With all the time we spend shopping along Madison Avenue it’s a wonder that we have never considered those who do not live in the immediate vicinity. After several requests for hotel recommendations we are dedicating the entire week to uncovering the amazing places to stay along Madison Avenue.

There are basically five hotels from which to choose — The Mark, The Surrey, The Carlyle, The Lowell and Hôtel Plaza Athénée. Truth be told, the hotels are as varied as the boutiques along Madison Avenue. There isn’t a wrong choice among these establishments but we hope to help you find the place to stay that best represents your personal style.

Hôtel Plaza Athénée is the last in our week long series of Where to Stay but don’t let that deter you from exploring this property that’s rich with European style and quaintness. The hotel, which is located on 64th and Madison, should not be confused with the Plaza Hotel on Fifth Avenue or The Plaza Athenee in Paris.

The one and only Hôtel Plaza Athénée is furnished heavily with French rococo. There are gold clocks, chandeliers and trompe l’oeil tapestries. Fabulocity may be an understatement. Upstairs, however, the rooms are furnished in a much more traditional atmosphere. Each of the 142 guest room and suite accommodations that vary in style an decor.

The most charming feature of this jewel box hotel are the balconies that accompany a majority of rooms and suites. Those who don’t live in New York my not appreciate the value of this type of space but travelers will quickly come to value the easy access to this extra sun drenched filled space.

Our favorite space, of course, was the Presidential suite that’s often used for Television interviews and high-end fashion trunk shows. The space has the atmosphere of a private townhouse and can expand to become a full three bedroom suite.

Downstairs guests can pamper themselves at the hotel spa. We love how each spa suite contains it’s own dressing room, lounge chair for relaxation and a private steam shower. So there is no awkward moment of bumping into another spa client in your slippers and robe. Genius!

Rates range from about $500 to about $8000 a night and is perfect for those looking for a more traditional European atmosphere in the middle of New York.

Packing tip: Don’t forget your Etro prints

With all the time we spend shopping along Madison Avenue it’s a wonder that we have never considered those who do not live in the immediate vicinity. After several requests for hotel recommendations we are dedicating the entire week to uncovering the amazing places to stay along Madison Avenue.

There are basically five hotels from which to choose — The Mark, The Surrey, The Carlyle, The Lowell, and Hôtel Plaza Athénée. Truth be told, the hotels are as varied as the boutiques along Madison Avenue. There isn’t a wrong choice among these establishments but we hope to help you find the place to stay that best represents your personal style.

The Lowell hotel is the smallest among the Madison Avenue hotels but sometimes small has its advantages. The hotel, located at 63rd off of Madison Avenue, is a stone’s throw away from Barneys and some the best shopping on the Avenue.

Despite being in the center of it all, The Lowell offers a great amount of privacy. The property is uniquely tucked away to allow for the utmost discretion. This is a huge asset for those looking to duck away from any unwanted attention or paparazzi.

The Lowell prides itself on offering guests personalized service that is only possible in a small hotel.  The Lowell staff suggests speaking to an on-site reservation expert to match your style with the best room for your individual style. In addition, the staff will speak with you (or your assistant) to furnish your suite with personalized items. For instance, jelly bean lovers shouldn’t be surprised to walk in and find a full bowl of your fruity favorites.

Upstairs you will find an assortment of relaxed and homey rooms with a twist of perfect old New York sophistication. The Penthouse Suite is undoubtedly the best room in the house. The space, located on the 17th floor, includes two bedrooms with an option for a third. The decor is luxe and classic. There are four private terraces, a wood-burning fireplace and gourmet kitchen. Our favorite feature is the dining conservatory that overlooks the beautiful city.

Rates for the 72 rooms and suites range from about $600 to $8500 for the Penthouse Suite. Our favorite hotel detail is that the antique keys with midnight blue tassels that are given to each guest in place of generic key cards. See, it’s the little things that thrill us.

Those staying at the Lowell, visiting the neighborhood or looking for a local jewel must attend afternoon tea. The experience is a sweet indulgence that includes house-made scones and Devonshire cream, finger sandwiches, fresh berries and cream, pastries and petit fours and more than 20 select teas. The Post House, which is located right downstairs, is also neighborhood favorite for dinner.

The Lowell is the perfect destination for those looking for a bit of discression in the misdt of all the action. Midtown is just steps away and annonimity is only paces in the other direction.

Packing Tip: Your Goyard trunk will fit in perfectly

With all the time we spend shopping along Madison Avenue it’s a wonder that we have never considered those who do not live in the immediate vicinity. After several requests for hotel recommendations we are dedicating the entire week to uncovering the amazing places to stay along Madison Avenue.


There are basically five hotels from which to choose — The Mark, The Surrey, The Carlyle, The Lowell, and Hôtel Plaza Athénée. Truth be told, the hotels are as varied as the boutiques along Madison Avenue. There isn’t a wrong choice among these establishments but we hope to help you find the place to stay that best represents your personal style.

The Carlyle hotel is one of the most legendary hotels in New York. The property has hosted some of the most high profile celebrities, dignitaries and socialites. It is a New York classic. What makes this property especially unique is that the building is partially condos. As a matter of fact, each floor has at least one full-time resident.

Even though the Carlyle has an entrance on Madison Avenue, you are going to want to enter through the 76th Street entrance. Upon arrival you will be welcomed by the hotel’s Art Deco glamour, which includes classic Baccarat chandeliers and oil paintings that resemble a Renaissance museum.

Each suite in the 124 room hotel is furnished differently and represents the diversity of its residents. During a recent tour we saw suites that ranged from Urban Chic to classic Choinosirie. Before booking a room we suggest that you speak to an on-site reservation expert to identify the space that would be best for you.

The Carlyle is the highest building on Madison Avenue and understandably has some of the best views that extend past central park, through the Hudson River and over to New Jersey. The Empire Suite, which is located on the 29th floor, has absolutely breath taking views from the master bedroom. The Deco-inspired duplex suite has two bedrooms, a full kitchen, office and we can’t leave out the cashmere covered walls.

Although all the suites we saw were quite impressive, the Classic rooms more closely resemble a European hotel room. Rates range from about $800 a night for a classic room with a court yard view to $15,000 a night for the Empire Suite.

Downstairs, Cafe Carlyle is legendary for their nighttime entertainment and headliners, which include Ute Lemper and Woody Allen, who regularly appears to jam with the Eddy Davis New Orleans jazz. Bemelmans Bar, just off the lobby, is known to be one of the finest cocktail bars in the world. The Carlyle has a full fitness center, spa and Yves Durif Salon.

The Carlyle is a religious custom for some travelers but a must for those yearning for a classic New York experience. Those who would choose George V in Paris or Claridge’s in London will feel right at home at the Carlyle.

Packing Tip: Don’t forget your Burberry Trench

With all the time we spend shopping along Madison Avenue it’s a wonder that we have never considered those who do not live in the immediate vicinity. After several requests for hotel recommendations we are dedicating the entire week to uncovering the amazing places to stay along Madison Avenue.


There are basically five hotels from which to choose — The Mark, The Surrey, The Carlyle, The Lowell, and Hôtel Plaza Athénée. Truth be told, the hotels are as varied as the boutiques along Madison Avenue. There isn’t a wrong choice among these establishments but we hope to help you find the place to stay that best represents your personal style.

The Surrey hotel is an art lover’s dream destination. The property is located at 76th and Madison, which is right in the heart of Museum Mile. In addition to the surrounding museums, the hotel hosts an impressive modern art collection that is dispersed throughout the private and public spaces.

The Surrey has all the furnishings and panache of a chic boutique hotel but without any of the pretense. Interior architect Lauren Rottet was agile in her ability to create a modern space that maintains sophistication and warmth. Upstairs, the rooms are furnished functionally and luxuriously.

Each salon is very spacious and outfitted for ultimate comfort with a Duxiana bed and custom Sferra bedding. Every item is well edited and functional, as well as luxurious. The oversized desks are a working traveler’s dream.

If you’re looking to find the perfect place to daydream you must check out the hotel’s rooftop garden. This 17th floor oasis is exclusive to hotel guests and select “members” from the neighborhood. This serene escape is the perfect spot to grab a light snack or drink before dinner– we suggest the Basil Martini.

Downstairs, you can eat at Daniel Boulud’s world class restaurant, Cafe Boulud or grab a drink at the neighborhood’s favorite, Bar Pleiades. In addition, New York’s most indulgent spa just opened in the Surrey. Cornelia Spa, is best known for their decedent services and skilled staff. Personally, we can’t wait to try the Caviar and Oxygen Reparitive Quench facial.

The hotel contains 190 salons, including 30 one-bedroom suites. Even the most jaded traveler will become giddy from the Penthouse and a Presidential Suites. Rooms range in price from about $400 to about $7500.

The Surrey is clearly the destination of choice for well-heeled travelers and neighborhood residents needing an extra room for guests. If Coco Chanel were coming into town, this is where she would stay.

Packing tip: Don’t forget your Metallic Silver Chanel Reissue