In Your Element
We imagine we aren’t the only ones for whom planning a New York trip calls to mind the Manhattan imagined for us by Edith Wharton or Truman Capote or Nora Ephron.
THE GRANDE DAMES
The Carlyle
35 E. 76th Street | (212) 744-1600
This tony Upper East Side landmark is your chance to live in a literary rendition of the city, all Deco classicism and Jazz Age glamour that’s also the height of thoroughly modern sophistication. Though the fact that The Carlyle houses one of the city’s most precious gems would be reason enough for us to stay, plush designer suites, cozy, music-centric restaurants and one of the best concierges around ensures there is plenty more to love.
The Peninsula
700 5th Avenue | (212) 956-2888
Landing at The Peninsula’s 55th Street doorstep feels like a true New York arrival, Central Park’s verdant idyll at your back, 5th Avenue’s iconic bustle to your left and a glittering reception just beyond the hefty gilded doors. Feminine and refined, these are the accommodations of our fairytale princess dreams, with opulent crystal chandeliers lighting a path to richly restful quarters that are both understated and luxurious. Though this is an unmistakably five-star stay, the service is so exceptionally pleasant that you wind up feeling completely comfortable (and wonderfully at home).
The Pierre
2 E. 61st Street | (212) 838-8000
Intimate scale meets impeccable attention to detail at The Pierre, where the Midtown flurry begins to give way to residential Manhattan’s more urbane tenor. A true original, tasseled prism chandeliers and checkerboard floors enchant en route to absorbing nooks like a painted mural sitting room and a perfectly chic little bar. With history oozing from every marble-appointed corner, we recommend snagging a Central Park-view room and soaking up this famous residence.
The Lowell
28 E. 63rd Street | (212) 838-1400
Try the cloak of an Upper East Side dweller on for size at this converted townhouse on a quiet residential street. Bookended by the kind of movie set neighborhood New York is known for, The Lowell is one-of-a-kind in its warmth and intimacy, and touches like Michael Smith-designed interiors and wood-burning fireplaces drive the point home.
CHARMED, WE’RE SURE
The Marlton
5 W. 8th Street | (212) 321-0100
Imbued with an artist’s spirit, The Marlton is the kind of place that makes you feel as though you’ve stumbled upon the quaintest of secrets. Located in the West Village (one of the world’s most charming neighborhoods), it’s a bit like The Royal Tenenbaums come to life in the best possible way. A connoisseur’s espresso bar, hotspot eatery and small but sweet rooms all equate to a memorable stay in a favorite quarter.
Soho Grand Hotel
310 West Broadway | (212) 965-3000
It’s true that you can’t help but fall in love with staying in SoHo, but you love it on a different level after staying at this extended living room for one of New York’s most stylish crowds. Chic but homey with several choice watering hole options, this hotel is the embodiment of its vibrant neighborhood and an easily recommended place to call home, if only temporarily.
Gramercy Park Hotel
2 Lexington Avenue | (212) 920-3300
A lush collision of colors and textures, the Gramercy Park Hotel is a real feast for the senses. From Danny Meyer’s consistently excellent Maialino, to drinks in the come-hither glow of the Rose Bar, to the bold-hued lavishness of the rooms, this spot is always on our must-visit list. Add access to one of the city’s most exclusive parks to the lengthy list of guest perks, and we’ve run out of reasons not to check yourself in.
The NoMad Hotel
1170 Broadway | (212) 796-1500
The NoMad serves as the de facto clubhouse for what is quickly becoming one of Manhattan’s coolest neighborhoods. A glossy, Alice in Wonderland-esque retreat made of curlicue hallways and jewel-toned corners, this is the place where you lose track of time. The exceptional restaurant and bar spaces showcase truly outstanding food and drinks, while shopping proximity (there’s a Maison Kitsuné IN the building) means you’ll never have to wander far to find something interesting.
