There is no hotel in the world quite like The Carlyle in New York.
Located on the Upper East side, the Carlyle first opened in 1930 and since that time has been the epitome of glamour and sophistication.
If you’re a fan of old movies from the 1930s and 40s like I am (and even if you’re not) you will feel like you have stepped back in time to a world of white tablecloths, champagne cocktails and gracious elevator doormen that escort every hotel guest to their floor.
If you close your eyes, you can imagine Myrna Loy and William Powell walking through the revolving door in the lobby at any moment, dressed in fur coats, Asta in tow (IYKYK).
Although the Carlyle counts the rich and famous among its patrons, they make every guest feel special. The hotel is intimate and luxurious, but not pretentious.
Be sure to experience Bemelmans Bar, Cafe Carlyle (Steve Tyrell performance in December is a must, once it reopens), Yves Durif hair salon, and Sunday brunch in the main dining room. Bemelmans is named for the murals that cover its walls by Ludwig Bemelmans, writer and illustrator of the beloved Madeline children’s books, and it is the most charming, cozy yet elegant bar in all of New York.
And there’s even more reason to visit The Carlyle this Fall, as the hotel is set to reopen their restaurant after undergoing months of renovations. According to the New York Post:
“…Madeline will get an even bigger spotlight next month, when the Carlyle’s restaurant, renamed Dowling’s, reopens. Five never-before-seen Ludwig Bemelmans artworks that evoke the sophisticated playfulness of the Madeline children’s books will grace the walls of the eatery.
It’s part of a $120 million renovation that began before the pandemic and included a total redo of the restaurant and a revamp of the hotel’s 190 rooms. While the designs are modern — thanks to Tony Chi and other designers — there are some Art Deco touches inspired by The Carlyle’s original designer, Dorothy Draper. “
From the New York Post
I also love the shopping close to the hotel, including the best drugstore, Zitomer, across the street.
- And to fully round out your old school New York weekend:
- Read this: If you’re looking for a great book about New York, wealth, and family highs and lows, read Mrs. Astor Regrets: The Hidden Betrayals of a Family Beyond Reproach about the Astor family, and in particular Brooke Astor and her only son. It reads like a fictional novel but it is a biography. You won’t be able to put it down.
- Watch this: Sophia Coppola’s On the Rocks, a sweet movie featuring New York and Bemelmans Bar + The BEST documentary all about the hotel, Always at the Carlyle.
- Eat here: La Grenouille, classic French restaurant with the most amazing flowers you’ve ever seen. Great for ladies lunch or dinner.
- Wear these: Scroll down for a few suggestions on Fall shoe shopping!
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Clockwise from top left:
- I have worn boots to work in the winter months more times than I care to count over the years, but I can attest that these Loeffler Randall ankle boots are the most durable and comfortable and look great with both pants and skirts.
- I resisted the clog trend for a long time, but finally figured if you can’t beat them, join them. I recently bought these Veronica Beard clogs and have worn them non-stop.
- Comfy Weekend wear: Rag and Bone ankle boots
- Absolute favorite boots with jeans: Isabel Marant boots
- Workhorse shoes for the office: Manola Blahnik pumps
- Wearing these on my upcoming trip to Paris for sightseeing: J. Crew sneakers
. The Kennedys were frequent guests at the Carlyle, often referred to as the “New York White House”
Living room off the lobby
