The Central at 5th, a Hilton Club Review: Steps from Rockefeller Center

The Central at 5th, a Hilton Club Review shares my experience staying at one of Hilton Club’s most convenient New York City locations. As Hilton Club members, we’ve stayed at other properties in the city – including The Residences and The Hilton Club – so I was eager to see how this compared.

Located on East 48th Street and Fifth Avenue, The Central at 5th couldn’t be in a better spot. Rockefeller Center, St. Patrick’s Cathedral, Saks Fifth Avenue, Museum of Modern Art (MOMA), and Bryant Park are just steps away. Times Square and the theater district are an easy walk, too, making it a great choice for both sightseeing and evening shows.

In this review, I’ll share what we liked about the property, what could be improved, and who might enjoy staying here most. Whether you’re planning a weekend getaway or a longer stay, you’ll get a clear idea of what to expect from The Central at 5^th, a Hilton Club.

Disclosure:  Some of the links below are affiliate links.  If you make a purchase using one of the links, we may earn a commission, at no additional cost to you.  Please see our Disclaimer for additional information.

Location and First Impressions

The Central at 5^th, a Hilton Club, is perfectly located on East 48^th Street and Fifth Avenue – right in the heart of Midtown Manhattan. You can easily walk to many of the main attractions.

Getting to the property is simple. We took the train into Penn Station and walked about 25 minutes to the hotel. It’s also convenient to Grand Central Station, located at 42^nd Street and Park Avenue, which connects to several subway lines including the 4, 5, 6, 7, and S (42^nd Street Shuttle).

If you prefer the subway, the 47–50 Streets Rockefeller Center station at 48^th and 6^th Avenue is just a block and a half away. Here you will find the B, D, and F trains during the weekday and the M train on weekdays until late evening.

Parking

Parking in this area can be tricky since there’s no on-site parking for the property. The hotel recommends Metropolis Parking at 38 West 46^th Street (between 5^th and 6^th Avenue). Valet service costs between $70 and $80 per 24 hours, depending on vehicle size, and you should allow 30–45 minutes for car delivery.

Check-In

We arrived a bit earlier than the 4:00 p.m. check-in time and were pleasantly surprised to find our room ready. The lobby felt fresh and modern, with a comfortable sitting area and access to an outdoor patio. The concierge and business center are located nearby, making it easy to get help or print any last-minute documents.

Check-in was smooth and the staff were incredibly welcoming. They provided a city guide, a map, and a list of recommendations for nearby restaurants. Since it was our first stay at this property, as Hilton Club owners, we were greeted with a thoughtful gift – a half bottle of Prosecco and a box of chocolate truffles. It was such a nice touch! The concierge was also proactive, offering to help with dinner reservations and local tips.

Room Overview – The Central at 5th, a Hilton Club Review

We stayed in a Studio Standard room – number 1202 – at The Central at 5th, a Hilton Club. At 272 square feet, it’s slightly smaller than the studios we’ve stayed in at The Hilton Club (296 sq. ft.) and The Residences (292 sq. ft.), but it still offered a comfortable layout. While the space did feel compact, it was thoughtfully designed, and we were able to move around easily. If you want more room, the property also offers larger studios and one-bedroom suites.

Our king-size bed was very comfortable, but the pillows were too soft for me. The room included a chair-and-a-half with a small table, a bureau with drawers, and a desk area with a chair, making it easy to unpack and stay organized.

A mini-fridge and Keurig coffee maker with k-cups and condiments added convenience, especially for early mornings. The display shelf held glasses, an ice bucket, and a wine opener – handy touches that made the space feel complete.

Lighting was excellent throughout the room, including lamps with outlets and USB ports on both sides of the bed. The room-darkening shades are controlled by a wall panel near the thermostat.  There is also a light switch for the display shelf lighting. We appreciated that extra attention to comfort, especially for sleeping.

Despite being near the elevators, the room was quiet – no loud dings or hallway noise. At night, we only heard the usual faint city sounds like distant sirens. There’s also extra storage under the bed, perfect for keeping suitcases out of the way.

Overall, the Studio Standard was just right for our weekend stay. It offered everything we needed for a short city visit, with a clean, modern design and smart use of space.

Bathroom and Amenities

The bathroom in our Studio Standard was a good size and well-designed for a compact city room. It featured a walk-in shower with strong water pressure and plenty of hot water – always a plus after a full day in Midtown.

The Crabtree & Evelyn toiletries included shampoo, conditioner, and body wash in the shower, along with a bar of soap at the sink, which we prefer over the liquid version. Additional amenities such as hand lotion, a vanity kit, shower cap, makeup remover, and mouthwash were also provided.

One standout feature was the Washlet bidet toilet with a heated seat – a nice luxury touch. The control panel is mounted on the right side of the toilet rather than operated by a panel on the wall, which is how the other Hilton Club properties we’ve stayed at have it set up.

Inside the closet, we found thoughtful extras including two bathrobes, a Conair 1875 hair dryer, an umbrella, an ironing board, a steam iron, and a safe. Everything was in excellent condition and easy to locate.

There was, however, one small quirk we noticed with the lighting set up. Upon entering the studio, two switches were located on the right side of the entryway. The first switch-controlled power to the bathroom, and the second controlled the main room lighting. If the first switch was turned off, the bathroom lights wouldn’t work – a small but slightly confusing detail at first.

Overall, the bathroom and amenities were well-equipped, clean, and comfortable, providing a few upscale touches that made our stay feel just a bit more refined.

Hotel Features and Amenities

The Central at 5th, a Hilton Club, offers a variety of thoughtful features and services designed for both convenience and relaxation. The property includes a business center in the lobby, a 24-hour fitness center on the second floor, and two outdoor patios, including a heated area for cooler weather.

One highlight is the Owner’s Lounge, exclusive to deeded owners of the property. It’s open daily from 7 a.m. to 11 p.m. and was consistently well-maintained during our visit. Staff were always on hand to replenish refreshments and keep the area tidy.

You can enjoy hot beverages, water, soda, and cookies throughout the day, while the evening reception (5–7 p.m.) offered light bites such as chicken tenders and pigs in a blanket, along with beer and wine. Breakfast in the lounge included two hot choices along with the usual continental options. The Lounge is on the 2^nd floor and has a view of 48^th Street.  By the way, one of the best views is from the owner’s lounge at The Residences – you can see Central Park from the 44^th Floor!

The property provides daily room cleaning (guests may opt out), and as part of the Hilton Honors recognition program, we were greeted with two complimentary welcome waters in our room upon arrival. Digital readers can access newspapers and magazines via Press Reader, adding a modern convenience to the stay.

Overall, the amenities at The Central at 5th combine practicality with comfort, making it easy to enjoy both work and leisure while staying in Midtown Manhattan.

Pros and Cons – The Central at 5th,a Hilton Club Review

Pros:

• Excellent Midtown Manhattan location, steps from Rockefeller Center, St. Patrick’s Cathedral, Saks Fifth Avenue, Times Square, and the theater district.
• Modern, contemporary design with thoughtful amenities in both the room and property.
• Comfortable king-size bed and well-organized Studio layout, with clever storage under the bed.
• Owners Lounge is well-maintained, relaxing, and offers hot beverages, snacks, light bites in the evening, and a view of 48th Street.
• 24-hour fitness center, business center, and outdoor terraces add convenience for both work and leisure.
• Quiet at night despite being in a bustling city, with only typical city sounds like distant sirens.
• Friendly, helpful staff who provide maps, restaurant recommendations, and welcome touches like Prosecco, chocolates, and complimentary waters.
• Good lighting, outlets, USB ports, and modern technology in the room, including Keurig coffee maker, mini-fridge, and Press Reader digital access.

Cons:

• The blue temperature light on the mini fridge was bright at night, requiring us to improvise a cover with a chair and pillow.
• Elevator system can be confusing: the floor selection requires holding a room key on a low panel, the green light indicating readiness is hard to see, and the floor numbers under the buttons are poorly lit. We spoke with other guests who had the same issue.
• Studio Standard rooms are smaller than those at The Hilton Club and The Residences, which may feel tight for longer stays.
• Compared to the other Hilton Club properties in NYC, The Central at 5th is newer and more contemporary but lacks the “clubby” feel that some may prefer.

Overall, The Central at 5th, a Hilton Club is a great choice if you are seeking a modern, well-located, and comfortable Midtown Manhattan stay, especially for short visits or weekends. While there are a few minor inconveniences, the property’s amenities, thoughtful touches, and location make it a solid pick for Hilton Club members and first-time visitors alike.

Other Hilton Grand Vacation Properties to Consider

If you enjoy staying at Hilton Grand Vacation properties, there are several other locations we’ve experienced and highly recommend:

• The Residences by Hilton Club, New York City – Another great Midtown property, slightly larger studios, and a more traditional “clubby” feel.
• Hilton Grand Vacations Ocean 22, Myrtle Beach – Perfect for a beach getaway, with spacious suites, ocean views, and family-friendly amenities.
• The Crane Resort, Barbados – Historic and luxurious, offering a beautiful setting, private pools, and easy access to the airport.
• Hilton Grand Vacation Club La Pacifica, Los Cabos – Ideal for a relaxing Mexican getaway with stunning ocean views, pools, and convenient access to local attractions.

Each property offers its own unique experience, but all share the comfort, thoughtful amenities, and quality service you expect from Hilton Grand Vacations. If you’re a Hilton Club member, these destinations make excellent options for both city escapes and relaxing vacations.

🎈Ready to experience The Central at 5th for yourself? You don’t have to be a Hilton Grand Vacations owner to enjoy this Manhattan property! Check rates and availability and start planning your New York getaway today!

Final Thoughts: The Central at 5th, a Hilton Club Review

Our stay at The Central at 5th, a Hilton Club was a comfortable and enjoyable Midtown Manhattan experience. The location is hard to beat, with easy access to iconic attractions like Rockefeller Center, St. Patrick’s Cathedral, Times Square, and the theater district. The property’s modern design, thoughtful amenities, and well-maintained Owner’s Lounge make it ideal for both work and leisure.

While the Studio Standard room was a bit smaller than other Hilton Club properties we’ve stayed at, it was well-laid-out, comfortable, and quiet at night. Minor inconveniences, such as the blue mini-fridge light and the elevator system, were small issues in an otherwise pleasant stay.

For Hilton Club members or first-time visitors to New York City, The Central at 5th offers a convenient, contemporary, and welcoming home base in the heart of Midtown. Whether you’re in town for sightseeing, theater, or a weekend getaway, this property provides a great combination of comfort, service, and location.

Travel Planning

If you would like assistance in planning your trip to New York City, we would be happy to help.  Please refer to our Travel Planning services for further information or send us an email.

Looking for more travel ideas, check out the following posts:

Celebrity Ascent Concierge Class Review: Perks & Accessibility Tips
Banyan Tree Mayakoba – 11 Fun Things to Do
What to Expect on a Viking River Cruise
How to Pack for a Two-Week Trip: Travel Light with Just a Carry-On & Personal Item!
21 Best Hotels in Naples, Florida from Beach to City 2025
Chasing Dreams: Visit the Field of Dreams, Iowa
Ark Encounter and Creation Museum: 15 Best Visit Tips