37 E 64th St, New York, NY 10065, États-UnisNew York, United States of America -See the map
Amy AdejokunSection editor
Although no longer associated with its Parisian namesake, the Plaza Athénée New York continues to offer one of the most refined hotel experiences in the city. Its style may not be as subtle as some of its competitors and thus some many find it a little overwhelming, but there is no getting away from the fact the hotel is a class act from top to bottom. It boasts capacious, well-appointed and recently renovated rooms (January 2010), a fine wellness centre, a celebrated restaurant and bar and an impeccable service from a smart, professional staff. If you're after that classic European opulence the other side of the Atlantic then the well-located Plaza Athénée is one to consider.
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Location
3.0/10
Accommodation
9.70/10
Overview
9.90/10
Food and drink
9.70/10
To know
The Plaza Athénée has an enviable position on East 64th Street between Park and Madison Avenues on the Upper East Side, just a block and a half away from Central Park. Within walking distance of Museum Mile, you have the Metropolitan Museum of Modern Art, Guggenheim, Whitney and Frick Collection just moments away. Also in the immediate vicinity are beautiful galleries and exclusive designer boutiques as well as other shopping opportunities a little further down Madison and Fifth Avenues. The Rockefeller Center, St. Patrick's Cathedral and Times Square can be reached within 20 minutes by foot. Several subway stations are to be found close by to the hotel and can take up uptown, downtown or to Brooklyn. JFK is 16 miles away, La Guardia 7 miles and Newark 17.
There are four categories of guestroom and more than twice as many types of suite. All, bar a few, are decorated in a European Beaux-Arts style and have excellent amenities and furnishings. The spacious standard room, which has either an interior or street view (from the lower floors) features a king bed dressed in Sfetta Italian linens and matching plaid and cushions. The furniture comprises two armchairs around an occasional table, a sideboard housing the minibar, two bedside tables, leather-topped writing desk and closet which hides the safe, bathrobes and slippers and hairdryer. Amenities include two telephones, iPod docking station and radio, flatscreen television and wireless and dial up internet. The marble bathrooms, some of which are a little small, boast a separate shower and bathtub, telephone scales and Penhaligon's toiletries. The other guestroom types differ it that they are higher up the building, have city views, and/or have slightly larger surface areas. Some have a pantry while others may have a seating area within the bedroom. There are several different colour schemes available for the guestrooms. Ask for availability at the time of reservation if you'd prefer a choice.
The hardwood floor suites start at 62m² and all have kitchenettes, double vanity bathrooms, powder rooms, separate living areas and external views. Larger ones have a dining room, glass-enclosed atrium terraces and balconies. If you are after ample amounts of space but prefer a more contemporary décor then consider the Manhattan terrace suite, designed by a well-known jewellery designer. It has all the features of one of the larger suites, plus an art work collection which rotates every six months. This suite has more of a New York loft feel than the other traditional rooms. Then there is the duplex penthouse suite which has been featured in many interviews and films and two presidential suites, one of which has a Thai theme and features luxurious Asian silk fabrics and carved wooden pieces.
The entrance to the Plaza Athénée is very much in the same vain as other five star properties around the Upper East Side with its black canopy and well turned out doorman. The lobby, which was restored in January 2010, has kept all of its original charm and is welcoming as much by its décor and lighting as by its friendly, sharp staff. The low ceiling gives a homely feel to the space and the canvas mural which runs along the wall and around the lifts is its most remarkable feature. The floor, as is common in hotels in these parts, has a black and white diamond pattern. There are several seating areas with plush armchairs and sofas where one can relax with a book or surf the internet thanks to the complimentary wifi. The concierge desk to the right of the entrance is manned by a gentleman who has been with the hotel for over 20 years and it would be a challenge to find something he wasn't able to arrange for you.
Opened less than a year ago in May 2010, the Plaza Athénée Spa is an intimate facility which uses exclusive skin care products (Valmont and Babor). The interior is beautifully appointed and boasts Brazilian teakwood floors, ebony and bamboo finished cabinetry and grasscloth wallpaper, each of which help reign a calm, tranquil atmosphere throughout. The same goes for the soft music and delightful odour that greets you upon entering the reception with its white marble desk. The guest-only centre has four Asian-themed treatment rooms each with its own steam shower, lounge chair for relaxation and dressing room. A full range of luxury treatments are offered including speciality massages, facials, wraps, hair removal, manicure and pedicure and hair dressing at the salon. There is a small fitness room with brand new machinery allowing for a full workout. Water, fruit, towels and headphones are all provided. A personal trainer is available on request.
Finding your room is a simple task as there are only a maximum of 10 rooms per floor. The corridors are beautifully kept and well lit and have framed architectural plans and details upon the walls. There are several lifts serving all floors. A courtesy car is available to all guests who wish to travel within a 15 block radius of the hotel.
The hotel's restaurant is named Arabelle and serves an American cuisine which changes according to the season. The décor includes the magnificent gold-domed ceiling and murals of pagodas while the round, meticulously laid tables are surrounded by comfortable, oval back armchairs. Breakfast, lunch and dinner are all served in the restaurant, while afternoon tea is also available between 2.30pm and 5pm. In the morning you can choose between a continental or fitness breakfast, or go for à la carte eggs, cereals, pancakes or other specialities. The lunch and dinner menus are identical and feature entrées such as pan roast scallops and beetroot and goats cheese ravioli and mains including French cut breast of chicken and honey glazed duck breast. Popular with guests and locals alike, the restaurant has won several awards and is highly regarded by various guides.
Bar Seine, which was featured in the penultimate episode of Sex and the City, has an eclectic décor with features from around the world including bamboo framed chairs, a red leather floor and onyx sconces. With artwork from Africa, Asia and Europe it is an intimate and cosy lounge favoured by those searching for discretion in a city where such a thing is at a premium. Note that the bar is very popular with locals and can become very busy between Thursday and Sunday.
Built in 1927, the landmark building now housing the hotel was originally home to Hotel Alrae. Guests after discretion and intimacy will find it here; although seemingly a grand hotel, it actually has considerably less rooms than many of its rivals (142 with a maximum of 10 per floor) and thus offers more space and privacy for the guest.
This is a hotel of distinction in an area of distinction. A relatively small property by New York standards, it exudes European class from the front door to the fitness room and everywhere else in between. The Lowell, while boasting a rich history (and the furniture, antiques and objets d'art to go with it), has all the modern amenities you'd expect from a top class hotel. Every detail has been painstakingly considered and if you manage to find one single flaw we take our hats off to you. Couples or small families will find in The Lowell an extremely comfortable, well-located hotel with the best of services and a staff to match. A hearty thumbs up from easyvoyage.co.uk.
A good hotel located in a quiet residential area, close to Central Park and Museum Mile. It offers quality accommodations, and access to a beautiful sport club.
The Pierre has always been a landmark hotel in New York City?and we are glad to report that after its latest $100 million renovation following its takeover by Taj Hotels, it is still very much one of the hotels by which others must judge themselves. It is true to say that it may not have some of the facilities of some of the other top hotels (no spa, smaller rooms), but when it comes to service, style and sophistication, not to mention history, it is untouchable. With a location that would make most hotels weep with envy, fabulously appointed rooms with an Asian touch and a new, top quality restaurant, The Pierre is back on top of its game and ready to welcome once again all types of traveller, no matter their motive for visiting the city. All this comes, of course, at a price, but if you had to choose a place to spend your hard earned cash, this has got to be near the summit of your shortlist.
Just as the Affinia Dumont markets itself as a fitness suite hotel, the Affinia Gardens thinks of itself as a tranquil suite hotel. And just as the Dumont justifies its status with corresponding 'kits', the Gardens offers 'tranquility', 'meditation', 'city gardens' and 'rejuvenation' kits. This property is made up entirely of suites, so again, as with the other Affinias, space is not lacking. Similar to its sister hotels, it won't win any design awards but it is a smart, clean, decent base for exploring the city whether you are a couple, family or group friends. Perhaps a little off the beaten track, but then again if it was in the mix of things in New York City it wouldn't be all that tranquil!
Unless you are specifically looking for the hottest, trendiest hotel in town, there is very little to reproach The Sherry Netherland, a throwback to the Golden Age of travel. It boasts enormous rooms and suites for this part of Manhattan which are extremely well appointed and decorated, a superb and professional staff and of course a high class dining experience in the form of Harry Cipriani. Everything at this luxury property is done with the utmost care and attention and whether you are in the city as a tourist or on business, The Sherry Netherland will meet and exceed needs and expectations. A unique hotel with the perfect location - you'd be a fool not to consider it!
Classicism, luxury, and refinement characterise the Plaza - one of the must of the American megapolis. No doubt that even the most demanding clients find the environment, the amenities, and the equipment to be all they dream of - everything in a sumptuous decor in "French Renaissance" style.
The intention of the Four Season's Chinese-born American architect, Ieoh Ming Pei, was to create a hotel "in the grand tradition of a former time when going to a hotel was an occasion." Thanks to his ingenuity and vision those days live on in our time. A Four Seasons, wherever it may be in the world, is synonymous with quality and timeless sophistication and this spectacular New York example is no exception. It is a hotel of superlatives: the tallest New York hotel, the largest standard rooms in the city, the most expensive hotel suite in the world. Whether you are travelling as a family, couple or friends, on business or pleasure, and want to be guaranteed a flawless stay, you need look no further.
It is difficult not to get excited about hotels such as the Ritz-Carlton New York Central Park as it encapsulates everything one would dream about New York before having visited. With a commanding position right on the city's most famous green space, its services and amenities are amongst the finest in Manhattan: generously proportioned and excellently appointed guest rooms, fine décor and furnishings throughout, a spa very much in the tradition of the hotel and a restaurant which is not, proving that despite the hotel's classic appearance, it can still keep up with modernity and the demands of its guests and neighbours. This is a hotel where quality has a price but if you're going to buy it anywhere, then consider this property before you do.
Q. What do you get when you take $150 million and put them into the hands of one of the world's greatest architect/designers? A. The Mark. Be under no illusions, what Jacques Grange and co have conceived in the leafy surroundings of the Upper Eastside is now the yardstick against which all other hotels will now have to measure themselves. After over two years under renovation with some of the most sought after names in the creative fields working on the project, The Mark has transformed itself from a decent hotel to a hotel of superlatives. Everything is top draw from the design to the staff, from the food to the wellness centre. This all, of course, comes with the price tag that its quality demands, however rest assured that no other hotel can come close to what The Mark has to offer.
We're going to stick our necks out here and say that of all the hotels we have stayed at in this city, the Setai probably takes top spot. Of course there are many different types of hotel in the city and not everyone is looking for what the Setai has to offer, but as on overall experience, it can't, in our opinion, be bettered. The rooms are not only some of the biggest in the city, but they are likely to be the best appointed in terms of amenities too. The stunning, contemporary spa is as luxurious as it is spacious and in its restaurant the hotel has one of most memorable dining experiences to be had. But what impressed us most, and where the hotel rises above it competitors, is the consistent attention to detail and impeccable service the likes of which we've never seen. Although new (November 2010 opening), this is right up there with the old masters and the best thing is that it can only get better!
Let's not mince our words; The Peninsula is quite simply one of the finest hotels in New York, even more so now it is the other side of a renovation. From the very first moment you enter the hotel you'll have no doubt about the quality of experience that awaits you. There is very little to pick holes at here where excellence comes as standard: the large rooms are finely furnished, the restaurants of the highest caliber, the spa one of the most beautiful and complete in the city and the service faultless. Like all top class hotels this all comes at a certain price, however if there was ever one hotel which could justify the cost it would be this one.
We were quite simply blown away by this hotel. Rare are the occasions where there is nothing to fault, but staying here was one of those - it just couldn't put a foot wrong. Generously proportioned, impressively appointed rooms are complemented by a relaxed yet top class Italian restaurant, while the spa is a sight to behold. You'll have a tough job finding a property where the service is paralleled and don't even get us started on the views! A magnificent, modern and memorable hotel, we recommend the Trump Soho to all kinds of traveller, newcomers or old hands, couples or families. A huge thumbs up.
The Pierre has always been a landmark hotel in New York City?and we are glad to report that after its latest $100 million renovation following its takeover by Taj Hotels, it is still very much one of the hotels by which others must judge themselves. It is true to say that it may not have some of the facilities of some of the other top hotels (no spa, smaller rooms), but when it comes to service, style and sophistication, not to mention history, it is untouchable. With a location that would make most hotels weep with envy, fabulously appointed rooms with an Asian touch and a new, top quality restaurant, The Pierre is back on top of its game and ready to welcome once again all types of traveller, no matter their motive for visiting the city. All this comes, of course, at a price, but if you had to choose a place to spend your hard earned cash, this has got to be near the summit of your shortlist.
You may be coming to the United States to see New York, but the St. Regis is a destination in itself. The most sumptuous hotel we have visited to date in the city, its beautiful Beaux-Arts interiors are a sight to behold. It's (rightly) famed for its unrivalled service and King Cole Bar (more in 'Food and Drink') as well as its beautiful, spacious and well appointed rooms, however it does lack some of the high tier amenities of its rivals, such as a swimming pool, and the views are not quite as good. That said it can boast an Alain Ducasse restaurant and original antique décor. It's true to say that some may find the hotel's opulence a little overbearing, but let's not lose sight of the fact that this is nonetheless a true masterpiece. Even if you don't have the means to stay here, come and take a look around as the property has some unique features. Couples, friends or business travellers will all find their calling at the St. Regis.
Take a step back in time (through a passage lined with suede and leather, of course) to the golden age of travel and the magnificent new Art Deco hotel The Chatwal. Opened recently in August of 2011, it has quickly become one of the places to stay in New York and to be honest, it isn't difficult to see why: a dream location in the heart of Manhattan, superbly appointed, world ?class accommodations, a luxury spa and a fine restaurant. Marrying both old world glamour and modern day luxury, this 'baby grand' hotel will appeal to those looking for good old fashioned service in a romantic setting with everything that makes this a great city within reach.
This mythical New York hotel has seen its fair share of changes, both within in its walls and outside, however one thing remains constant: The Carlyle is one of the swankiest, smartest, seductive hotels in the city. The very few flaws of the hotel (for example the size of some bathrooms) can be excused by its age; otherwise there are very few hotels of this genre which can claim to offer a similar experience. Not only does it offer top notch service and facilities, but its location and commanding views are also something spectacular. Throw in a rich history, fine dining and exquisite décor and you get a hotel (literally) fit for kings. If you've got the cash, don't even ask yourself the question?
Amy Adejokun
Section editor
