Hotel Elysee

The Scene

Bounded by Park and Madison Avenues and just a block and a half from 5th Avenue, Hotel Elysee is surrounded by a who’s who of shops and boutiques. Noted department store Barneys is but an 8 minute walk away, and Bergdorf Goodman can be reached in 7 minutes from the hotel. However, if shopping isn’t what you’re after, all you have to do is saunter up to Central Park---a mere 10 minutes away on foot---or down to Times Square. There’s an impressive array of museums to enjoy including the Museum of Modern Art and also cultural landmarks like Rockefeller Center and St Patrick’s Cathedral.

The Concept

Where glitz and glam rule at other luxury hotels, refined style and a warm, inviting (yet secluded) atmosphere steal the show at Hotel Elysee. As part of the respected Library Hotel Collection, the service at Hotel Elysee is impeccable and second-to-none. It’s not a flashy destination, but don’t mistake that for a lack of affection---this hotel has been very well-loved since the 1920s when it was founded. The famed Monkey Bar downstairs is still very much the place to go with its swank red leather and dark wood interior. Still a power dining sort of experience (think business types), the inventive menu and cocktails with a side of jazz make the atmosphere the perfect backdrop to Ed Sorel’s caricature-driven mural (additions constantly ongoing to keep it up-to-date). Cozy up to a complimentary tea or coffee at any time (with snacks), but make sure you stop back in for the wine and cheese reception every evening.

The Look

Hotel Elysee is delightfully trapped in time, redolent of classic Old World glamour. The cozy Club Room Lounge (complete with library) is bedecked in a sumptuous red carpet, framed by gleaming amber molding and filled with overstuffed sofas and plush chairs. The rooms and suites are charmingly decorated with antique-style furniture (think warm maple and cherry tones) with crisp linens and a classic palette running from blue and white to burnt orange and golden hues. While all the rooms and suites have special touches of the arts, the presidential suites outdo themselves, paying homage to Vaclav Havel (Czech playwright, writer, and first president), Tennessee Williams (American playwright), and Vladimir Horowitz (Russian-American composer and pianist)---all former guests who have left personal mementos behind.

In Short

Sometimes, “the way things used to be” is a refreshing break from the way things are today. Find your refuge---and quintessential New York experience---in Midtown at the charming Hotel Elysee.