Why book?
For classic New York vibes and rare, sprawling views of Central Park from the property’s upgraded Upper Stories (floors 26 to 33) product—which also includes priority access to the bustling on-site restaurants and exclusive lounge, as well as the building’s residents-only gym.
Set the scene
Right in the heart of Manhattan—steps from Carnegie Hall, Central Park, and Rockefeller Center—this Midtown skyscraper is as much a destination for its 587 rooms as it is for dining venues: live-music lounge Parker’s and the long-heralded Burger Joint, which has been in the hotel since 2002. The scene-y lobby thrums with stylish bar-goers and guests sharing plates in the shadow of Parker’s live music sets and the small, perpetual line for Burger Joint, hidden behind a red curtain near reception and recognizable only by the neon-lit burger above its entrance.
The backstory
The property was formerly The Parker, and became a Thompson hotel in 2019. It closed during the height of the pandemic for a thorough facelift, reopening in November 2021 as the Thompson Central Park. The sleek, midcentury-feeling interiors were designed by Thomas Juul-Hansen.
Some ongoing work could still be felt in the common areas in late 2022: A Victrola record player in the Upper Floors lounge is slated to turn into a more robust listening area, a cordoned off area of the lobby is yet to open, and there are 99 condominiums on the floors above the hotel that are for sale.
The rooms
All are subtly and swankily music-themed in the spirit of the hotel’s strong music history (Carnegie Hall is nearly next door) and art works focusing on instruments placed throughout the property were curated by The Met. Room types range from 300-square-foot, entry-level king rooms and 325-foot deluxe level kings, to spacious studio suites with plush living areas and swiveling TV walls splitting the seating and sleeping spaces, to a one-bedroom suite—plus the 909-square-foot Thompson Suite, complete with a wet bar, living room, dining area, and contrasting-marble bathrooms. Toiletries are by Brooklyn-based Bowmaker’s. Rooms start at $599 per night.
Upper Stories and park-view rooms are worth the upgrade for truly jaw-dropping views of Central Park—one that's especially dreamy at sunrise and sunset—and an exclusive lounge with free and delicious hors d’oeuvres (canapes, cheeses, crudites) and soft drinks (while wine, beer, and cocktails are extra). All Upper Stories rooms also have their own Victrola record players (there’s an in-house record selection to choose a vinyl from), Dyson hair dryers, and skincare sets (think sheet masks and face mists from Knours). Curiously, however, there are no mini bars—which feels like a big miss in an upgraded-room product of this price bracket—and my room was devoid of bathrobes.
Food and drink
Parker’s is the go-to for guests and local visitors who don’t want to brave the Burger Joint line—the full lobby bar has a martini list that lives up to the storied location, and does justice to all the classic cocktail recipes you could crave, with super fresh ingredients; spring for an off-menu Cosmopolitan and the steak frites, burrata, or pasta for the perfect New York nightcap alongside a talented piano or jazz-trio set. Burger Joint is exactly what its name sounds like—and more worth a visit in the mid-afternoon or late night when you can avoid the crowds for quick counter service. There’s also an swanky Indian restaurant, Indian Accent, for authentic upscale dishes and an extensive global wine list.
The spa
There’s a fitness center in-house as well as an upgraded, residents-only version next door through The Underground; accessible through a separate entrance beside the hotel, it includes two fitness studios (one equipped with four Peloton bikes) and a Drybar salon.
The neighborhood/area
You can’t beat this address for an after-show stay or at Christmas time; Rockefeller Center and Fifth Avenue’s shops are just a stroll away, and sprawling Central Park a stone’s throw in the opposite direction—not to mention, Midtown’s newly-crowned status as a buzzy Manhattan dining destination.
The service
Casually buttoned-up and (like many other things at this property) classic New York, with concierge and servers always ready to lend a hand—but without fussing over anything. Upper Stories rooms include a messaging service for remotely requesting anything you might not already have in your room. The 24-hour in-room dining service shares the same kitchen as Parker’s if you can't snag a table downstairs.
For families
Studios, suites, and deluxe level kings are all spacious enough for families—but for the latter of those options be sure to book early, as there are only 16 up for grabs.
Accessibility
Elevators are spacious and new. Accessible rooms are available in several different room types, and laid out on in detail the hotel website.
Anything left to mention?
A fabulous location with spacious rooms, Billionaire’s Row views, and revered staff make this a lovely home away from home. The new property could benefit, however (and I’m sure will) from some workshopping on the amenities front, especially when it comes to creature comforts like mini bars. The walls can also feel a bit thin (this is a historic address, after all), so bring a pair of ear plugs if you're a light sleeper.
119 W 56th St, New York, New York 10019
USA
https://www.eater.com/2015/4/17/8420651/burger-joint-new-york-city-cheeseburger-interview