Who's Going
Budget Boutiquers, Artsy Couples, Poolside Weekenders
Reason to Stay
Rooftop Pool, Lincoln Center-adjacent, Desiger Hotel
Hotel Type
City Hotel
Under that famous neon sign, the Empire Hotel offers an updated design hotel on the Upper East Side close to Lincoln Center and Central Park. Visitors arrive to double-glass doors emblazoned with initial logo of the hotel, carrying though to a marble-lined entryway and lively reception. The two-story lobby was originally built in 1890. Today it is meticulously decorated in polished marble floors, walnut paneling and décor of tufted semi-circular couches with black-and-white patterned club chairs.
The first-floor lobby bar is a popular hangout for local en route to Lincoln Center with paneled shelves inlaid with tinted mirrors and votive candles opposite a dimly-lit main bar with pendant lighting and cubist barstools. Up on the rooftop is a separate pool deck offering summertime lounge scene win a bilevel outdoor space home to weekend deejays and one of the best new pool scenes in the city. Additionally, a new Jeunesse Spa offers in-house massage and facial treatments also available on an in-room basis.
The Room
A total of over 400-guests room fill this 12-story boutique hotel, most of which are single queen rooms designed by Goodman Charlton to reflect a modern palette of creamy caramel and coffee colors. Wood-paneled walls painted a glossy white are topped-off with chocolatey wallpaper and bronze starburst artwork. Minimalist furnishings are wrapped in faux leather and crocodile skins with nailhead accents and bold metal pulls. Beds are surrounded in fluffy Frette linens, albeit the entry-level Hotel Collection that’s no more than 250-thread count. Bathrooms are an interesting design of wood-paneled walls that extend even into the glass-enclosed showers with its Starck fixtures and collection of L’Occitane bath products. Larger junior suites and suites offer separate living areas with three-seat sofas and wing-backed chairs tossed with safari print pillows and throw blankets.
Preferred Room
Junior Suite
Special Features
Designer Rooms, Sexy Rooftop Pool, Hip Clientele
Amenities
Lobby Lounge, Rooftop Pool, Rooftop Lounge
