The Carlyle is really like a New York institution on the Upper East Side. Judy Collins was playing at the bar during our stay, Woody Allen's Jazz band plays Monday nights and it's really just full of old school New York history.

From the elevator attendants to the impeccable service, we thoroughly enjoyed our stay.

Granted, for any older hotel, there will be some imperfections starting to show. Our room was a bit outdated but still very nice. The bathroom was fabulous, including the Kiehls products, which for me, were a bonus, and compared to other hotels that I've stayed in while in Manhattan, this was by far the largest room i've ever stayed in.

For a touch of class in your New York experience, the Carlyle is a great option.

The Carlyle is indeed a throw back to another era. That being said it is not for everybody, but if you value personalized service with a unique and classy atmosphere then this hotel is for you.

The Carlyle is also a residential building which has hotel rooms right next to residential apartments. For example, the only complaint I had was that next to our room was a residential apartment where the tenant had a small dog that barked several times during the night. Enough to wake one up though. Also the pooch barked incessantly for about 10 minutes at 6am which is not what one would expect to experience here.

The room was dated but vey comfortable. You definitely have the feeling you are in a private residence. It had a large throw rug over hardwood floors. Some of the moldings were beat up and the grate below the a/c unit was falling off. If you can live with these kind of things than you will be OK. Do not expect a Four Seasons or Mandarin Oriental experience with the rooms. The bathroom was marble and full of mirrors, also a bit dated but very clean with fresh orchids in a bud vase. Also the toiletries were all Kiehl's products. That being said the service in the hotel was very good. The staff were very respectful and unobtusive without the slightest bit of attitude.

The lobby is a gorgeous art deco throwback to another era with black marble floors that sparkle. Everything seemed very fresh and clean. The restaurant is quite formal and they require jackets at dinner but it too is a gorgeous room with fresh flowers everywhere. There are casual rooms to dine in as well which are adjacent to the restaurant. The hotel bar is also very nice. And the supper club Cafe Carlyle looked very nice. The restaurants and bars seem to have come straight from the 40s. Think "Stork Club" ambiance. Like I said this is not for everyone but if you enjoy this atmosphere you will love this place.

My husband and I have travel all around the world and have stayed at the most elegant and exquisite hotels. We read about the Carlyle in Conde Naste Magazine (fairly reliable source). We arrived around 8:00 p.m. and expected to be briefed on the amenities’ of the hotel (Spa, fitness center, restaurant, complimentary house car, etc.,). We checked in and were left to explore the hotel on our own. We had to call down to the front desk to ask what time breakfast was served, where it was located, where the fitness room was etc.,. Very poor delivery from the beginning. We checked into our room 4 hours after check in to find the maid still servicing our room. Our room had a lovely view of the city, but was outdated and the paint on the ceiling of the bathroom was peeling. The daily breakfast buffet was adequate and offered a variety of items. The only redeeming quality was the concierge who was able to get us into all of the restaurants (Gramercy Tavern, Babbo, and Blue Hill)that we wanted to eat at (we did schedule 2 months in advance ). Bottom line: hotel was nothing special and lacked the service and quality that we are accustomed to. Next time I will pay more to stay at the Four Seasons.

The hotel is in a brilliant location, with gorgeous views over the park. We had a lovely room spacious, comfortable, good facilities. The hotel staff were friendly and helpful. The drinks in the hotel were good, but my favorite was 5 o"clock tea. I think it is the best in New york!!! The hotel was clean & tidy.Carlyle takes the prize for classiest hotel in town.
We really enjoyed our stay!