Staying at the New York Athletic Club (NYAC)

Come for a wander with me at the most celebrated Athletics Club in the USA

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 September 2023]

Staying at the New York Athletic Club

The NYAC is a private social and athletic club in Manhattan. It was founded in 1868. Membership of its 8,600 members of men and women is by invitation only. 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 own overseas reciprocal membership rights from my Bangkok Sports Club. This literally opens the doors to a world and a marvellous New York stay, which would be impossible for me to access otherwise.

NYAC boasts world-class teams in wrestling, rowing, water polo, track and field, and judo, amongst others. Club members have won more than 270 Olympic medals over the years.

There is not much that would drag me away from my two weeks of attending the US Open Tennis.  However, I was happy to swap my room in Queens for a night and to walk in the footsteps of some of the greatest athletes in history. Well, why not?

Little Wandering Wren at NYAC

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 was I, thinking I was going to have a massively sporting weekend! 

Note to self, remember Labor Day weekend is a big holiday here in the US, even for world champions…

New York Athletic Club

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.

Lobby New York Athletic Club

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 center.  It is still showing signs of the Covid era, requesting members to wear masks, yes even in September 2023!

Communications Room NYAC
Communications Room

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 confirmed 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!

Lounge New York Athletic Club

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 short of staff, there is no one available to show me around.

Views of New York from NYAC
View from NYAC

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. 

Renovated Queen Room NYAC
Queen Guest Room in 2022

My tip is to book early and ask for a newly renovated room, preferably facing Central Park.

Compared with previous New York stays the room is spacious. 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, whilst getting ready for a night out. In the corner of the room is a large walk-in robe and 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 wifi is excellent, another big tick.

Room 1806 New York Athletics Club
Queen Guest room in 2023

Bathroom 7/10

The bathroom is basic but adequate. The toilet, wash basin, and simple shower are all enhanced by the Molton Brown toiletries.

Bathroom NYAC Renovated Queen room

STYLE 9/10

A stroll around the ornate 24-story club walking on the plush carpets, under huge chandeliers, and 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 from chess to backgammon to bridge and pool and snooker tables.

Games Room NYAC
Any one for a game of chess?

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 with a wander down the nearby 5th Avenue, a wonderful way to enjoy some shopping.

New York Buildings

SERVICE: 9/10

The staff are discrete.  They are not trained with the out-there, whoop, whoop ‘Welcome to America’ style that 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 a holiday weekend. 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 athletics 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.

Rooftop Bar at New York Athletic Club

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.

NYAC Running TrackGymnasium

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 different types of Group Fitness classes usually on offer from 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 the swimming had reopened after its renovations. It looks like an attractive, good-sized pool where you could normally enjoy the use of the jacuzzi, sauna, and steam room.

Boxing

There are two Boxing Rings open 6 am – 9 pm on Monday – Friday. You can also participate in Boxing Fitness classes.

NYAC Boxing
NYAC Boxing

Fencing and Wrestling

I never found the Fencing and Wrestling room as it is located in the basement, but they tell 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 the chance to play, socialise and improve.

Judo & Handball

NYAC prides itself as the bastion of handball which dates back through the generations. Judo is another sport where you can be a novice or a blackbelt.  

NYAC Champions RoomChampions Room

There is a whole area dedicated to NYAC club champions over the years, which is worth taking a look at.

FOOD & DRINK N/A

There was no food available except a ‘Grab and Go’ cafe open until 2 pm (check-in is at 3 pm) But hey, you’re in the city that never sleeps, this ain’t no 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 they have a fine dining room with a fabulous outlook over Central Park.

Dining room NYAC

I used the Grab and Go cafe which overlooks the swimming pool for breakfast. It had a good selection of pastries, croissants, and drinks.

Grab and Go New York Athletics Club 2023

Rooftop Bar

Rooftop Bar view NYAC
NYAC Rooftop Bar View of Central Park

Rooftop Bar view NYAC

You won’t get a better view of Central Park in all of New York!

We met quite a few other residents taking photos and were pleased to have captured some of their perfect jump photos. Meanwhile, 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!

Jump at the NYAC

Thank you Carol for showing me your corner of the world, I in return 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 really enjoyed my day trip to Travers Island, the summer home of the NYAC. They offer a bus direct to Travers Island, which is a lovely sports facility. The club facilities here include a saltwater swimming pool, yacht club, rowing house, and tennis courts, situated 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! Such a beautiful place!

VALUE FOR MONEY 9/10

A night here including coffee & yogurt 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, do note 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 been able to see 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!

New York Athletic Club
New York Athletic Club

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. 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!

Saks Fifth Avenue
Saks Fifth Avenue is just around the corner

The Details:

The New York Athletic Club and two facilities: the City House, located at 180 Central Park South in Manhattan; and Travers Island in Westchester County. Membership in the club 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 is 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 when I can join in some of the fitness classes. to go for an indoor run on their running track or to have a Manhatten cocktail at their rooftop bar.

Thank you so much for joining me for a wander with me here at the most celebrated Athletics Club in the USA. It was an absolute privilege to have had this opportunity to be staying at the New York Athletic Club (NYAC), whilst 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

lowcarbdiabeticJan -

Looks very nice indeed 🙂

All the best Jan

Reply
wrensrambles@gmail.com -

Thank you Jan, I really enjoyed staying here, it’s a fabulous location in New York.

Reply
Fun60 -

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

Reply
wrensrambles@gmail.com -

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!

Reply
Lisa Prendergast -

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.

Reply
wrensrambles@gmail.com -

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!

Reply
Inge Pincket -

Will definitely keep this place in mond when I finally visit New York. It looks amazing!

Reply

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