Essex Hotel: JW Marriott Essex House History, Cost & Guests

The JW Marriott Essex House is a Art Deco landmark that has hosted presidents, entertainers, and generations of travelers since 1931. This guide examines what makes the Essex House famous, who has stayed there, what it costs to book a room, and how it compares to other Central Park South properties. All factual claims draw from official hotel records, historic registries, and verified review platforms.

Last checked: 2026-05-26

Hotel Name: JW Marriott Essex House · Address: 160 Central Park South, New York, NY · Architecture: Art Deco · Year Opened: 1931 · Notable Feature: Overlooks Central Park

JW Marriott Essex House: Key Facts at a Glance

1 Historic Designation

• Listed on the National Register of Historic Places and designated a New York City landmark (Historic Hotels of America)

2 Location

• Directly across from Central Park at 160 Central Park South, New York, NY 10019 (Marriott (official hotel site))

3 Notable Guests

• Includes former U.S. Attorney General John N. Mitchell, Eleanor Roosevelt, Frank Sinatra, and Saturday Night Live cast members (Historic Hotels of America)

What is Essex hotel?

The JW Marriott Essex House New York is a luxury Art Deco hotel occupying a 43-story building at 160 Central Park South. Construction began the day after the Wall Street Crash of 1929, and the hotel opened to guests in late 1931 during the Great Depression. Designed by Frank Grad & Sons, the building reaches 463 feet (141 meters) and combines approximately 537 hotel rooms with about 200 residential units. The facade features limestone up to the third floor and beige brick above, characteristic of early 1930s New York Art Deco design.

The hotel underwent major renovations in 1991, 2006, and 2023 to modernize guest facilities while preserving Art Deco character (BuildingsDB). Today, the property operates under Marriott International’s luxury JW Marriott brand, offering amenities including complimentary Wi-Fi, a 24-hour front desk, concierge service, and the signature Bourbon Steak New York restaurant by chef Michael Mina. The hotel participates in the Marriott Bonvoy loyalty program, allowing point redemptions and elite member benefits.

Location and Setting

The hotel’s address—160 Central Park South, New York, NY 10019—places it directly across from the southern edge of Central Park. This positioning offers unobstructed views of the park and places guests within walking distance of Fifth Avenue shopping, Broadway theaters, and Midtown Manhattan business districts. Check-in time is 4:00 pm, and check-out is at 11:00 am, with a minimum check-in age of 18 years.

Brand Affiliation

The Essex House has passed through several brand iterations since its opening. Marriott acquired the property in the late 1960s and operated it as “Marriott’s Essex House” until approximately 1985. From 1999 to 2006, it operated as “Essex House – A Westin Hotel” under Starwood management. Between 2006 and 2012, Dubai-based Jumeirah Group branded it “Jumeirah Essex House.” Since then, it has carried the JW Marriott luxury designation.

What this means: The Essex House’s multi-brand history reflects its premium real estate value and the competitive luxury hotel market along Central Park South. Current JW Marriott branding signals a focus on high-end leisure and business travelers.

Why is the Essex House famous?

The Essex House earned its reputation through a combination of architectural significance, high-profile guests, and cultural associations spanning nearly a century.

History of the Essex House

The hotel’s origin story is intertwined with the Great Depression. Original owners went bankrupt during the economic crisis, leading the U.S. Reconstruction Finance Corporation to take ownership for approximately 15 years. Sterling National Bank and Trust Company later purchased the property before selling to Marriott in the late 1960s. This early adversity gave the Essex House what Historic Hotels of America describes as “the inauspicious ghost of the Great Depression”—a founding narrative that contrasts with the property’s subsequent aura of glamour.

Architectural Significance

The Art Deco skyscraper has been classified as a New York historical hotel since 1931. Major restoration campaigns occurred in 1991, 2006, and 2023, preserving its architectural heritage while updating guest facilities. The building is served by 12 elevators and maintains the distinctive limestone-and-brick facade that defines its era.

Role in Film and Popular Culture

The Essex House gained national visibility through its association with NBC’s Saturday Night Live. During a certain period, SNL’s longtime announcer Don Pardo would declare at the end of each episode: “Guests of Saturday Night Live stay at the Marriott’s Essex House!” This on-air endorsement made the hotel the de facto accommodation for the show’s talent, cementing its place in American pop culture.

The hotel also hosted former U.S. Attorney General John N. Mitchell during the 1970s, while reporters Carl Bernstein and Bob Woodward were investigating the Watergate scandal—a connection that linked the Essex House to one of America’s most significant political crises.

The implication: The Essex House’s fame derives not just from its architecture or amenities, but from its role as a backdrop for American cultural and political moments across multiple decades.

What famous people stayed at Essex House?

Historic Hotels of America notes that the Essex House has hosted “many celebrities” over nearly 90 years, with a particularly notable relationship with television and entertainment figures.

Notable Residents and Visitors

Beyond the SNL connection, the hotel’s guest registry includes luminaries such as Eleanor Roosevelt and Frank Sinatra. The property’s proximity to Carnegie Hall and the Broadway theater district made it a natural choice for visiting entertainers and visiting dignitaries throughout the mid-20th century.

Presidential Guests

While not an official presidential residence, the Essex House has accommodated numerous political figures conducting business in New York. The Watergate-era stay by John N. Mitchell, while controversial, demonstrates the hotel’s appeal to those requiring discretion and security.

Entertainment Icons

SNL cast members and producers formed a significant guest contingent, particularly during the show’s early decades. The hotel’s status as a neutral, Manhattan-based venue made it ideal for entertainers traveling between coasts or seeking privacy away from Los Angeles.

The pattern: The Essex House’s celebrity guest history reflects its positioning as a sophisticated, Manhattan-adjacent property rather than a Hollywood resort, attracting those who valued proximity to Midtown business, theater, and media operations.

How much does it cost to stay at Essex House?

Pricing at the JW Marriott Essex House varies significantly based on season, room category, and demand patterns.

Average Nightly Rates

Standard room cash rates at the JW Marriott Essex House can be high for the brand, according to analysis by Prince of Travel. Better relative value is typically available when redeeming Marriott Bonvoy points or during low-demand periods. Independent reviewers on YouTube and travel blogs frequently mention additional destination or facility fees that can substantially increase the effective nightly rate beyond the base room price.

Seasonal Variations

Like most Central Park South properties, the Essex House commands premium rates during peak New York tourism seasons—particularly the winter holiday period, spring, and fall foliage season. Summer months and late summer through early fall often see relatively lower rates, though this varies year to year.

Room Categories

The property offers various room configurations, with suites described by Tripadvisor reviewers as “large by New York standards.” The mix of hotel rooms and individually owned residential units means some accommodations may differ in layout and furnishings depending on the specific unit.

The trade-off: The Essex House occupies a premium price point that reflects its Central Park South location, historic character, and JW Marriott branding. Travelers seeking the best value may find point redemptions more favorable than cash rates during high-demand periods.

Essex House Specification Table

Attribute	Details
Hotel Name	JW Marriott Essex House New York
Address	160 Central Park South, New York, NY 10019, USA
Architecture	Art Deco (Frank Grad & Sons)
Year Opened	1931
Building Height	463 feet (141 meters)
Floors	43
Room Count	Approximately 537 hotel rooms
Residential Units	Approximately 200
Check-in Time	4:00 pm
Check-out Time	11:00 am
Minimum Check-in Age	18 years
Notable Feature	Overlooks Central Park; iconic rooftop sign installed 1932

Pros and Cons of Staying at Essex House

Advantages

• Prime Central Park South location with direct park views
• Historic Art Deco architecture with preserved period details
• Participation in Marriott Bonvoy loyalty program
• Signature Bourbon Steak New York restaurant on site
• Smoke-free environment with complimentary Wi-Fi
• 24-hour concierge and front desk service

Considerations

• Premium pricing compared to other JW Marriott properties
• Additional destination or facility fees beyond room rate
• Mixed guest reviews regarding room condition and service consistency
• Limited on-site dining options beyond Bourbon Steak
• Historic building may have smaller standard rooms compared to newer constructions

Pricing Band Overview

The JW Marriott Essex House occupies the luxury tier of the New York hotel market. Based on available review data and platform observations:

• Budget indicator: Not applicable—this is a luxury property
• Mid-range indicator: Moderate value during off-peak periods with point redemptions
• Luxury indicator: Cash rates during peak seasons command premium pricing

Guests should budget for potential additional fees including destination fees, resort charges, or parking (if applicable) when calculating total stay cost.

Location and Getting There

The hotel’s position at 160 Central Park South places it squarely in one of Manhattan’s most prestigious neighborhoods. The nearest subway stations provide access to multiple lines, and the property is served by the N and R trains at the 57th Street station, as well as the F train at the 57th Street station.

For guests arriving by air, the hotel is approximately 45-60 minutes by car from John F. Kennedy International Airport and 30-45 minutes from LaGuardia Airport, depending on traffic conditions. Newark Liberty International Airport is approximately 60-75 minutes away.

The surrounding area offers abundant dining, shopping, and cultural options. Fifth Avenue luxury retailers, the Museum of Modern Art, and Central Park attractions are within walking distance.

Alternatives Near Central Park

Hotel	Details
The Plaza	Located at 768 Fifth Avenue; established 1907; full-service luxury with residential components
The Ritz-Carlton New York Central Park	At 50 Central Park South; opened 1930; traditional luxury with Central Park views
Park Hyatt New York	Situated at 153 West 57th Street; contemporary luxury property within Carnegie Hall tower

Each competing property offers distinct advantages in location, brand positioning, and amenities. The Essex House distinguishes itself through its Art Deco heritage and association with American entertainment history.

Our Pick Recommendation

For travelers prioritizing historic character, Central Park access, and a narrative-rich Manhattan experience, the JW Marriott Essex House delivers on its legacy. The property appeals particularly to:

• Luxury travelers seeking a distinctive Art Deco experience rather than a generic modern hotel
• History enthusiasts interested in New York’s architectural and cultural heritage
• Couples looking for romantic Central Park proximity with upscale amenities
• Marriott Bonvoy members who can leverage points redemptions for better value than cash rates

Those primarily seeking modern design or the newest amenities may find newer properties more aligned with their preferences.

Related reading: Hotel Concorde Montparnasse, Paris: Reviews & Key Facts · Shanghai Hotels: Complete Neighborhoods & Booking Guide

Additional sources

youtube.com

Frequently Asked Questions

Does the Essex House have a pool?

Based on available property information, the JW Marriott Essex House does not feature an on-site swimming pool. The hotel focuses on its signature restaurant, concierge services, and historic guest rooms rather than pool facilities.

What afternoon tea options are available at the Essex House?

The property’s Bourbon Steak New York restaurant by Michael Mina offers dining services. Afternoon tea offerings should be confirmed directly with the hotel as menu details vary seasonally.

What is the 10/5 rule in hotels?

The 10/5 rule is a hospitality service guideline suggesting that staff should acknowledge guests from 10 feet away with a smile and greet them verbally from 5 feet. This standard is commonly referenced in luxury hotel training.

Does the Essex House participate in Marriott Bonvoy?

Yes. The JW Marriott Essex House participates in Marriott Bonvoy, allowing guests to earn and redeem points and access elite member benefits consistent with the JW Marriott brand tier.

What is the most stolen hotel item?

Towels and robes are commonly cited among the most frequently taken items from hotels globally. This statistic reflects industry-wide patterns rather than practices specific to the Essex House.

Sources Cited

• Marriott (official hotel site)
• Historic Hotels of America
• BuildingsDB
• Prince of Travel
• Travel Guys
• Tripadvisor