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The “Small” Hotel with Huge Aspirations: Hotel Elysee

Almost hidden amongst the buzz of Manhattan is a gem known by few but an experience for all. Hotel Elysee is an astonishing value for the luxury and amenities included in your nights’ fare. Complimentary daily wine and cheese receptions, breakfast, a 24 hour full service concierge desk, and complimentary access to New York Sports Club just to name a few.

Upon my entrance, I was warmly welcomed by the doorman. Walking into the main lobby might brings you back to a simpler time, when elegance was measured by fine details and not by over indulgence. A chandelier hangs over head as you approach the concierge desk, when they asked if there is anything to assist me with. Check in was fast and easy, I was in my room within ten minutes of walking through the door (but not before grabbing some free wine and cheese!).

I felt right at home in the fully furnished room, complete with a flat screen TV, Gilchrist & Soames amenities (talk about luxury),  working desk and complimentary high speed wireless internet. In case you missed it, FREE internet. Must have read the in-room card at least seven times before starting up my computer and realizing, it really is free.

Located in the affluent upper east side, the Elysee is within walking distance from many famous shopping destinations. Saks 5th Avenue, Bloomingdale’s, a 24 hour Apple Store and of course FAO Schwartz. Rooms starting at $249.00 (compared to $525 at comparable hotels nearby), ranging from deluxe queen rooms to presidential suite’s all have a unique charm. Unlike most hotels, each the Elysees’ 100 rooms were individually decorated  with the utmost attention to detail. The smallest room boasts an astonishing 300 square feet (real living space!), Marble bathrooms,  in room safes, two line phones, windows (that open!), individual temperature control and of course an iHome MP3 Dock to play tunes directly from your iPhone.

Not in the mood for snacks, I journeyed outside on the look out for food. The Hotel Elysee, [laced in a utopia of shopping and dining locations, there was no shortage of options. I ended up going for a walk to Times Square to catch up on my Forest Gump trivia (Bubba Gumps, for those unfamiliar with the movie). Enjoyed the walk back and again was welcomed by the door man. Settled in for the night and was warmly woken up by the music playing from my iPhone by the in room iHome system.

 

All in all if you do not enjoy personalized service, front desk personal who learn your name, daily complimentary wine and cheese receptions and the warm feeling knowing you you scored an amazing deal then the Hotel Elysee is NOT the stay for you. Instead stay at a nearby large chain hotel where you become a number, your room a copy and paste duplicate and your satisfaction reduced to a comment card. Their website has a number of well-thought-out specials that change frequently to help make the most of your NYC vacation.

As of the time of publishing rates were accurate as displayed on Ortbitz.com

Hotel Elysee
60 E. 54th St., New York City, NY 10022

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