Significant other - for a swanky city break; girlfriends - for a glam Fifth Avenue shopping trip; parents; colleagues; pets

WHY WE LIKE IT

The intimate, residential vibe, the elegant, spacious rooms, and the welcoming staff (who always remember our names) all make us feel like The Sherry-Netherland is our very own ultra-luxurious NYC home. And, with views of The Plaza, The Pierre, and Central Park, and with fashionable Fifth Avenue shopping just around the corner, our plush NYC residence is very well placed indeed.

AMENITY WE LOVE

Harry Cipriani. An almost exact copy of Harry’s Bar in Venice, Italy, it offers a delightfully Old World retreat from the rush of NYC living.

WHAT WE WOULD CHANGE

Would be nice if there was a spa… Also, service, while generally quite lavish, can at times be a bit hoity-toity. We were made to wait in the lobby for 30 minutes for a basic service (despite the fact that there were no other guests to attend to), and, when finally assisted, the concierge was extremely brusque.

GOOD TO KNOW

In case you’re interested in indulging in some in-house retail therapy, there are outlets of Ghurka (fine leather luggage), Domenico Vacca (high-end men’s and women’s fashions), and A La Vielle Russie (antiques) available on site. Pets are welcome (one pet per room), and furry friends will enjoy services like dog-walking and pet-friendly films. Valet parking and limo serivce are available, as is a business center.

CLOSEST COMPS

Hôtel Plaza Athénée New York (New York); The Carlyle (New York)

Click here for our full-form mobile travel guide, The Purple Passport to New York City.