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