Thompson Central Park: A New York City Gem

A pillar of New York City travel has undergone a splendid transformation. What was the Le Parker Meridien hotel for nearly 40 years is now the sophisticated Thompson Central Park. Although the extensive renovations have rendered the hotel nearly unrecognizable, one essential element has been preserved.

The Iconic Burger Joint

The Burger Joint, a beloved, hole-in-the-wall restaurant adorned with graffiti and wood-paneled walls, remains untouched. This New York City institution exclusively serves burgers and fries and consistently earns a spot on citywide ‘Best Of’ dining lists.

A Perfect Dining Experience

With its no-frills approach and flavorful, unapologetically greasy menu, Burger Joint stands out amid the high-rise office towers and upscale hotels. The restaurant’s hidden location, obscured by a curtain, is marked only by a neon cheeseburger sign. If the sign is illuminated, Burger Joint is open for business. Its influence on the New York City dining scene is notable—consider Shake Shack, which opened shortly after and now operates 19 locations in Manhattan, showcasing a resemblance to the famous neon sign.

Transformative Renovations at Thompson Central Park

Following a change in ownership in 2019 that briefly altered the hotel’s branding to The Parker, it was reimagined as a Hyatt during the pandemic. The Thompson Central Park now unveils 350 of its nearly 600 rooms, with the remaining rooms expected to be available in spring 2022, alongside updated conference spaces.

Elegant Room Designs

The revitalized lobby and check-in area exude elegance, while the redesigned rooms are adorned with teal, blue, and green hues paired with gold-tone hardware. Each room features the signature “Thompson bed,” characterized by a white duvet with a navy border stripe. Unique musical-themed objects, such as a vintage-style radio alarm clock, coffee table books, and wall art, pay homage to the hotel’s proximity to Broadway and Carnegie Hall.

Important Location Details

Guests should verify the address when planning to visit this hotel. The Thompson Central Park, now a Hyatt property, was previously known as Le Parker Meridien. Interestingly, there is another relatively new Le Meridien hotel, a Marriott property that opened in 2019, located just a block away. Therefore, careful mapping of your arrival is essential.