Celebrity Life

The Baccarat Hotel reimagines the elegance and perfection of the legendary French crystal maker into a luxury lifestyle destination in the heart of New York City. The first hotel of its kind, this unique boutique hotel is a small piece of paradise that rises above the busy streets of Manhattan.

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Location: 10/10

Situated in the heart of the city that never sleeps, the Baccarat Hotel is a stone’s throw away from some of New York’s ultimate attractions. Just steps away is the Museum of Modern Art, the glitzy shops of Fifth Avenue, the flashing lights of Times Square and Central Park, the world's most-visited urban green space.

Design: 10/10

Paris-based interior designers Dorothée Boissier and Patrick Gilles spent three years bringing the Bacarrat Hotel concept to life . The interiors are a mash up of 18th-century Parisian design and 21st-century aesthetics. The minimalistic design plays with spatial proportions and light throughout the property, from the flickering LED installation in the lobby to the refractions of light in the crystalware and 17 custom chandeliers to the reflective mirror surfaces -- all paying homage to the Baccarat brand.

Special mention: An easily overlooked yet very charming feature of the hotel is the library located in the Grand Salon. It houses 255 guestbooks -- one for each year since Baccarat's founding -- all in white (with the exception of 2015, the year the hotel opened) for visitors to leave their special mark and personalised messages.

Ambience: 9/10

One step inside the Baccarat Hotel and you'll be completely transported, forgetting that you're in the middle of Manhattan. An unassuming air of luxury radiates throughout the premises, and the space gives off a spacious grandeur with natural sunlight rushing through its floor to ceiling windows and bouncing off the countless crystal chandeliers and accents. The soft hues of wood flooring, hand-pleated silk walls, mirrored surfaces and marble finishings are lightened up with fresh bouquets of red roses (the signature colour of Baccarat) in every room, too.

Rooms: 8/10

New York and Hong Kong share quite a number of similarities, and enclosed spaces is definitely one of them. The standard room is on the smaller side and might be less than what you're accustomed to, but at least the use of the limited space is clever. Hand-painted French doors slide open to reveal a white marble bathroom with a glass wall providing an illusion of more space. A small seating area is pushed up against the window for enjoying views of the city. To add a special Baccarat touch of luxury, a custom-designed, red enamel mini bar offers hand blown crystalware and Ladurée treats alongside a range of premium beverages.

Service & Facilities: 9/10

The distinctive black-and-white marble indoor swimming pool, lined with luxurious four-post day beds, is a must-visit for guests of the hotel. Whether to relax or snap up some travel photos, this is a sweet spot to get away from it all. Right next to it is the hotel’s spa -- Spa de la Mer -- for those looking for pampering. Like its other locations, the ocean-inspired wellness retreat offers its guests bespoke treatments for the face and body -- all using La Mer products, of course.

Food & Drink: 8/10

With two Michelin-starred chef Gabriel Kreuther as the property’s Culinary Director, it’s safe to say that you’ll be properly fed at the Baccarat. However, due to the size of the hotel, the restaurant options are limited" You can choose to dine in the Grand Salon, at The Bar or, when the weather permits, outside on their open-air patio deck. In spite of the fact that there’s only one kitchen, the contemporary menu is substantial. Afternoon tea is headed up by the hotel’s tea sommelier and is by far the most popular dining experience offered here.

Rates: From US$945 (HK$7,380) for an Atelier King Room to US$18,945 (HK$147,917) for the Baccarat Two-Bedroom Suite. (Prices may vary depending on availability and season.)

Rating: 9/10

Perfect for: an indulgent getaway from the city, within the city. 

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