What clients say about New York Athletic Club in New York (NY)
Rude and inflexible, a review of the NYAC (this is a review of only the hotel only, I didn’t use the exercise or dining facilities):
On paper, it looks like a good idea to stay here. Convenient location, views of the park, relatively spacious rooms and a reasonable price, it should be a good choice.
However, a dress code that requires dress shoes and a coat for men (and similar levels of formality for women), prohibits the use of ground floor elevators to anybody staying in the hotel who would dare to wear anything more casual and try to use the ground floor elevators.
The fact that the dress code effectively makes the accommodations a two story walk up if you need to wear more supportive shoes (or don’t walk around NYC in a sport coat during the heat of summer), made for a very unpleasant stay. Getting consistently harassed by hotel staff who insisted that we walk up a back staircase instead of use the elevator bank in the lobby was a nice touch.
To be clear, I am not a member. However, my organization held an event at the American Legion located inside. What a fantastic facility! It is very classy and elegant. Everyone was nice-- guests and staff. If the military paid better I would join.
If I could rate a 0, I would. Unprofessional guy at the front desk, too strict about dress code, didn’t let us in due to no sneaker policy, but we were wearing shoes.
What attentive, welcoming and prompt service and I’m not even there yet. I’m visiting with my wife in September, and so excited - the online experience with the bookings and helpfulness has been 10 out of 10 - thank you NYAC. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Wow, where do I begin. The staff was wildly untrained and unprofessional. Actually, let me rephrase - they were outright hostile in 95% of interactions I had with them. They expect you to wear a full suit even at midnight on a holiday weekend or you have to go in a service elevator and walk up four flights of stairs while they are doing construction on the stairwell. They will follow you to make sure your dress code is proper. If they don't think you are a member they will ask if you are delivering food there or try to stop you and ask your room number. I felt like I was staying in a prison where my prison guards were watching my outfit at all times to make sure I had some type of suit on. On top of that, the rooms are unimpressive. They are old - they didn't put a fitted sheet on the bed, there is no dresser. The only thing good about the place is the proximity to the park (which you can't even walk right out to unless you're in a full suit). I belong to several private clubs and have never been treated like this before. The place should not be a hotel until the staff is fully trained on how to treat their guests. Do not even think about staying at this place.
The New York Athletic Club is hands down one of my favorite members-only spots in the city. Every time I go, I feel like I’m stepping into old-school New York elegance—but in the best way. The main dining room is absolutely divine—the décor is classic and timeless, with beautiful detailing that makes the whole space feel really special.
One of the things I love most? The live piano music. It adds such a sophisticated and cozy vibe, especially during dinner. Whether I’m going for a quiet meal or a special celebration, it always feels like the perfect setting.
You definitely need to be a member (or go with one) to enjoy it, but if you ever get the chance—it’s 100% worth experiencing.
@raquelgerlani
I'm not sure how such poor customer service is tolerated by management. 90%+ of customer facing staff is borderline hostile. There are a few nice employees here and there, but they are quite rare.
This is the worst hotel I’ve ever stayed in. It was ironic how there was a group of concierges seemly reading to support and be of service to their guests however my family and I were met with tension, rudeness, and exclusivity. We were not talked to or simply greeted unless we were considered “outsiders” in plain clothing and were constantly questioned for our room key by some employees but not others. For the amount of money I spent to be at NYAC, I felt segregated and attacked- my minority counterparts and I observed that we were the only ones being ridiculed for our clothes and being sent to the athletic entrance while our white counterparts were not. Overall, this club does not care for the well-being of their guests and rather prioritizes maintaining a “high-class image” through discrimination. I spoke up to an employee who questioned me about my room key when I had already checked out and utilized the option guests are given to leave my luggage in the coat room, he yelled me for not having my room key when you’re supposed to give the room key back when you check out and went on to consistently interrupt me and call me “sweetheart.” Extremely tasteless and disrespectful, do yourself a favor and spend your money elsewhere.
The view from the dining room and cocktail lounge is just breathtaking and definitely worth visiting during any trip if you're lucky enough to have access.
I was surprised to be charged an access fee as a reciprocal member ($25) just to be able to enter and eat and drink there. However, this is one of the best clubs in the world and a place that a lot of people can't get near without knowing someone so I respect that. It was incredible even just wandering around it, admiring the view, and soaking up all of that history. It is stunning inside. On arrival you get a lot of information - dress code, guide, and a map. This was really helpful because it's huge!! 24 floors!!
The dress code made me a little nervous but I was fine in trousers, a smart jumper, and boots during the day (it was freezing cold and icy outside). I dressed more smartly on my return in the evening as I feel that's important as it's the members and guests who really make an atmosphere. I was uncertain whether it was acceptable to enter in trainers / casual shoes and change shoes in the lobby. You certainly can't walk through the lobby from the main entrance in trainers. There is an entrance at the back that people going directly to the gym can use but the powder room to change is near the main entrance which involves crossing the main lobby. If you get there early then changing in the sports changing rooms could be an option but they close early at the weekend (7pm I think from memory) and there's no lift up to them and it's a few floors up. So all in all, it's best to arrive suitably dressed and also respectful to this very special club!!
This is also a New York institution and is one of the last bastions of the old-fashioned values of the city. It represents a New York that hardly anyone gets to see and I think that's incredibly special and worth preserving. It just required a little advance planning given the icy and cold conditions that day!!
I first visited on a Saturday to see the snow in central park from there and not much was open during the day. That said, you could still get a coffee and a bite to eat, just nothing special with a view during the day. Like London clubs, it's a place that really comes alive during the evening. The staff in the cocktail lounge were very attentive and there was a great atmosphere there. Everyone was smartly dressed and there was a lovely hum of conversation. I enjoyed a really good Manhattan listening to a pianist play and looking out over the twinkling lights of upper Manhattan. That was really one of the stand out memories of my trip and made it so special. The bar bites were really good. The salmon crudo was delicious. I then also got some fries which were the best fries I've ever had and a sizeable portion (but that could just be because I'm used to London fries!).
I went for a bit of a wander and saw a martini glass in the business lounge which made me chuckle - someone there definitely knows the right way to work if you have to work on a Saturday!
In summary, expensive to visit as a reciprocal member (though I think justified and since most New Yorkers can't pay to get in, a huge privilege to have access there!), the sports facilities didn't seem that luxurious compared to the sporty London members' clubs (Lansdowne, RAC) which surprised me but they were very extensive and well kitted out, very good food and drinks and a special view which in my mind made it worth it. How can you not fall in love with that bar and that view. It's definitely worth it as an experience if you are lucky enough to visit.I'll definitely be back!
Watch the Showtime series Billions, and you'll begin to understand how tradition drives Chuck Rhoades Sr. You'll also begin to understand what the New York Athletic Club means to Old New Yorkers. It honors a past that has seemingly disappeared in our instant wealth focused and social media obsessed world. The club is a historical artifact offering special event venues (for weddings and celebrations), hotel rooms, health club facilities, and dining for membership and their guests. Recently we attended a wedding in New York City and the wedding party was held at the NYAC in a beautiful 9th floor ballroom overlooking Central Park. The guests were offered room accommodations which, while not cutting edge, exuded Old World charm and traditional ambiance that one might have found in a turn of the century english private school. Having been a member of the Boston Harvard Club this facility is very similar and has reciprocal privileges. However, the rules at NYAC are a little more formal than you might find at the Harvard Club. If you're visiting, there's a dress code that is strictly enforced. I donned chinos and a very nice polo shirt but forgot and wore new athletic shoes walking across the lobby. This is verboten unless you are checking in or checking out. I was scolded and sent up the back stairs (there needs to be better signage for offenders), a path reserved so that people in the lobby won't see those with any type of "casual" sporting a tire.
That does seem somewhat of a conundrum, because this is in fact an "athletic club", right? However, that term means something different to the club. Imagine the old days when one might have exercised at the club and then cleaned up, put on penny loafers, a blue blazer, dark slacks and went back to the law firm or back out into... proper society. That's where the origins of this club lie.
Having seen several people caught in the dress code conundrum, I'd advise that if you are visiting, look at the dress code manual extremely carefully and understand what you can and can't do. That being said, I believe that over the next 10 years as people who are less familiar with an older New York Society of the past make up the majority of all new 'potential members" (now envision Wags or Bobby Axelrod from Showtime's Billions joining), there will be some changes in the dress code...I'm confident.
As far as accommodations go, the beds were quite comfortable, with kuereg machines and a mini friges in many rooms. From a dining perspective the food, especially the filet mignon, was beautifully done and quite tasty. Note that there is also valet parking available at the front door (of course there is... you "old school clubbers" you)
If possible, visit the rooftop for a drink overlooking Central Park from the 24th floor. Change elevators at the 20th floor into a tiny service elevator to complete the journey. But note when someone in our party with a wheelchair tried to get into the rooftop elevator, it was a tight squeeze and ultimately not possible.
For something slightly more casual and remember ...I use that term extremely loosely...visit the Tap Room for a 1930's preppy bar environment for food, drinks and light oak inspired conversational elegance.
Overall you can't go wrong with anything on Central Park South and this setting is beautiful, but remember the New York Athletic Club is old school and they expect you to respect their tradition with as much passion as they do.
Brunch is amazing. The staff is great. Keep in mind if you are invited by a member, you should bring dress shoes, collared shirts and a jacket. These are necesary to dine at the 11th floor, for using the elevators and walking through the lobby. Guests wearing anything else will have to use the athletic elevator on the third floor and walk up or down the stairs to the exit. They will also trade in your sneakers for dress shoes and lend you a jacket at the lobby if you are missing one of these items. Dress code is waived during check in and check out.
Had an opportunity to attend the company’s private holiday party for the first time and the event, venue and food was amazing. The entire event was open meaning all you can eat with plenty of options to choose from and open bar with every alcoholic drink available meaning beer, wine and liquor. They spared no expense. I highly recommend this venue if you are ever looking to host a private event with a sizable budget. $$$
We came to the NYAC to watch the Bill Farrell wrestling Invitational. Like the previous 4 or 5 times we've been to this tournament, the NYAC put on another outstanding event this year. We had front row seats for the finals, and every match was great. Aside from the Bill Farrell, I've visited here many times as a guest. The NYAC is one of the most beautiful and classy private member clubs in NYC, and it by far has the most comprehensive athletic offerings of any club in the Northeast and probably the whole United States. This is a special place.
The New York Athletic Club is a private organization located at Central Park South in the heart of Manhattan! Admission is limited to members and their guests. I attended meetings held there. The building is steeped in history, and beautiful dedicated rooms for activities. There is a pool, basketball court, billiards, reading, game room. There is no food except for a breakfast grab and go. The views are amazing and the guest rooms are comparable to a mid range hotel. The club is not shy about enforcing its dress rules which are reasonable. Staff is professional and very helpful. Be clear: this is not a public location so do not believe you can walk in to look around.
Visited as a group of 5 (4 adults and a baby) as reciprocal club members and had a great time. The facilities were very good (and novel - being in a sauna with a view over Central Park was quite something) and the rooftop bar was fantastic (albeit the bar itself was closed on a Saturday which was a bit odd). Whilst the dress code is there, we were treated kindly/reasonably as we had a baby and pram/stroller with us often. The location is fantastic of course. If we were visiting NYC again we’d happily stay here again.
What a special place! From the moment you walk in, you feel very special. Jamie was not only very helpful, but also very personable and pleasant to talk to. My first Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade was an amazing experience, and I owe it all to my wonderful son (member) and the club. So many amenities, so many hidden gems, and great food!!!
Friendly staff, especially once you chat with them and get to know their names. Amazing pool, steam, sauna. Yes there are lots of "old boys" but who cares? This place rocks. Location, service, attentiveness, and I, personally, appreciate the dress code - with so much "casual" dressing going on these days, it is refreshing to see people who actually dress up and make an effort to look sharp, no matter their age. NYAC I will see you again soon!
Amazing place with so much history. Great place for an event and to stay if you know a member. The hall of fame room is amazing with all of the trophies and Olympic medals. The last pic is shot from the roof of the club.
Website
