Concrete Jungle where dreams are made of? The now immortal phrase refers to New York City’s most distinctive visuals, where bright, vivid colours of nature snake through the urban sprawl like a dystopian fever dream. Few places in the world are as symbolic of biophilic design, which is why it works having two properties from the increasingly present 1 Hotel brand.
The first, 1 Hotel Brooklyn Bridge, is easily the more recognisable of the two. It dominates DUMBO with a green thumb, positioned in Brooklyn Bridge Park with unforgettable views of the Manhattan skyline. It’s now become one of my favourite hotels in the world, and I feel a perfect example of what new hotels should be doing to move away from accusations of all-too-common greenwashing and towards something that’s genuinely progressive.
And then there’s this. 1 Hotel Central Park, another LEED-certified five-star with a smaller footprint but a much more iconic location, tucked just behind the luxury row of hotels like The Plaza and Park Lane, which stand directly opposite the world’s most famous urban park. True to the brand, it’s based on biophilic design principles which have both an aesthetic and psychological benefit, peeling away the city’s infectiously fast pace as soon as those big wooden doors open and reveal the humble, eco-conscious lobby.
The hotel may not be as memorable as its sister across the pond, but 1 Hotel Central Park further stamps the brand’s important approach to hospitality. And it does so while providing you with a restful, uncompromisingly luxe base in Manhattan’s most expensive area.
Location
If location is everything, then 1 Hotel Central Park has hit the jackpot. Perched just steps from the south entrance of Central Park, this eco-luxe sanctuary puts you at the epicentre of Manhattan’s best offerings. The Theatre District is a short walk downtown, you’ll have no problems zipping across to Brooklyn and Queens with all the Subway stations around, and that morning jog around Central Park is a matter of crossing the street.
Having a hotel this close to Central Park is almost every hotelier’s dream, so the hotel is unimpeachable in that regard. Even better, it sticks out amongst just about every other building in the area, cleverly designed with an exterior snaking in greenery as if Jumanji was being filmed daily on 6th Avenue.
Even the sight of the building from the outside has that relaxing effect that instantly validates the 1 Hotel brand’s main point of difference. And that’s absolutely necessary in this part of Midtown, which makes the rest of New York seem peaceful.
Design
1 Hotel Central Park isn’t just a place to sleep; it’s a living, breathing tribute to nature itself. As above, the building’s exterior is a vertical garden, cascading with ivy and greenery that spill over like New York’s answer to the Hanging Gardens of Babylon. This biophilic design isn’t just for show—it’s a thematic extension of Central Park itself.
Reclaimed wood, exposed brick, and organic materials dominate, with moss-covered accents and potted plants tucked into every conceivable corner. The ambience is warm, earthy, and intentionally unpolished as a result. Given the “wellness trend” is such an important evolution for the travel industry, being immersed in this design is invaluable to a holiday.
Rooms
The rooms at 1 Hotel Central Park are where environmental initiative meets the hotel’s five-star ambitions. Think wide-plank reclaimed wood floors, intimate window nooks with cushioned seating, and floor-to-ceiling windows that let in generous splashes of natural light. The neutral palette of soft whites, forest greens, and earthy browns feels calming and connected to the hotel’s eco-conscious ethos.
Beds are plush, wrapped in organic cotton sheets that practically beg you to sleep in. Bathrooms are spa-like, with walk-in rain showers and sinks carved from stone, stocked with custom, all-natural toiletries. There are thoughtful touches everywhere: filtered water taps to reduce plastic waste, a live-edge wood desk, and even a complimentary yoga mat for in-room stretches.
These are very much hotel rooms for the modern traveller. My Alcove Jr Suite, at 29 sqm, is only slightly bigger than my Bridge King Room was at 1 Hotel Brooklyn Bridge, however. That means you’re paying more for a similar amount of space, but the smart design does open it up quite a lot. The abundance of natural light helps make the dimensions seem much bigger.
Food & Drink
At Jams, the hotel’s signature restaurant celebrated chef Jonathan Waxman, the farm-to-table philosophy is more than a buzzword. It’s the only thing that makes sense for the brand. Clean-eating and clear provenance is a given. The open kitchen hums with energy, serving up seasonal dishes that let the ingredients speak for themselves.
Given how heavy just about everything else is in the area, Jams is best seen as a sanctuary for anyone committed to eating better.
Breakfast is a standout, with options ranging from avocado toast on artisanal bread to hearty grain bowls topped with poached eggs and market-fresh veggies. The cocktail program leans into fresh, herbal notes—a nod to the hotel’s green ethos—with inventive concoctions like cucumber gin spritzes and rosemary-infused negronis. It all works as a cycle here, again playing into the hotel’s regenerative schtick.
Plus, I just really like the relaxed feel. The restaurant extends seamlessly from the reception and it’s not uncommon to see guests use the tables closer to reception as a co-working space with a green juice in hand.
Amenities
For a hotel so focused on sustainability, 1 Hotel Central Park doesn’t skimp on the extras. The 24-hour fitness centre is stocked with state-of-the-art equipment and offers complimentary group classes, including yoga sessions that feel perfectly placed in the nature-centric space. The hotel also provides complimentary bikes, perfect for a leisurely ride through Central Park or along the Hudson River Greenway.
Even small things are used to help build an ecosystem committed to wellness and clean living. Pass by the shelf of free, farm-fresh apples on your way out.
In-room amenities are equally thoughtful. Each room comes with a filtered water tap, organic cotton robes, and an iPad that controls everything from room temperature to concierge services. The hotel even offers an Audi e-tron house car for short rides within a certain radius, although in my experience it’s hard to book given it’s always zipping around Midtown.
Service
Service at 1 Hotel Central Park is both relaxed and attentive. Staff members are genuinely friendly, offering recommendations with the kind of insider knowledge you’d expect from a well-connected local.
Housekeeping operates with ninja-like precision, keeping rooms spotless without being intrusive. Sustainability is woven into the service model, too—don’t be surprised if you see staff tending to the living walls or adjusting plant placements to ensure optimal growth. It’s all part of the charm.
Value
Let’s be real: staying at 1 Hotel Central Park isn’t cheap. But considering its prime location, eco-luxe amenities, and the sheer thoughtfulness of its design, it offers solid value for the discerning traveller. You’re not just paying for a bed; you’re investing in an experience that feels both indulgent and guilt-free.
If you’re the type who can easily spend over $1K on a night at a luxury hotel then the cost is worth it. Shouldering that type of price point opens you up to plenty of options around Midtown, but the reasons to choose 1 Hotel Central Park above its more famous competitors are clear. Nowhere else in Manhattan will you find somewhere so modern and inspiring to stay.
Although you won’t necessarily have to go to New York City to experience the 1 Hotel brand. The group is opening Australia’s first 1 Hotel in Melbourne in 2025.
FOUR STARS (OUT OF FIVE)
Address: 1414 6th Ave, New York, NY 10019
Contact: +1 212 703 2001
The author flew to New York City on Delta Air Lines and explored the city as a guest of NYC Tourism.
