Walk into the lobby. You feel it immediately. That specific smell—Caleche by Hermès, or maybe just the scent of extreme, old-school wealth—hits you before the doorman even says hello. Staying at the St Regis Nueva York isn't just about a room. It's about a 120-year-old tradition that somehow hasn't become a dusty museum piece.
Honestly, Fifth Avenue is chaotic. It’s loud, crowded, and perpetually under construction. But the moment those gold-revolved doors spin you inside, the city noise just... dies. It’s weirdly quiet. John Jacob Astor IV built this place in 1904 to be the most technologically advanced hotel in the world, and while we don't think of "automatic mail chutes" as high-tech anymore, the bones of that luxury remain.
The Butler Thing Isn't Just For Show
Let's talk about the butlers. Everyone mentions them, but most people are too intimidated to actually use them. Don't be that person. When you check into the St Regis Nueva York, you get a butler. Not one for the whole floor, but a dedicated service team. They aren’t just there to look fancy in tails.
They will unpack your suitcase. Think about that. You arrive, you go get a drink at the King Cole Bar, and when you come back, your shirts are hung up and your shoes are shined. It changes the entire vibe of a trip. They also do the "morning coffee service." You call them, and ten minutes later, there’s a silver tray with a French press and a fresh flower. It's a small thing that makes you feel like you've actually made it in life.
The King Cole Bar and the Bloody Mary Myth
You’ve probably heard that the Bloody Mary was invented here. It’s mostly true. In 1934, bartender Fernand Petiot brought a drink called the "Red Snapper" from Paris to the St Regis Nueva York. Why the name change? Well, "Bloody Mary" was considered too vulgar for the hotel's refined clientele at the time.
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The mural behind the bar is the real star, though. Maxfield Parrish painted it. It’s huge. It depicts King Cole himself, and if you look closely—and maybe have a couple of drinks—you’ll notice the guards are smirking. The local legend is that the King is, uh, passing gas, and the guards are trying not to laugh. It's a funny, slightly irreverent detail in a room that otherwise feels incredibly formal.
What The Rooms Are Actually Like
Some New York hotels feel like shoeboxes. Not here. Even the entry-level "Superior" rooms have high ceilings. We’re talking 12 feet or more. The design is very "Louis XVI," which can feel a bit much if you’re into minimalism. Silk wall coverings. Crystal chandeliers. Marble bathrooms with soaking tubs that actually fit a grown adult.
If you want the real experience, you go for the suites. The Dior Suite or the Tiffany Suite. They are expensive. Ridiculously so. But they are essentially curated apartments. The Tiffany Suite features that signature robin’s egg blue everywhere, and it feels like living inside a jewelry box. Most people won't stay in those, and that's fine. The "standard" rooms still get the same butler service and the same Waterford crystal glassware.
Location vs. Reality
The St Regis Nueva York sits on 55th and Fifth. You are steps from MoMA. You are steps from Central Park. You are also steps from every tourist trap in midtown. This is the trade-off. You have to navigate the crowds of people taking selfies in front of the Apple Store just to get to your front door.
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But for business travelers or people who want to be in the "Center of the World," it’s unbeatable. You aren't in the trendy, gritty Lower East Side. You aren't in the quiet, residential Upper West Side. You are in the heart of the machine.
The Hidden Costs and Realities
Luxury isn't cheap. Beyond the room rate, which can easily hover around $1,000 to $1,500 a night for a basic room, there are the "extras." A club sandwich in the room? Probably $40. Breakfast? You could easily spend $100 for two people.
Is it worth it?
It depends on what you value. If you want a sleek, modern hotel with a rooftop DJ and "industrial-chic" concrete walls, you will hate it here. You really will. This place is for people who appreciate the sound of a heavy door clicking shut and the feeling of real linen.
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Misconceptions About the Dress Code
People think they need to wear a tuxedo to walk through the lobby. You don't. While you’ll see plenty of people in suits, especially during the business week, the hotel has relaxed a bit. You’ll see people in nice jeans and sweaters. That said, don't roll in wearing gym shorts and flip-flops. You'll feel out of place, and the staff—while polite—have a way of making you feel "noticed."
The Competition
How does it stack up against the Plaza or the Ritz-Carlton?
- The Plaza: More "famous" but often feels more like a tourist attraction. The lobby is always packed with people who aren't staying there.
- The Ritz-Carlton Central Park: Great views, but the service feels a bit more corporate.
- The St Regis Nueva York: Feels the most "residential." Once you're past the lobby, it feels like a very, very wealthy person's private mansion.
Actionable Tips For Your Stay
- Ask for a room away from the elevators. The hallways are grand, but the old-school bells and guest chatter can echo.
- Utilize the pressing service. You get two items pressed for free per day. It’s included in your stay. Use it for your dinner outfit.
- Visit the bar early. The King Cole Bar is tiny. It opens at 4:00 PM usually. If you show up at 8:00 PM, you’re going to be standing in a line of people who aren't even staying at the hotel.
- The Bentley House Car. The hotel has a partnership with Bentley. If you need a ride within a certain radius (usually 10–20 blocks), they will take you for free. It’s first-come, first-served. Don't call an Uber until you check if the Bentley is out front.
- Request a "City View" carefully. A city view in Midtown often means you're looking at the office building across the street. If you want a glimpse of the park, you need to be on a much higher floor, and you'll pay for the privilege.
The St Regis Nueva York stays relevant because it doesn't try to be cool. It tries to be perfect. In a city that is constantly changing, there is something deeply comforting about a place that still cares about the proper way to serve tea or the exact fold of a pocket square. It’s an expensive habit, but once you’ve had a butler bring you coffee in the morning, it’s really hard to go back to the Starbucks down the street.
Book your stay directly through the Marriott Bonvoy portal if you have status, as they are surprisingly good about honoring late check-outs (up to 4:00 PM) for Gold and Platinum members, which effectively gives you an extra day of luxury. Always double-check the "destination fee" or "resort fee" equivalents, which in New York often include credits for food or laundry—make sure you actually spend that credit before you check out so you aren't leaving money on the table.