VIBE

Discretion is king at this timeless 1930s Upper East Side property. Presidents, royalty, and movie stars rest, dine, and cavort on these graceful Art Deco premises knowing that unless the Louis XV sofas in the lobby are bugged (they’re not), not even the most innocuous of secrets will be leaked. Originally built as a residential hotel, the rooms have a very pied-à-terre feel, and the amenities (ranging from a shopping arcade to a spa) are so well appointed that you could settle in among the other high fliers and dignitaries who call this home and never need to venture out again.

GO HERE WITH

Parents or grandparents; colleagues or clients; friends - for shopping and playing the society dame; significant other - for an über-special occasion

WHY WE LIKE IT

The guest list is incredible–every president from Truman to Clinton made this his residence while in New York, and you can expect to be rubbing shoulders with contemporary international movers and shakers during your stay (former First Lady Nancy Reagan was in-residence when we were). But, even better than just spotting dignitaries across the room, we love feeling like VIPs ourselves with the friendly yet classic service (think white gloved elevator operators, impeccably trained bellboys, and twice-daily housekeeping). And don’t even get us started on the spacious, custom- designed rooms, the spa, the views of Central Park, and the gilded grandeur of The Carlyle Restaurant.

AMENITY WE LOVE

The Café Carlyle–where else can you catch Woody Allen playing jazz clarinet while you sup amongst the NYC society set? Yeah, we figured you couldn’t think of anywhere else.

WHAT WE WOULD CHANGE

Nothing!

GOOD TO KNOW

If you’re itching to flash the plastic but don’t want to stray far, there’s an entire arcade of in-house boutiques for you to go retail-therapy crazy in, ranging from Vera Wang to Edith Weber Fine Antique Jewelry. (The concierge also sells Rubinacci ties–it’s the only spot in the US where you can snag them.) And if you want to go gallery hopping without the hassle of hitting the streets, check out the Carlyle Galleries on the ground floor. Kid-friendly amenities, provided through the Rose Buds for Children program, include baby monitors, cribs, babysitting services, children’s menus, and a Madeline Tea. Pets are allowed (for USD 50/night), and pet amenities include beds, bowls, snacks, and a dog walking service.

CLOSEST COMPS

The St. Regis New York (New York); Hôtel Plaza Athénée New York (New York); The Ritz (London); Four Seasons Hotel George V Paris (Paris)

Click here for our full-form mobile travel guide, The Purple Passport to New York City.