Hotel of the Week: Baccarat Hotel, New York

Walking down West 53rd Street in Midtown Manhattan, it's hard to miss the distinctively dazzling, vastly tall windows of Baccarat Hotel. Unmistakably its own, it holds its shine with no shame, sitting perfectly poised and ready to welcome guests to arguably the sexiest stay in New York.

THE SEXIEST NEW YORK STAY

In our first step inside, wide-shouldered, dark-cloaked doormen usher us in with a smile to the marbled lobby, alight with a shimmering chandelier and glistening mirrors on every wall. We rise to the second floor, where the hotel lobby and soaring salon sit, and are greeted by a hostess dressed in a beautiful, figure-hugging scarlet gown with dangled crystal earrings and a glint in her eye – who immediately encapsulates everything about the Baccarat.

Not one for modesty, every corner boasts dramatically lit glass vitrines, illuminating pendant lights and jewelled champagne coupes, each one nodding to the hotel's origins as the world's most revered luxury crystal manufacturer. Despite the wealth of the hotel feeling distinctly modern, the brand is steeped in heritage and royalty, with King Louis XV the founder of Baccarat in France in 1764. Crimson roses and elegant sculptures are the signature touches of Paris-based design firm Gilles & Boissier, which lend the hotel its grandly alluring, Parisian soul. 

THE ROOMS

The sensuous nature of the hotel flows into its 114 rooms and suites, as we find ourselves opening our door with a rouge heart-shaped key, immediately spotting a rainfall shower separated from the bedroom with little more than a glass frame. Our first welcome is two dainty strawberry tartlets, looking as immaculate as the crisp white sheets and glinting bed frame behind us – there’s not a traditional, patterned fabric in sight.

Everything in the room either smoothly glides or radiantly sparkles from the sliding marble bathroom doors to the gleaming silver bedside tables. We can’t help but marvel in its aphrodisiac spirit, accentuated with signature fluted champagne glasses topping a leather-laden stocked mini bar and tablet-controlled lighting and temperature.

THE FOOD & DRINK

The soaring salons, awash with white marble, crystal glass patterns and a never-ending array of chandeliers are a feast for the eyes, but look carefully and you can spot unusual artwork, some dating back to the 18th century. It’s a setting that would feel like Valentine’s any day of the year, with afternoon tea and champagne perhaps its most enviable offering.

One of the most flaunting features of the hotel, is its grand saloon bar, that comes most alive in the evenings, where a marbled chequered floor and moody, maroon walls brings a sultry flair to the lavish atmosphere.

To match the surrounds, cocktails include a Baccarat Old Fashioned, with Baccarat Select Maker's Mark Master Blend, Angostura Cotton Candy and Orange Bitters – or the Ember Glow, a smoky combination of Laphroaig Private Cask, passion fruit, ginger and grapefruit, served in a 10 Year Baccarat Private Cask Mosaique Tumbler.

THE SPA

Beneath the hotel, a city spa, the first dedicated De La Mer spa in the US, offers massages and skin treatments inspired by the sea, while a sleekly long pool is complemented with a snug bubbling jacuzzi and ambient four poster pool beds.

NEW & NOTEWORTHY

While the Baccarat brand's principal, flagship hotel is New York, the French luxury house is looking further afield with expansions planned in Rome, Dubai and Miami.

WHO'S WHO

Israël Benyaïr oversees the day-to-day at the hotel, since his appointment as General Manager at the end of 2025. 

THE NEIGHBOURHOOD

Directly opposite the beloved Museum of Modern Art, the Baccarat is in the heart of Manhattan action, with plenty to eat, drink and do on its doorstep.

TOP TIPS FOR A BACCARAT STAY

• Dress the part: think red dresses, sharp suits and the shiniest jewellery you own  
• Play a game on the crystal chess board 
• Take a picture in the Grand Salon bar, one of New York's most Instagrammable settings