The J.W. Marriott Essex House at 160 Central Park South is a distinguished 43-story Art Deco tower designed by Frank Grad that opened in 1931. Originally called Park Tower and later Seville Towers, this iconic building is instantly recognizable by its six-story-high red neon rooftop sign that has crowned the structure since 1932. The beige brick tower features numerous setbacks and attractive Art Deco decorative elements at its base, along with an impressive lobby that extends through to 58th Street, complete with distinctive black marble columns and handsome Art Deco elevator cab doors.
The building operates as both a luxury hotel and residential condominium, housing approximately 247 residential units on floors 19-39 and 509 hotel rooms. Notably, it became the first condo hotel tower in NYC in 1974 during its initial conversion. The property has changed hands multiple times, with Strategic Hotels and Resorts currently owning it and contracting Marriott International to operate the hotel portion. Over the years, the Essex House has attracted notable residents including George Burns, Bing Crosby, David Bowie, Iman, and Liam Gallagher, with one legendary recording artist finding inspiration in the spectacular park views.
Residential apartments at the Essex House are known for their generous room sizes and unique layouts, with no two units being identical. Many feature expansive living spaces, with some boasting 28-foot-long dining rooms, 27-foot-long living rooms, and impressive terraces up to 48 feet long. Higher-floor units offer unobstructed Central Park views through floor-to-ceiling windows, while several apartments include distinctive features like solariums, bay windows, and private terraces. The building's apartments range from one-bedroom units to expansive three-bedroom homes spanning over 2,300 square feet, many with multiple bathrooms and sophisticated finishes including marble countertops, custom cabinetry, and high-end appliances.
Residents enjoy full access to five-star hotel services, including 24-hour room service, concierge service, housekeeping, a spa and fitness center, valet parking, and the award-winning Southgate restaurant. The building permits short-term rentals with a 30-day minimum, making it attractive to investors and pied-à-terre owners. Located in one of Manhattan's most prestigious blocks between Sixth and Seventh Avenues, the Essex House offers proximity to Carnegie Hall, Lincoln Center, Fifth Avenue shopping, and the Time Warner Center, with utilities typically included in common charges.
View school info, local attractions, transportation options & more.
Experience amazing 3D aerial maps and fly throughs.
Notable past and present residents at J.W. Marriott Essex House
Broker & Buyer Comments