Baccarat Hotel New York Review: Luxurious Midtown Crystal Stay

The Baccarat Hotel New York, which opened in 2015 as the first hotel from the French crystal brand Baccarat, sits at 28 West 53rd Street in Midtown Manhattan. This review examines what makes the property distinct among Manhattan luxury hotels — from its 114 guest rooms designed by Gilles & Boissier to its Spa de La Mer and 18-meter bar counter — drawing on the official website, editorial reviews, and major booking platforms to clarify what travelers can actually expect. (The Points Guy)

Last checked: 2026-05-15

What’s special about the Baccarat Hotel NYC?

The property’s defining characteristic is its crystal-centric design. Baccarat chandeliers, stemware, and prism-like glass elements appear throughout — the Grand Salon alone contains more than a thousand Baccarat crystal pieces. The hotel’s interiors, by French firm Gilles & Boissier, layer these glittering accents against warm woods, marble, and custom furnishings. (The AU Review)

Guest rooms measure from 451 square feet for a Grand Classic King upward. Each includes Baccarat crystal stemware, a minibar, Dyson hair dryer, white marble bathrooms, and linens by Somma 1867. Floor-to-ceiling windows provide natural light — a deliberate contrast to the more traditional chandelier-lit public spaces. (Official site)

Crystal-inspired design as a differentiator

The integration of Baccarat’s 250-year crystal heritage is not merely decorative. The hotel uses a custom scent called 540 Bis, inspired by Baccarat Rouge 540, originally created for the brand’s 250th anniversary. The on-site boutique on 53rd Street sells Baccarat crystal items, extending the hospitality experience into retail.

The Bar’s 18-meter counter

The Bar features an 18-meter (59-foot) counter — one of the longest hotel bars in New York. Reviewers and booking platforms note its status as a draw for both guests and local visitors, with a design that mirrors the crystal focus through backlit glass displays and elaborate cocktail presentations. (The Hotel Journal)

Forbes Travel Guide recognition

Forbes Travel Guide recommends Baccarat Hotel New York, describing the property as having “glamorous public spaces, subtly luxurious guest rooms, splashy bars, and an ultra-luxury spa.” (Forbes Travel Guide)

Who owns the Baccarat Hotel in NYC?

Baccarat Hotel New York is owned by Starwood Capital Group, the global private investment firm founded by Barry Sternlicht. The property operates under a licensing agreement with Baccarat, the French crystal brand founded in 1764. (Preferred Hotels & Resorts)

This ownership structure explains certain operational decisions. As a Starwood Capital property, the hotel benefits from institutional backing and access to experienced hospitality management, while the Baccarat licensing agreement gives the property its signature design identity. The hotel is listed with Preferred Hotels & Resorts, an independent collection that allows properties to retain their individual branding while gaining global distribution.

Why is Baccarat Hotel so expensive?

Pricing at Baccarat Hotel New York places it firmly in the ultra-luxury segment, comparable to The St. Regis New York, The Peninsula, and The Plaza — all clustered around Fifth Avenue and Central Park. Editorial reviews consistently note that rates are among the highest in Midtown, though they vary significantly by season, room category, and booking channel.

What drives the premium

• Brand prestige: Baccarat is among the world’s most recognized luxury crystal names. The licensing fee is passed to guests.
• Prime location: 28 West 53rd Street places the hotel across from MoMA, within walking distance of Fifth Avenue shopping, Rockefeller Center, and Central Park.
• Materials & craftsmanship: Custom Baccarat crystal installations, marble bathrooms, custom furnishings by Gilles & Boissier, and in-room amenities like the 540 Bis scent system.
• Service ratio: The hotel markets a dedicated team of “Hosts” and maintains a high staff-to-guest ratio — a factor that consistently appears in positive TripAdvisor reviews. (TripAdvisor)
• Amenities bundle: Spa de La Mer, indoor heated saltwater pool, fitness center, The Bar, twice-daily housekeeping, city car service — all included.

Price range context

Because rates fluctuate by season and availability, no single price can be stated definitively. However, comparison sites and editorial reviews suggest standard room rates generally start well above $800 per night and increase significantly for suites. The hotel aligns its pricing with other top-tier Midtown properties rather than trying to undercut them. (HotelsCombined)

Does Baccarat have a hotel?

Yes. Baccarat Hotel New York, which opened in 2015, was the first — and as of early 2025, the only — hotel operating under the Baccarat brand. The property at 28 West 53rd Street remains the flagship and the most referenced in editorial and booking sources. (The Hotel Journal)

Baccarat has announced plans for additional properties globally, including in Mumbai. However, the New York location is currently the only operational hotel and the one most travelers can visit and book.

Room types overview

Pros and cons

Best for segments

Couples

Guest reviews frequently mention the romantic atmosphere, with the chandelier-lit public spaces, in-room Baccarat stemware, and the Bar’s intimate setting. The location near MoMA and Fifth Avenue provides easy access to date-night activities. One reviewer noted the hotel’s “private and romantic” ambiance. (TripAdvisor)

Business travelers

The hotel offers a business center, free Wi-Fi, and meeting spaces. Its Midtown location is convenient for corporate offices and Rockefeller Center. The twice-daily housekeeping and 24-hour fitness center suit professionals who value efficiency.

Luxury seekers

This is the core audience. The Baccarat is positioned for travelers who want the full luxury package: named designer, brand cachet, premium materials, and high service standards. The Points Guy review captured this: “a luxurious fever dream full of crystal, fancy cocktails, intriguing people, friendly service and a beautiful room.”

Solo travelers

The Bar’s long counter is conducive to solo dining, and the hotel’s central location makes walking or taking public transit easy. One editorial note observed that the hotel remains “relatively under-discussed among casual travelers,” which may appeal to privacy-conscious solo guests. (The Hotel Journal)

Pricing band

Because rates vary by season, room category, and lead time, no exact figures can be given. However, based on editorial reviews and booking platform data, the following band applies:

• Standard rooms (Grand Classic King/Twin): Typically well above $800 per night in peak season; lower in off-peak
• Suites: Significantly higher, often exceeding $2,000 per night
• Additional costs: Valet parking, airport shuttle, some F&B items
• Breakfast: May or may not be included depending on rate plan; confirm at booking

Comparison across multiple review sources suggests the hotel competes directly with The St. Regis New York and The Peninsula in pricing. It does not attempt to be a value option. (HotelsCombined)

Location and getting there

Baccarat Hotel New York is at 28 West 53rd Street, between Fifth and Sixth Avenues, directly across from the Museum of Modern Art (MoMA).

• Airports: LaGuardia (LGA) ~20-30 minutes by car; JFK ~45-60 minutes; Newark (EWR) ~30-45 minutes
• Subway: 5th Avenue/53rd Street station (E, M trains) is a 3-minute walk; 47-50th Streets-Rockefeller Center (B, D, F, M) is a 5-minute walk
• Walking: 5-minute walk to Rockefeller Center, 10 minutes to Times Square, 15 minutes to Central Park
• Car: Valet parking available at the hotel for an additional fee

Alternatives worth considering

Baccarat Hotel Miami

Baccarat operates a second property in Miami Beach, offering the same crystal-centric design philosophy but in a beachfront setting. It’s a natural alternative for travelers prioritizing a warm-weather experience under the same brand. (Official site)

The Greenwich Hotel, New York

Owned by actor Robert De Niro. This Tribeca property offers a different luxury proposition: more understated, less ornate, with a focus on artisanal materials and a residential feel. Rates are slightly lower than Baccarat.

Other Midtown ultra-luxury options

The St. Regis New York (Fifth Avenue), The Peninsula New York, and The Plaza are direct competitors. Each offers a different design language (classic, European, or traditional) but all occupy the same pricing tier and location cluster.

Our pick: Who should book the Baccarat Hotel New York

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