I have always appreciated old world history and amazing attention to detail and style. Immediately after walking into the Baccarat Hotel, the distinct smell of a signature perfume greets you with a welcoming invitation. Having a memorable smell is a detail I can appreciate; certain scents can trigger memories. The experiences that I have had, related to The Baccarat Hotel have created so many incredible memories worth revisiting from time to time. I love the Baccarat Rouge 540 fragrance, created in a collaboration with world class, perfumer, Francis Kurkdjian. I purchased a bottle just to spray it in my bedroom, bathroom or office so I can get that NYC luxury hotel experience. Just the hint of the scent can bring back the memory of designing one of my creations in the hotel room and inspire me to explore it further.
The Baccarat brand was created over 250 years ago in France by order of King Louis XV. It has teamed with celebrities of film and music to bring this iconic brand into the modern era and to keep its relevance. From its foundation in mirror and glass making to the creation of chandeliers, hotels and even a fragrance collaboration, Baccarat has captured the imagination of those who see it. The Baccarat Hotel in Manhattan doesn’t stray form the brands level of quality.
The entrance to this hotel is a subtle one, but it quickly escalates as you step off the elevator into Le Grand Salon room filled entirely with Baccarat crystal. Overall, the hotel has over 8000 glasses made of Baccarat crystal. When I arrive in NYC, which is usually in the evening, I love to unwind in Le Bar or Le Petit Salon. These are excellent spaces to enjoy a drink or a meal. My favorite dish to order is called the Cheese and Charcuterie paired with a glass of burgundy. The selection of drinks and food are diverse, with something for everyone with good taste. My suggestion is to always order “The Grilled Hanger Steak.” The heirloom lentils and celeriac puree that come with it are the perfect comfort food after a long day.
In the main floor of the hotel, hang some of the most beautiful chandeliers I have seen, made exclusively of Baccarat crystal. There are 17 chandeliers in the hotel, all Baccarat and one that is made of wood. It is such a relaxing feeling to enjoy a drink under such luxurious craftsmanship. Matthieu, the wine director, quickly became a dear friend over all my stays here. If you like to watch a bottle of champagne get sabered, then just ask him. We discuss wine, champagne and burgundy, often over laughs and shared experiences. He has plenty of knowledge that compliments an outstanding wine list, a detail that can create a memorable experience. And of course, each decanter and glass is the heavy pure Baccarat crystal.
The detail of Baccarat extends to each room, including Baccarat glasses in the bathroom. The rooms are very detailed and have spared no expense in the details to ensure a comfortable and unforgettable stay. Their presidential suite was creatively designed with each element thoroughly thought out and executed perfectly, from the fox fur chair in the bedroom to the beautiful view of NYC I get sitting at the desk while I work on the new designs and concepts for CCCXXXIII.
The beds are so comfortable and the bed linens are high quality like I have at home.
My room had a romantic, yet homey, feeling like a high-end upper east side penthouse. The lighting and décor are by far some of the best in city. Most of my design meetings in NYC take place in my suite, so it is nice when you can be comfortable while getting things done. We can easily plow through deadlines and projects list while we drink still water from Baccarat crystal glasses as we stare out into Manhattan through the oversize, floor to ceiling windows in pure luxury and comfort.
The Baccarat Hotel in Manhattan is a hotel recommendation I can feel confident in giving to anyone who is looking for a luxurious and memorable experience while in New York City. This is truly one of the very best hotels I have visited in New York in the past 15 years. The design and functionality of the rooms creates an environment unlike others, and it’s a place that I look forward to returning to time after time while on my travels, for both business and pleasure.