Review Author

Shivani Vora

Restaurants, Spa and Wellness, and Boutique Cruise Editor

HOTEL SNAPSHOT

The Carlyle, A Rosewood Hotel is best comparable to a fantastic little black dress- timeless, effortlessly chic, and always on point. Located on the tony corner of Madison Avenue and 76th Street in Manhattan’s Upper East Side, the hotel has reigned as a landmark ever since it opened in 1930, capturing the essence of old New York elan. Over the decades, its guest list has read like a who’s who of royalty, presidents, and luminaries—from every U.S. president since Truman to HRH The Prince of Wales, the late Diana, Princess of Wales, and George and Amal Clooney.

Design & Character

Reflective of the time period in which it was built, The Carlyle is a homage to Art Deco design. The famed Dorothy Draper was the hotel’s first decorator, and her aesthetic has been beautifully maintained. Details include the distinctive black and white marbled lobby, polished marble floors, brass accents, and black-and-gold-geometric motifs throughout. 

The Rooms

The guest rooms have been renovated in recent years by the renowned New York-based design practice Tonychi Studio and lean contemporary with their soft gray, cream, and inky blue palettes. They feature original crown moldings, rich fabrics, black lacquer furnishings, and sleek marble baths. I’ve stayed at the hotel twice since the redo and felt like a true Upper East Sider on both occasions, at home in her sophisticated abode.  On my previous visit, I was fortunate enough to occupy a suite that looked bang over Central Park and had a plush seating area with hardwood floors. It was perch I never wanted to leave.

Food & Drink

Bemelmans Bar, hands-down among the most storied watering holes worldwide, is the crown jewel of the hotel’s F&B lineup. Named after artist and author Ludwig Bemelmans, whose whimsical, large-scale Central Park murals adorn the walls, the bar is decked out in chocolate-brown leather banquettes, nickel-trimmed black glass tabletops, and a 24-karat gold leaf-covered ceiling. The cocktails, live piano entertainment, and crowds are all incredible- no wonder it’s hard to snag a seat. Be warned: during busy nights and around the holidays, there’s usually a long line out the door. 

Dowling’s at The Carlyle is an all-day restaurant and exudes pure charm. I love a power breakfast here, but also come for lunch to tuck into one of the hearty entree salads. The Coastal- loaded with lobster, crab, and shrimp and dressed in a creamy lemon vinaigrette- usually has my vote. Come dinner, there’s only one way to go, and that’s the tableside Dover sole. 

The Gallery leads to the restaurant and resembles a fancy living room, where you can have a full meal or a coffee.

If it’s spectacle you’re after, you’ll find it at Café Carlyle, the hotel’s cabaret that’s truly a homage to a bygone era. Starring acts include iconic talents such as Bobby Short, Elaine Stritch, Eartha Kitt, and Judy Collins.  There’s an F&B minimum of $50 a person, but if you want a full-on cabaret night out, I suggest reserving a dinner table and ordering from the two-course menu to enjoy before the show.

Amenities

The Valmont Spa, courtesy of the luxurious Swiss skincare brand, is the crown jewel of the hotel’s wellness offerings. Sure, the massages and body scrubs are excellent, but the facials steal the spotlight—there are over a dozen, from hydrating to firming to age-defying.

When it’s time for a hair refresh, head to The Yves Durif Salon for a sleek blowout, a new cut, or a fresh round of highlights.

Location & Neighborhood Recs

The Carlyle’s ideal Upper East position puts it within a block of one of the prettiest parts of Central Park. You’re also a short walk from some of the world’s best museums, including the Guggenheim and The MET, and big-name art galleries such as Gagosian. And then there’s the proximity to top designer boutiques- Prada, Golden Goose, Chloe- here’s me, looking at you. 

Fast Facts

Location: The Upper East Side, Manhattan, New York

Rating: 5 stars

The Vibe: Timeless and elegant yet very of the moment and unstuffy. 

Room Count: 192

Starting Rate: $1,600

Food & Drink: Dowling’s is the signature restaurant, serving American cuisine with French influences. The Gallery is the all-day social spot where you can order any meal, including high tea, or simply a coffee. Bemelmans Bar is here, too, and one of the best watering holes globally. Café Carlyle serves dinner only when a cabaret is on. 

Our Favorite Thing About the Hotel: The flawless service and the steeped-in-old-New-York ambiance.

Closest Airport: About 30 minutes to an hour from the three New York City-area airports, depending on the traffic and time of day.