First JW Marriott Opens In New York City

The JW Marriott Essex House, the first JW Marriott in New York City, has opened on Central Park South. The 509-room Art Deco-style hotel includes the restaurant South Gate, the former restaurant of Jumeirah Essex House, and The Tavern, an American bar with a 700-bottle wine list.

A new executive chef, Achilles Poliviou, whose previously appointment was at the Marriott in Brooklyn, is running the South Gate kitchen. South Gate is an American restaurant with a seasonal menu comprised of locally sourced ingredients.

The hotel, which was the tallest tower in Manhattan when it opened in 1931, also includes meeting space, a spa, and a fitness center. An executive center will open in 2013. The hotel is appointed with fine art exhibitions from Christie's, and nutritious options from Keri Glassman are featured on the hotel's menus.

Lauren Mack is the Travel Editor at The Daily Meal. Follow her on Twitter @lmack.