World > U.S. > New York

The Carlyle

• T+L 500 Winner

COST: $$$$$

<p>A stylish classic, the Carlyle gets all the details right—from the chessboard floors and (still-working!) mail chutes to the new Empire Suite, a cashmere-walled, $15,000-a-night duplex designed by Thierry Despont and curated by the Metropolitan Museum of Art. A haven for presidents and blue bloods since 1930, the Carlyle has a pedigreed past, to say the least; it's easy to imagine Jackie Kennedy and Audrey Hepburn bumping into one another at lunch—oh wait, they did. Each of the 187 surpassingly tasteful rooms is unique, but many feature Louis XVI-style furnishings and black-marble bathrooms courtesy of decorator Alexandra Champalimaud, who recently revamped the –05 line. Audubon prints and hardwood floors throughout the hotel are original; cocktails at Bemelmans (with murals by the author of the Madeline children's books) and cabaret at the recently spiffed-up Café Carlyle are two nonpareil experiences of uptown nightlife. In September 2008, the hotel will unveil a new spa.</p> <p><strong>Tip:</strong> Hang out in the lobby to spot someone famous—but don't expect the famously discreet staff to tip you off.</p> <p><strong>Room to Book:</strong> For Art Deco enthusiasts, Suite 509; for Anglophiles, Mark Hampton-decorated Corner Premier Rooms.</p>

AS FEATURED IN...

From Travel + Leisure , FEB 2009

Van Flandern is a rarity among barkeeps...MORE>>

– Mark Ellwood World's Greatest Hotel Bartenders

From Travel + Leisure , JUN 2006

There are 60 co-op apartments at the Carlyle, and 180 hotel accommodations...MORE>>

– Lisa Birnbach Real-Life Eloises

From Travel + Leisure , DEC 2003

Suite 2806 at the Carlyle has its own gym equipped with a treadmill, stationary bike, and tanning station...MORE>>

– T+L Reports: Suite Relief

From Travel + Leisure , FEB 2002

Each of the 180 ultra-traditional guest rooms has been individually appointed...MORE>>

– 50 Romantic Hotels

Last updated February 2009