Lonely Planet Review
Jazzy and classy, this new 316-room boutique completely transformed an old hotel space in 2005 - with an all-new lobby that's like entering the sepia tones of an Art Deco age - and as a result immediately provided a new ritzy drinking and eating spot for Manhattanites.
Hotels have occupied the spot since 1904, but the Carlton mixes up its eras. Jazz and big-band standards float from speakers in the towering lobby, with a gentle waterfall with trickling water dripping over a bubbly image of Madison Avenue in the old days. Overlooking the scene is the mezzanine Country Restaurant and a lovely lobby bar/cafe - good for weekend brunch - which has a glass walkway hanging over dark-wood nooks and tables. Decked in creamy walls and brown floral carpets, rooms are classy, with drapes hanging over the bed headboards (covered in Frette duvets and with all-white quilts at the foot of the bed). Traditional pieces include armoires (housing the TVs) and shapely work desks - where you can get free high-speed or wi-fi Internet access. Some rooms have iHouse statiolarm clocks for your iPod. Standards (called 'Classic Full') are comfy but not huge.
Review by author
Robert Reid