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The honest take
The Ritz-Carlton Central Park is cheaper at $1,418 against The Plaza's $1,562, and it has the better guest rating, 9.0 versus 8.4, albeit from far fewer reviews. Neither listing shows the other holding an amenity the other lacks, so this is a choice of atmosphere and address, not facilities. Book The Plaza for the building and the history; book the Ritz-Carlton for a quieter, more consistently well-reviewed stay a couple of streets away.
The look and the feel
The Plaza
The Plaza is the 1907 Beaux-Arts pile on the corner of 5th Avenue and Central Park South, all limestone and mansard roof and a facade that has been in more films than most actors. Inside it is gilt, marble and chandeliers turned up to full volume: the Palm Court under its stained-glass ceiling, the Champagne Bar, corridors that feel like a museum with room service. Rooms lean maximalist, with the gold-plated bathroom fixtures the listing is proud of. It draws tourists doing New York properly for once, wedding parties, and people who want the postcard version of grand hotel life, loudly.
Right for people who want to stay inside a New York icon and don't mind the tour groups and camera phones that come with it.
The Ritz-Carlton New York, Central Park
The Ritz-Carlton sits at 50 Central Park South, closer to the park's edge, and plays a quieter, more domestic note: townhouse-inspired rooms, a calmer palette, the kind of understated luxury that trades gilt for good linen and a discreet concierge desk. The about text emphasises Central Park views and easy walking distance to Fifth Avenue and Rockefeller Center rather than any single showstopping room. It suits someone who wants five-star service without being inside a landmark, and who would rather look at the park than be looked at.
Right for guests who want park views and Ritz-Carlton service with a lower profile and a quieter lobby.
Neither listing names a facility one has and the other doesn't, so the cheaper Ritz-Carlton isn't giving up amenities, only the Plaza's specific rooms and history - the Palm Court, the gold fixtures, the Beaux-Arts facade itself.
The Plaza is the more beautiful building to stand inside, a genuine architectural set piece, while the Ritz-Carlton is better designed for actually living in for a few days.
The numbers
The Plaza
The Ritz-Carlton New York, Central Park
Price, same night
$1,618
$1,684
Guest rating
8.4/10
9/10
Reviews
781
285
Stars
★★★★★
★★★★★
Facilities on our list
6
6
Distance apart
178 m
What one has that the other doesn't
Only The Plaza has
Nothing on our list that The Ritz-Carlton New York, Central Park lacks.
Only The Ritz-Carlton New York, Central Park has
Nothing on our list that The Plaza lacks.
What guests actually say
The Plaza
excellent five-star service
clean, big rooms
great location
expensive for what it offers
pricey drinks at the bar
The Ritz-Carlton New York, Central Park
unbeatable location by Central Park
courteous, well-trained staff
spacious, quiet rooms
service lapses and rude staff
no coffee or tea in rooms
outdated rooms
“Let's start with the positives: the RC Central Park is impeccably located.”
The Plaza's guests report more consistent five-star satisfaction, while Ritz-Carlton reviews are mixed, citing service lapses and dated rooms despite a prime location.
“There are hotels that offer five-star service, and then there is The Plaza!!!”
There are hotels that offer five-star service, and then there is The Plaza. My recent stay was one of the most memorable hotel experiences I have ever had.
I wanted to surprise my wife during our stay, as I had purchased a beautiful Cartier piece of jewelry for our anniversary on the day we arrived. I reached out to the Guest Experience team a few days before our arrival, and from that moment on, they went above and
10/10
“Excellent stay, would definitely stay here again.”
Everything! Clean rooms, big rooms, excellent service.
Not much - double espressos at the bar were quite pricey (2 for $50) , however perhaps expected at a nice hotel.
“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
Luxurious Manhattan Hotel at Central Park and 5th Avenue Opulent Rooms with 24-Karat Gold-Plated Fixtures Indulge in the lavish modern bathrooms at The Plaza, complete with exquisite 24-karat gold-plated fixtures and rejuvenating rain showers. The spacious and luxurious rooms offer a truly opulent experience for guests seeking the finest accommodations in…
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…
Rates are live for 2026-10-25, 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
