This article is part of the Luxury Hotel Series: a partnership with SarahFunky.
Hotel Elysee is a French boutique hotel that was established in the 1920s and is a place to see and be seen. The hotel and its renowned Monkey Bar has been featured on “Sex and the City” and “Mad Men” and has hosted celebrities, such as playwright Tenessee Williams and singer Maria Callas. Even Vladimir Horowitz, the classical pianist, stayed at Hotel Elysee and donated his piano to the Piano Suite.
The history of this hotel makes it a unique place to stay when visiting NYC. Pulitzer prize winner Jimmy Breslin has said it is “a great hotel, a genuine New York landmark.” Former resident, Tennessee Williams even lived in one of it’s rooms for 15 years until his death.
In their presidential suite, guests can touch history. It was the room that Tallulah Bankhead celebrated President Harry S. Truman‘s stunning victory over Thomas E. Dewey by throwing a noisy party at the hotel that ran non-stop for five days and nights. To stay here, is to experience classic and historic NYC.
One of our favorite parts of this hotel was that they had complimentary wine and cheese hour for all guests from 5pm-8pm everyday.
We were guests of Hotel Elysee but as always, all opinions are our own.
Location: Located on East 54th Street between Park and Madison, Hotel Elysee is a close walk to some top NYC attractions from Rockefeller Center, Top of the Rock, and Broadway Shows to Times Square.
Check In: Check in was quick and easy and the staff was friendly and accommodating.
The Room: Each room is decorated in a sophisticated French style and no two rooms are alike. In lieu of traditional numbers, the rooms were named to reflect their personality, such as the “Sayonara” suite assigned to Marlon Brando after his starring role in Teahouse of the August Moon.
All the modern luxuries you might need are included; a flat screen TV, premium cable channels, a DVD player, a safe, reading material, an iron, an ironing board and a hair dryer. Each room also includes a working desk which is perfect for a business stay or mapping out which attractions are on your bucket list. Select rooms have an adorable balcony to enjoy the breeze and watch the hustle of the taxis below. We stayed in the Piano or Presidential Suite, which is a huge space perfect for a large group or family with a king bed and a separate living room with two couches and a grand piano.
Bathroom: It is very rare to find in NYC but the bathroom was huge and spacious.
Bathrobes and slippers: They are very plush and comfy.
Wi-fi: Complimentary Wi-fi was quick and easy to connect to.
Water: Two complimentary bottles of water are found above the minibar.
Coffee/tea: Coffee or tea is available in the club room from 5am to midnight.
Power plugs: There were ample plugs.
Pool: There is no pool.
Dining: The legendary Monkey Bar is a must-see spot where you might see a celebrity. Although it was one of the first fine French restaurants in NYC, it is also perfect for just grabbing a cocktail.
Fitness: No fitness center but daily passes are provided to the nearby New York Sports Club.
Verdict: This is a unique luxury feel in the middle of bustling midtown. It is perfect for a classy mother-daughter trip or relaxing girls night in. I would recommend it for anyone looking for a sophisticated luxury retreat from the busy city life.
Rooms: 103 rooms
Style: French
Atmosphere: Quiet sophistication
Check in: 3pm Check out: 1pm – They have the latest checkout time of all NYC hotels.
Hotel amenities:
24 hour front desk
Doctor on call
Elevator
Complimentary continental breakfast
Self controlled air conditioning
Real hair dryer
Working desk in every room
Flat screen televisions
Complimentary wine/cheese hour for guests