8/10
“Awsome location & views!”
Need some rennovations in double rooms. Awsome views The night cleaning shift in rooms had to be requested again and again
New York · head to head
Mandarin Oriental vs The Ritz-Carlton New York, Central Park
Priced on the same night, 2026-10-10: Mandarin Oriental is $80 a night less. They are 711 metres apart.
The Ritz-Carlton New York, Central Park
$1,910/ night, 2026-10-10
+ $254 taxes & fees
Book takes you to the exact room at that rate on HotelDupe's booking partner. Confirmation arrives by email; manage or cancel any time from Find your booking.
The honest take
At $1,474 versus $1,418 a night, the Mandarin Oriental costs almost the same as the Ritz-Carlton but adds a 75-foot indoor pool and full spa that the Ritz-Carlton lacks on the facility list. Both sit on Central Park, half a kilometre apart, both five-star, and both rated well by guests (9.1 vs 9.0 across 442 and 285 reviews respectively). For the price difference of $56, the Mandarin's wellness offering makes it the stronger booking unless you specifically want the Ritz's townhouse feel and Fifth Avenue proximity.
The look and the feel
Mandarin Oriental
The Mandarin Oriental occupies the upper floors of the Deutsche Bank Center at Columbus Circle, so the lobby is reached by a long elevator ride rather than a walk in off the street, and the reveal is the point: floor-to-ceiling glass, Central Park and the Hudson laid out below like a map. The interiors lean Asian-modern rather than antique European, with pale stone, dark wood screens and low, quiet furniture that keeps the focus on the view. The 75-foot pool sits high above the city with the same glass walls, which is unusual for a Manhattan hotel and gives the whole place a resort quality that's rare this far from an actual coast.
Guests who want a resort-style pool and spa with skyline views and don't mind a lobby that starts on a high floor.
The Ritz-Carlton New York, Central Park
The Ritz-Carlton on Central Park South sits at street level in a more traditional Manhattan mould, close to the park's southern edge and an easy walk to Fifth Avenue and Rockefeller Center. The listing describes a townhouse-inspired design for the guest rooms, suggesting a more residential, wood-panelled register than the Mandarin's glass-and-height drama, closer to old New York clubbiness than sky-lounge modernism. It trades the vertiginous views for street presence and walkability to Midtown's landmarks.
Guests who want a classic Manhattan townhouse feel with easy walking access to Fifth Avenue and Midtown sights.
The Ritz-Carlton has no indoor pool or spa on record, so anyone wanting a swim or a proper wellness afternoon needs to book elsewhere or accept its absence.
The Mandarin Oriental is the more striking place to actually be, purely for that pool suspended above Columbus Circle with the park spread out beneath the glass.
The numbers
| Mandarin Oriental | The Ritz-Carlton New York, Central Park | |
|---|---|---|
| Price, same night | $1,830 | $1,910 |
| Guest rating | 9.1/10 | 9/10 |
| Reviews | 442 | 285 |
| Stars | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ |
| Facilities on our list | 7 | 6 |
| Distance apart | 711 m |
What one has that the other doesn't
Only Mandarin Oriental has
- Pool
Only The Ritz-Carlton New York, Central Park has
Nothing on our list that Mandarin Oriental lacks.
What guests actually say
Mandarin Oriental
- stunning views of the park
- excellent breakfast and pastries
- attentive, first-class service
- rooms need renovation
- unhelpful concierge service
The Ritz-Carlton New York, Central Park
- unbeatable location by Central Park
- courteous, well-trained doormen and staff
- quiet, spacious rooms
- no coffee or tea facilities in room
- service lapses and rude club lounge staff
- no spa
Mandarin Oriental guests leave happier overall, as reviews consistently praise its service, food and views with only minor gripes, while Ritz-Carlton reviews are more mixed, citing real service lapses alongside praise for location.
Rooms & rates, 2026-10-10
Mandarin Oriental
- Room, 1 King Bed (Hudson View)Room Only$1,830
- Room, 2 Twin Beds, Accessible, View (Bathtub with Grab Handles)Room Only$1,830
- Room, 1 King Bed (Hudson View)Room Only · free cancellation$1,834
The Ritz-Carlton New York, Central Park
- Deluxe King Room No ViewRoom Only$1,833
- Deluxe King Room No ViewRoom Only · free cancellation$1,836
- Run of HouseRoom Only$1,848
In guests' own words
Mandarin Oriental
10/10
“AAA+ rated French Chef Nordine Lahssini”
Chef Nordine Lahssini and team has supervised/ designed /cooked / created best , super tasty , healthy food with best culinary presentation to make us feel greatest with his experience from Europe , and Middle East with support Service at MO Lounge by Daniel Villanueva and team with best wine from Italian sommelier Thomas at speakeasy bar and Unique DJ music from Jack & Daniel
10/10
“One the best breakfast in Manhattan”
This is a review for the breakfast only. Service is first class, coffee is very good and the pastries are outstanding. The view, well, one of the best in the City.
The Ritz-Carlton New York, Central Park
2/10
“Do Not Stay Here - Horrible Service and Outdated Rooms”
I’ve been staying at this hotel consistently for over 20 years. Unfortunately, this hotel has gone downhill fast and cannot compete with other properties (e.g., Baccarat, Four Seasons). Over my last few stays, I’ve experienced many service lapses, but to name a few: -Club Lounge employee got upset at me and my children, and started talking poorly and bashing their management in front of my family. This all stemmed f
6/10
“Oddly Frustrating Stay”
Let's start with the positives: the RC Central Park is impeccably located. Can't do much better than 59th St at 6th Ave. The staff are well trained and courteous, even opening the doors in unison. The hotel feels exclusive and intimate; this is not The Plaza with tourists running around. However, there are problems. I booked one night at a club level room. At check-in the agent claimed I had not booked a club
10/10
“Typical”
location door man opposite the park so it was amazing morning walk and making nice excircles NO SPA ! restaurants all around corner difficult to get uber coffee at lobby in morning
no coffee or tea pots in room ! basic staff in mini bar should be there ! water to be served at rooms
About each
Mandarin Oriental
Luxurious Accommodations with Stunning Views Located in Columbus Circle’s Deutsche Bank Center, this hotel offers rooms and suites with floor-to-ceiling windows showcasing panoramic views of Central Park, the Manhattan skyline, and the Hudson River. Each room features a 55-inch flat-screen TV, a mini-bar restocked daily, and complimentary treats. Relaxation…
Check-in — · Check-out 12:00 PM
The Ritz-Carlton New York, Central Park
Luxurious Stay in Midtown Located in Midtown with stunning views of Central Park, the Ritz-Carlton New York Central Park offers a luxurious experience tailored to city living. Convenient Access and Proximity Just a short walk from Fifth Avenue shopping and Rockefeller Center, with easy access to the entire city from the nearby subway station. Explore iconic…
Check-in — · Check-out 12:00 PM
Facilities, in full
Mandarin Oriental
- Fitness facilities
- WiFi available
- Parking
- Non-smoking rooms
- Air conditioning
- Fitness center
- Swimming pool
- 24-hour front desk
- Restaurant
- Room service
- Business center
- Heating
- Family rooms
- Pets allowed
- Lift / Elevator
- Laundry
The Ritz-Carlton New York, Central Park
- Fitness facilities
- WiFi available
- Free WiFi
- Parking
- Non-smoking rooms
- Air conditioning
- Fitness center
- 24-hour front desk
- Restaurant
- Room service
- Business center
- Heating
- Family rooms
- Pets allowed
- Lift / Elevator
- Luggage storage
Where they are
80 Columbus Circle50 Central Park South
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Rates are live for 2026-10-10, one night, two guests, fetched together so the two are comparable. Facilities and reviews are from each hotel's own listing. The honest take is written by our AI from the listing, the reviews and what is widely known about each hotel. HotelDupe earns a commission if you book, which never changes the verdict. All comparisons