Manhattan classics: go ahead and splurge at New York's grand hotels—or at least take a peek

Travel America, Sept-Oct, 2004 by Randy Mink

Like the Carlyle, the Pierre features elevators staffed with white-gloved operators. The 11 stunning Grand Suites (including Room 1025, the Getty Suite) were once private apartments and run from $2,200 to $3,800. Weekend rates for regular rooms start at $345.

A paragon of European grace and refinement, the 202-room, Georgian-style hotel overlooks the greenery of Central Park from an enviable Fifth Avenue location just two blocks from the Plaza. In the Pierre's colorful signature room, the Rotunda, well-dressed guests enjoy tea, cocktails or lunch surrounded by Renaissance-style trompe l'oeil frescoes that combine classical mythological figures with icons from the 1960s (including a woman who resembles Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis).

For a classic New York experience, pamper yourself at one of the city's grand hotels, oases of sophistication where history, nostalgia and unabashed luxury ensure pleasant dreams.

GOTHAM'S GRANDEST

For information on the good life in Manhattan, contact the following laps of luxury:

* THE PLAZA, Fifth Avenue at Central Park 1 South, New York, NY 10019: (212) 759-3000 or (800) 441 1414; www.fairmont.com

* THE ST. REGIS NEW YORK, 2 East 55th Street at Fifth Avenue, New York, NY 10022; (212) 753-4500 or (800) 759-7550; www.stregis.com.

* THE WALDORF-ASTORIA, 301 Park Ave., New York, NY 10022-6897: (212) 355-3000 or (800) WALDORF: www.waldorfastoria.com.

* THE CARLYLE, Madison Avenue at 76th Street, New Yolk, NY 10021: (212) 744 1600 or (800) 227-5737; www.rosewoodhotels.com

* THE PEIRRE. Fifth Avenue at 61st Street, New York. NY 10021: (212) 838-8000 or (800) 743-7734: www.fourseasons.com

A DISCREET RETREAT FOR THE ELITE

To many celebrities The Regency is New York's best address

IT MAY LACK THE GILDED SPLENDOR OR storied past of New York's grand historic hostelries but The Regency, A Loews Hotel, has a guest register that glitters with the brightest names in the world of politics, business, sports and movie-making.

Strolling along Park Avenue on New York's fashionable Upper East Side, it's east to overlook the Regency in the lineup or white-glove doorman buildings. The hotel's understated elegance and residential ambience, though, suit a loyal clientele that appreciates the ability to come and go with discretion.

Many Hollywood stars and moguls make the Regency their East Coast home for extended periods, and the hotel hosts more movie press junkets than any other in the city. The flagship property of Loews Hotels is the New York headquarters of choice for the likes of Harrison Ford, Tim Allen and Henry Winkler. Its small lobby is one of the best celebrity-spotting perches in town. Some of the city's most recognizable citizens--I'm not allowed to divulge their names--permanently reside in the spacious suites.

The Regency's 540 Park restaurant, birthplace of the "power breakfast," attracts such movers and shakers as Henry Kissinger, Al Gore, Larry King, former mayor Ed Koch add the Rev. Al Sharpton as they confer over eggs Benedict or granola with fresh berries. During my stay in June, I walked into breakfast behind retired General Wesley Clark.