Gird your loins, ladies and gentlemen. In this day-and-age of independence, in a world filled with titles, I had the pleasure of meeting a real gem, right in the busy streets of New York City. Not just any old streets of the iconic Manhattan Island, but on Billionaires' Row. Prince A. Sanders is the managing director of an iconic, newly renovated, luxury hotel called The Park Lane Hotel. This luxurious property sits across the street from Central Park, steps away from the esteemed shopping venues of 5th Avenue, such as Bergdorf Goodman, Mikimoto, Cartier, Tiffany & Co., Louis Vuitton, Chanel, Prada, and Bulgari, to name a few. The area is also teeming with iconic live entertainment venues like Lincoln Center, Carnegie Hall, and The Paris Movie theater. Guests are in no short supply of dining options, either. You have countless famous restaurants to choose from, such as the Russian Tea Room, Jean-Georges, and (my lunch time favorite) Avra Madison Avenue.
Prince was an integral part of the remodeling of the property. He wanted the space to be inviting to all—a challenge accomplished by combining the legacy elements the hotel is known for by the ultra wealthy that frequent the space, while also making the next generation of tastemakers feel welcome. Sanders was very hands-on when putting together his illustrious staff, a staff that is eager to serve guests for any occasion (staycation, vacation, wedding, or corporate event). A focus on making sure guests can have a complete experience on-property was also a big focus. Why leave the hotel when you have three bespoke restaurants on premises? The culinary offerings are curated by Scott Sartiano, hospitality magnate and founder of The Sartiano Group.
The 47-story, historical property, comprised of over 600 rooms & suites, is beautifully designed and is a smooth-running machine, led by Prince. His team is delightful and warmly greets you from the moment you step through the door.
Why is the focus on the man that is managing the property? Well, because leadership and presentation are everything. After two and a half years of off-and-on travel challenges, and the world being shut down, we all want to be taken care of. We want to feel invited, welcomed, and spoiled just a little. We have a newfound appreciation for customer service. We want kindness, elegance, glamor, and grace. We want a reason to dress up. We want a reason to explore the world because we had a long time to re-evaluate what really matters to us—experiences. We want to create memories that will bring us joy in this life, and into the next.
Prince is the man that promises to bring you joy and create wonderful experiences for every guest that walks into his doors at The Park Lane Hotel. Whether you’re coming to enjoy the exciting gastronomy created by his wonderful chef and their team, or enjoy the libations prepared by the attentive and engaging mixologist at any of the bars the hotel has, they are sure to awaken your spirits.
Or maybe you came to release the tension you’ve been experiencing by visiting the property on Thursdays, when DJ Cassidy Locke will have you dancing in your seat with no shame. The epic view of Central Park and the city skyline, combined with the brillant sounds of music, will erase any memory of stress you may have walked in with.
Prince Sanders has an extensive resume when it comes to hospitality. His background in the hotel industry, combined with his natural, artistic, creative, and well-traveled ethos, prepared him to command the attention he has been getting. Simply put, he has earned it authentically. He runs a tight ship, as I witnessed. There is a sense of loyalty and commitment his team has towards each other, and to him, that seems to make this property run seamlessly.
As you start to plan for holiday trips, Ramadan, and other spiritual journeys in 2023, we want you to consider putting The Park Lane Hotel on your list of properties to consider.
*All images photographed by of Hannah Soule Powderly.