Historic property with gorgeous, European-style decor and charming period details
Excellent location on the Upper East Side, one block from Central Park and five minutes from Barneys
Spacious rooms feature Sferra linens, flat-screen TVs, and iPod docks; some with kitchenettes and glass-covered terraces
Two iconic duplex suites have housed Princess Diana and Elizabeth Taylor
Intimate Arabelle restaurants offers fine dining under a gold-domed ceiling
Famous Bar Seine for cocktails and afternoon tea
Spa Valmont features treatment suites with a private steam shower and relaxation area -- for hotel guests only
Well-equipped fitness center overlooks tree-lined 64th Street
Les Clefs d'Or concierge team are some of the best in the business
Free Wi-Fi throughout
Small lobby area can become crowded with luggage
No pool
This Upper East Side boutique hotel possesses a deep-rooted commitment to service, luxury, and sophistication that regularly draws celebrities and socialites. The luxury hotel is located on a quiet residential block of brownstones one block from Central Park on the Upper East Side. The 134 rooms are sumptuous, with classic European decor and gorgeous bathrooms. Bar Seine and Arabelle restaurant are intimate and romantic, serving excellent fine-dining fare and cocktails, while Spa Valmont and the fitness center provide exclusive spaces to relax and rejuvenate. Above all, though, it's the hotel's reputation for service that's drawn both Princess Diana and Elizabeth Taylor to the hotel. For something a bit more youthful and modern, The Mark is located 13 blocks north.
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Scene
Luxury boutique hotel with an impressive celebrity list of repeat clients
This Upper East Side boutique hotel first opened in 1927 as Hotel Alrae and today as Hotel Plaza Athenee, it looks and feels more like a residential luxury townhouse than a New York hotel. The bright red-domed awnings and large bronze logo on the sidewalk set the hotel apart from it's neighboring brownstone mansions. Inside, the hotel is finished with Beaux Arts style and the small lobby is filled with wonderful details like a hand-painted mural, gold Paul Garnier clocks, and antique writing desks for a sit down check-in. It's occasionally also filled with luggage from guests who wouldn't dream of packing light. Bar Seine is beautifully decorated with leather-covered floors and a collection of artifacts like framed African beads and butterflies. Onyx lighting gives the space a romantic glow. Guests are here for the over-the-top service and discreet luxury. Many repeat celebrities and socialites book rooms, and the hotel has hosted both Princess Diana and Elizabeth Taylor in the duplex suites.
Location
Central location on the Upper East Side; five minutes from Barneys and one block from Central Park.
Located on a tree-lined street dotted with brownstones, the Hotel Plaza Anthenee is built in a quiet and tony section of the Upper East Side. There are basically three reasons to visit the neighborhood: shopping, museums, and Central Park. The hotel is just one block from Central Park, and a five-minute walk from the many high-end designer boutiques along Madison Avenue. The stretch of Fifth Avenue that runs north from the low 80s to 104th Street, known as "Museum Mile," is home to the Metropolitan Museum of Art and the Guggenheim.
Rooms
Classic European decor and luxurious details.
The 142 rooms at the Hotel Plaza Athenee are understated and luxurious, featuring gorgeous, classic European decor. Expect neutral tones, rich fabrics, and lovely artwork. Top-notch amenities include Sferra linens, plasma TVs, and free Wi-Fi. Some rooms also feature glass-enclosed solariums or terraces that offer excellent city views. Other suites have fully equipped kitchens. Specialty duplex suites, such as the Thai Suite or the Penthouse Suite, are also available -- Princess Diana and Elizabeth Taylor have both called these spaces home. Marble bathrooms feature deep soaking tubs, rain showers, and British Penhaligon toiletries. Evening turndown service is a nice touch.
Features
It's all luxury at Spa Valmont, Bar Siene, and Arabelle restaurant
Features are as luxurious as the rooms and location. Spa Valmont is only available for hotel guests. It offers four gorgeous suites with decor and treatments inspired by Asian philosophies. Each suite features a dressing room, lounge chair, and private steam shower, while two specialty suites either offer a couples massage area or a Thai massage treatment space. The hotel's spa is also the only one in New York City to use Valmont Cosmetics, the famed Swiss brand known for its rejuvenating philosophy. The fitness center is well-equipped, with TechnoGym cardio and weight machines. There are also resistance balls, yoga mats, and stretch bands. Private yoga and Pilates instructors are available for a fee. Guests look out over tree-lined 64th Street while they work out.
Romance is the name of the game at the hotel's two dining outlets. Bar Seine's eclectic mix of Moroccan, European, and Asian-influenced design elements -- including Murano glass chandeliers, dark woods, and warm red walls -- create a cozy atmosphere. Afternoon tea is served here daily, as are seasonal cocktails. Arabelle is an elegant space featuring white tablecloths and cream walls with intricate paneling under a gold domed ceiling. Guests enjoy contemporary American cuisine for all three meals. The restaurant strives to use ingredients from local organic farms and to focus on nutritionally balanced preparations.
Wi-Fi is free throughout the hotel. A dedicated team of Les Clefs d'Or concierge are on hand to handle even over-the-top requests.
