Where to Stay to Experience the Upper East Side

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New York’s obsession with everything Gossip Girl has helped turn the sometimes stodgy Upper East Side into a destination for more than just polo aficionados and old-money matriarchs. But after shopping Madison Avenue’s boutiques, hobnobbing at the Neue Gallery, and dining at Daniel, where should you stay? These three hotels are your best bets.


The Plaza: Believe the hype. The renovated Plaza is a New York icon – and a temple to the refined consumption that marks the Upper East Side. Its location on Fifth Avenue puts guests just half a block from Bergdorf Goodman, and it’s just a few more minutes by foot to reach Henri Bendel and Tiffany & Co. Bring money!


The Carlyle: Staunchly in the heart of the Gold Coast, this is another Upper East grande dame, with rooms larger than average for New York. You’ll be paying a premium for the extra space, but a drink at the famed Bemelman’s Bar off the lobby will soothe the sting.


The Franklin NYC: More affordable than either The Plaza or The Carlyle, this hotel is still very far from down market. A wonderful choice for museum-goers, The Franklin also puts guests near Madison Avenue shopping and not far from high-end Upper East restaurants like the popular Sfoglia and the Woody Allen favorite Elaine’s.