Walking in to the hotel, the entrance has walls of Baccarat crystal glasses with lights inside of them, creating a dance strobe-like effect on the walls. You also smell something beautiful, the signature scent created specifically for Baccarat, which I’m sure they pump through the air vents to create the illusion you are staying in a flower garden. You take the elevator up to the lobby on the second floor where you walk into their Grand Salon: three rooms separated by giant Baccarat crystal doors or walls. There are grand bouquets of roses on every other table accompanied by little Baccarat crystal glasses, even the basic water glasses are made of Baccarat crystal. Enormous crystal chandeliers hang from the ceilings adorned with little ruby detailing, the rarest form of crystal that can be made. I do not exaggerate when I say that anything that could be made of crystal at this hotel, is made of Baccarat crystal. Also, did I mention that the wallpaper was made of silk?
By any standard, their lowest-level bedrooms are very large, but by New York City hotel standards, their showers are HUGE! It is rare to find rainforests showers and a soaking tub in the bathroom without having to pay a million extra bucks. The four-post beds are insanely fluffy and comfortable, and the TV is located in a giant mirror in front of your bed. The room comes stocked with the latest in technology, including your own private butler app in which you can close the blinds, order room service, and turn off all the lights just from your phone.
The hotel has three wining and dining options. You can choose to eat in the Grand Salon, which I definitely recommend going at tea time for scones and tea sandwiches or during their wine tasting hour. The Bar feels like Moulin Rouge meets Alice in Wonderland. It’s quirky and fun and ridiculous in all the right ways, not to mention their cocktail pack a mean punch! Their downstairs restaurant, Chevalier, was rated one of the top new hottest restaurants in New York City for 2015. I recommend dining at the Chef’s Table for a 15-course meal of utter perfection.
When designing the Baccarat Hotel, management told the interior designers only two words, “implosion” and “explosion”. The hotel is a masterpiece and must be seen to be believed. However, for being as high-class as it is, the hotel is not stuffy or snooty because they do not believe in turning down patrons who would like to come up for a drink even if they’re not wearing Prada or Tom Ford. The Baccarat has set a new standard for class in New York City.
Photographs courtesy of the property.
