Time to get out of my tennis gear and find a smart frock. Why? I’m off to stay at one of New York’s most exclusive haunts, the New York Athletic Club (NYAC). And guess what? Despite NYAC’s self-proclamation as the world’s greatest athletics club, if you want to come in through the front door, you’d better be smart without your runners on! [Updated August 2024]
The NYAC is a private social and athletic club in Manhattan, founded in 1868. Membership is by invitation only for its 8,600 members, both men and women. One of the many perks is that it opens the doors to a worldwide network of reciprocal clubs.
Oh, the joy of joys this Little Wandering Wren scores a stay via my overseas reciprocal membership rights from my Bangkok Sports Club. This literally opens the doors to a world and a marvellous New York stay that would be impossible for me to access otherwise.
NYAC boasts world-class teams in wrestling, rowing, water polo, track and field, and judo, among other sports. Club members have won more than 270 Olympic medals over the years.
There was not much that would drag me away from my two weeks attending the US Open Tennis. However, I was happy to swap my room in Queens for a night and walk in the footsteps of some of the greatest athletes in history. Well, why not?
AMBIANCE & GREETING 8/10
I stayed at NYAC on the Labor Day holiday weekend, and surprisingly, even with the residential side of the club booked out, most recreational and sports activities were closed. Even the swimming pool was closed. There I was, thinking I was going to have a massively sporting weekend!
Note to self: Remember that Labor Day weekend is a big holiday here in the US, even for world champions…
ARRIVAL
Entry at NYAC means you’d better have the right credentials; otherwise, you won’t even get a ride through the impressive, whirly, brass revolving doors.
Once they have assessed you as legit, you will be welcomed with all the formal pleasantries and ‘Ma’am’ greetings as if they have royalty arriving. If you are anything like me, this will have you looking over your shoulder to see if they are talking to someone else!
It is all so strikingly American. I could almost be forgiven for thinking I had wandered into a part of the White House. It’s discretely, no, let’s say it’s dimly lit, which gives the impression of it being perfect for clandestine meetings. Oh if only the walls could speak, or the staff was available to tell me what is going on here. I would so love a history tour…
Two massive flags, a large red rug, and huge leather sofas impress with names and names written on the walls behind. For me, a Brit in the Big Apple, this is American perfection.
Cloakrooms and Communications Rooms
I arrive early as I’m off to meet a fellow blogger for Brunch. ‘Ma’am’ is invited to leave her overnight bag in the cloakroom and to enjoy a coffee and a newspaper in the Communications Room. The Comms room is one of the few places where phones and computers can be used within the building and is an impressive business centre.
Carol, my Blogger friend and a long-time New Yorker, arrives and is impressed. That is, once I answer her Facebook notification that she has arrived and confirm that I’ll be straight out. Only then does she feel confident enough to sit on a sofa under the steely gaze of the doorman, keen to validate her as permitted to enter! There is also a club policy about the use of mobile phones in public areas. We are happy that we were only texting!
CHECK-IN 8/10
I return at 4 pm, having had a wonderful time wandering the local area. It’s early days, but I’m already impressed with the shopping and museums within walking distance.
My room is ready and I’m given a key, collect my bags, and set off exploring. I would have loved a tour of the Club, but as I mentioned, this is a holiday weekend, and there is a shortage of staff, so no one is available to show me around.
Renovated Queen GUEST ROOM 9/10
Walking into room 1616 is a silent fist-pump moment. I like it. The styling is classically simple, not at all ostentatious, but with a relaxing vibe. They talk about it being a ‘home away from home” experience, and they’ve nailed it.
My tip is to book early and request a newly renovated room, preferably facing Central Park.
The room is spacious compared to previous New York stays. From my window, I have an outlook onto Midtown Manhattan with a glimpse of Central Park.
A chest of drawers with an ice bucket on top makes me smile! It is absolutely the sort of place where I wish I had a bottle of Champagne on ice while getting ready for a night out. In the corner of the room is a large walk-in robe, iron, and ironing board for all the proper attire you will need to bring with you! Bathrobes are available on request.
There is a desk with a Keurig coffee maker. You won’t find a kettle (yes, of course, I asked; I’m a Brit), but you’ll find a tea capsule. This wouldn’t fly in the UK as a proper cuppa, but we’ll forgive them here in the US. The Wi-Fi is excellent, another big tick.
Bathroom 7/10
The bathroom is basic but adequate. The toilet, wash basin, and simple shower are all enhanced by the Molton Brown toiletries.
Executive Suite Room
August 2024
We booked a suite that offered a king bed, a living area with a sofa bed, an ensuite bathroom, and a dressing room. At 450 sq. ft., it was a generous-sized room for New York. The room was extremely comfortable, with high-quality, if a tad old-fashioned, furnishings. The bathroom with a shower over the bath was rather tired-looking.
As we were using the sofa bed, we requested a suite with sliding doors to close off and separate the living area from the bedroom. I understand these are the unrenovated rooms at the moment. In the future, I would always ask for a renovated room.
STYLE 9/10
A stroll around the ornate 24-story club on the plush carpets, under huge chandeliers, past the winged-foot statue and glass-front closets stacked full of silver cups and trophies will surely impress.
I find plenty of rooms set up for different activities, such as chess, backgammon, bridge, pool, and snooker tables.
LOCATION: 10/10
Is there a better location in all of New York City? I loved it here. With Central Park across the road, I enjoyed a cycle ride around its vast city lungs the following morning.
Walking is one of the best ways to navigate the city. A stroll down the nearby 5th Avenue is a wonderful way to enjoy some shopping.
SERVICE: 9/10
The staff are discrete. They are not trained with the out-there, whoop, whoop ‘Welcome to America’ style I’ve received at some US hotel check-ins. However, other than the reception and concierge staff, there was not much opportunity to meet other staff members on holiday weekends. Apart from one doorman who had the job of informing me that I’d broken club rules by coming down to bike in Central Park in my gym clothes in the non-athletic lift!
On my return, I ask why an athletic club insists on making those in athletic clothes use a special lift and exit out the back door. It’s a silly question because I know the answer will be heritage and tradition, maintaining standards, or something along these lines!
I have to say all my questions were handled really politely.
FACILITIES
Given the holiday closures, I have not rated this area of the Club. However, an internal wander within the club offers a little peep into this important part of this sports club. Its athletics facilities are beyond compare.
Gymnasium
The impressive gym offers state-of-the-art bikes and treadmills, with all manner of cardio and weight training equipment. The area I loved the most was the indoor running track around a mezzanine floor above a full-sized basketball court.
Fitness and Wellbeing
The club offers everything from personal training sessions to thirteen types of group fitness classes, usually on offer, including spin, indoor cycling, stretch, five different types of yoga flow, and Pilates.
Swimming pool
Apparently, swimming pools are few and far between in NYC. Returning in 2023, I was happy to see that the swimming pool had reopened after being renovated. It looks like an attractive, good-sized pool where you could normally enjoy the jacuzzi, sauna, and steam room.
Boxing
Two boxing rings are open from 6 a.m. to 9 p.m., Monday through Friday. You can also participate in Boxing Fitness classes.
Fencing and Wrestling
I never found the Fencing and Wrestling room, which is located in the basement, but they told me again that their top-ranked instructors ensure that participants of all ages and abilities acquire the essential skills.
Squash & Racquetball
The beauty of this area is that it offers everyone, from newbie novices to nationally ranked players, the chance to play, socialise, and improve.
Judo & Handball
NYAC prides itself on being the bastion of handball, which dates back through the generations. Judo is another sport in which you can be a novice or a blackbelt.
Champions Room
There is a whole area dedicated to NYAC club champions over the years, which is worth exploring. It was exciting visiting just after the Paris Olympics in August 2024, as there were tributes to the Club Athletes and the Olympic medals
FOOD & DRINK N/A due to the Labor Day holiday
There was no food except a ‘Grab and Go’ cafe open until 2 p.m. (check-in is at 3 p.m.). But hey, you’re in the city that never sleeps, so this isn’t a big tragedy!
I did take a wander to see the closed dining rooms. They have a reputation for fine dining, and I can certainly report that they have a fine dining room with a fabulous view of Central Park.
I went to the Grab and Go cafe, which overlooks the swimming pool for breakfast. It had a good selection of pastries, croissants, and drinks.
Food Update in August 2024
What a difference coming outside the holiday weekend makes! The club was so busy that the rooftop bar was at capacity for sunset. Luckily, we had pre-booked dinner at the Tap Room as the Main Dining Room was closed until after Labor Day.
The Tap Room was busy, a place to linger and enjoy the club atmosphere. The food was fine—not fine dining, but plenty good enough for us Brits jet-fresh from England.
Breakfast 2024
Breakfast was not included in our room rate. We found ourselves back at the Tap Room overlooking Central Park. I liked this meal, possibly more for the sheer excitement of being in New York than the quality of the food.
Rooftop Bar
Rooftop Bar view NYAC
You won’t get a better view of Central Park in all of New York!
We met several other residents taking photos and were pleased to have captured some of their perfect jump photos. Meanwhile, as hard as Carol and I tried, we realised our athletic skills were not quite at the World Champion levels of some of the other guests!
You can find us in action here on TikTok. Oh, we did have fun!
Thank you, Carol, for showing me your corner of the world. I was happy to show you a view of Central Park you had not seen before.
More of Carol’s life in New York and beyond can be found here at Buttercup Counts Her Blessings.
TRAVERS ISLAND
I enjoyed my day trip to Travers Island, the summer home of the NYAC. They offer a bus direct to Travers Island, a lovely sports facility. The club facilities include a saltwater swimming pool, yacht club, rowing house, and tennis courts on 33 acres of landscaped grounds. I was here for the Labor Day BBQ which was well attended, I can see where New Yorkers go when they want to escape the city! It’s such a beautiful place!
VALUE FOR MONEY 9/10
A night here, including coffee & yoghurt for breakfast at the Grab & Go cafe, was just over $230 USD (2023) with an upgraded room (thanks so much!), a fabulous price for this part of New York.
However, note that this does not take into account the cost of Club membership, which involves joining fees and monthly fees.
OVERALL N/A
I decided not to rate this stay overall as I had not seen the Club fully operational due to the Labor Day holiday weekend. But suffice to say I can’t wait to head back here and see the club when things are in full swing!
Dress Code:
Beware of the Dress Code! Athletic attire may only be worn in athletic areas of the building.
Gentlemen—Jackets are optional in most areas. You should wear slacks, a collared shirt, and dress shoes. Shirts must be tucked in.
Ladies – Business suits, tailored pants or skirt ensembles, and dresses. Spandex, open midriffs, halter tops, leggings, denim, and extremely short hemlines (more than 3” above the knee, as a guideline) are not permitted.
Main Dining Room / Cocktail Lounge – Gentlemen must wear a jacket and collared shirt. Ties are optional.
The following are never appropriate – Jeans, T-shirts, sneakers, and flip-flops are prohibited.
However do not fret if you come a tad underprepared for NYAC, Fifth Avenue is just around the corner with its shopping galore opportunities!
The Details:
The New York Athletic Club has two facilities: the City House at 180 Central Park South in Manhattan and Travers Island in Westchester County. Membership is by invitation only.
Website: www.nyac.org
Final thoughts
I thoroughly enjoyed the location, the room, and the great value of my stay. As I love history, I am sure there would have been so much more to share had someone been available to give me a tour of the facilities. It would be fabulous to return when the restaurant is open and I can join in some of the fitness classes, go for an indoor run on their running track, or have a Manhatten cocktail at their rooftop bar.
Thank you so much for joining me to wander at the USA’s most celebrated Athletics Club. It was an absolute privilege to have had this opportunity to stay at the New York Athletic Club (NYAC) while in New York.
If you liked this, you might enjoy our stay at another one of our reciprocal clubs: Stay Review: Lansdowne Club London, UK.
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7 comments
Looks very nice indeed 🙂
All the best Jan
Thank you Jan, I really enjoyed staying here, it’s a fabulous location in New York.
I am very jealous. I walked past the club when I was in New York and wondered what it was like inside. Thanks for showing me around as I’ll never have the opportunity of staying there
Thank you for coming on a virtual tour with me, yes we feel very fortunate to be able to enjoy a stay here!
Have a lovely day!
I am a member who lives only several block away from the Club. In my ten year experience, the Club exists primarily to bring value to male members and even they are inconvenienced quite a lot with the always inconvenient hours, especially around certain holidays. Even with the first female President in !50 years, Room Service only recently lost was not brought back. I would recommend the stunning views and service at The Marriott Essex House, just next door. Many of the members go here when they cannot get in to the AC. Lisa Prendergast, Member since 2012.
Hello Lisa, Thank you so much for your comment. It is lovely to have the opinions of a Club Member. I am pleased to hear you have a female President and fully understand that old traditions die hard in these clubs, I can see this in our own club too. I shall certainly check out the Marriott Essex Club on my next visit, I imagine their views are equally as stunning. Have a lovely day!
Will definitely keep this place in mond when I finally visit New York. It looks amazing!