Tucked away on the elegant Upper East Side of Manhattan, The Carlyle Hotel NYC has long been a symbol of timeless luxury and discretion. Known for hosting presidents, Hollywood stars, and global icons, this historic NYC hotel holds a particularly special place in royal lore. During her visits to New York in the 1990s, Princess Diana often stayed at The Carlyle, earning it a quiet reputation as the royals’ favourite American stomping ground. From the opulent Royal Suite to stories of Prince William’s later visits, The Carlyle remains deeply connected to the legacy of the British Royal Family.
The Carlyle is now part of the Rosewood Hotel Group but continues to host the biggest names in politics, royalty and Hollywood. Oh if only we could be a fly on the wall inside this hotel!
Inside The Carlyle NYC
Since its grand opening in 1930, The Carlyle has become a defining part of New York’s cultural and social fabric. It’s old-school luxury and cultural charm.
After nearly a century, The Carlyle isn’t just a hotel—it’s a mood. It’s sipping martinis at Bemelmans, soaking in the romance of a cabaret show, and walking the same halls as legends. Whether you’re a history buff, a luxury lover, or just someone who wants to feel like a star for a night, The Carlyle is your New York moment waiting to happen. Here’s to the next 95 years of magic, memories, and a little bit of mystery.
The Carlyle got its name from the iconic Scottish philosopher, Thomas Carlyle – known for his profound intellect, he was a much-loved cultural figure in the UK and the US. The Art Deco masterpiece was designed by Sylvan Bien and Harry M. Prince, with interiors crafted by pioneering American interior decorator Dorothy Draper.
Rooms at The Carlyle
Stepping into this 40-story landmark is like stepping into a palace. Its rich colours and art deco interiors make it a hotel with timeless elegance and luxurious décor. You’ll be treated to custom fabrics, rich wood panelling and Art Deco flourishes that pay tribute to the hotel’s early days.
All of the 192 rooms blend elegance with modern luxury, they aren’t just a place to rest – each suite is its own experience. The rooms are a quiet sanctuary above the bustle of the city, with the bedrooms featuring buttery-soft Frette linens, custom furnishings and floor-to-ceiling windows which flood the space with natural light. The rooms offer sweeping views of the Upper East Side skyline or Central Park.
The most popular room is the Royal Suite. Perched on the 22nd floor, the Royal Suite at The Carlyle is a 1,800-square-foot retreat. It features two lavish bedrooms, marble bathrooms, a grand piano beside a black marble fireplace, and views of the East River, the suite offers a seamless blend of grandeur and comfort. Its timeless interiors—curated by renowned designer Alexandra Champalimaud—feature rich fabrics, custom furnishings, and museum-worthy art.
Whether you’re in a standard room or the converted Royal Suite the evenings will treat you to ambient lighting and a curated in-room cocktail selection setting the scene for a refined retreat.
Dining at The Carlyle
Dining at The Carlyle is less about eating and more about enjoying the experience of elegance. From artfully plated seasonal dishes to classic French cuisine with a New York twist, the offerings are curated for those with a refined palate.
The hotel’s legendary restaurant, Dowling’s at The Carlyle, blends old-world glamour with modern flair – here every meal feels like a private soirée. Even breakfast is elevated here, with fluffy pastries flown in from Paris and champagne by the glass.
A visit to The Carlyle isn’t complete without a night at Café Carlyle, the hotel’s iconic supper club. With its intimate setting, candlelit tables, and live jazz, it’s been welcoming musical legends since 1955. The golden age of New York cabaret comes alive each night at this legendary and intimate club. Café Carlyle offers a refined dining experience to all it welcomes through its doors.
Steps away, Bemelmans Bar—named after Ludwig Bemelmans, illustrator of the Madeline books—offers expertly crafted cocktails in a setting wrapped in whimsical murals and old-school charm. It’s here that New York’s elite have quietly mingled for decades, beneath golden lighting and the clink of vintage glassware.
The Carlyle’s Reputation for Discretion
Keeping it further aligned with Britain’s royals, the hotel is famously nicknamed the “Palace of Secrets” due to its reputation for discretion and privacy. Over the decades, it’s become a haven for celebrities, politicians and royals seeking privacy. Staff are famously tight-lipped – so much so that the phrase “What happens at The Carlyle, stays at The Carlyle” might as well be unofficial policy.
Why It Endures – The Carlyle NYC Lives On
New York City is a constantly evolving city that likes to keep ahead of the trends, but nestled in that, The Carlyle remains a beacon of timeless elegance and NYC history. It strikes a rare balance between heritage and modernity, serving up a slice of the old school with its interiors, its services and the privacy that defined old New York, whilst continually reinventing itself for a new generation.
Trends come and go, but The Carlyle remains a living legacy of luxury and charm and remains as relevant and revered today as it ever has.