Absolutely beautifully decorated, spacious, and beautiful vew from verandah. Magnificent bedding. Steinway was an incredible amenity (needs a bit of tuning), but a joy to play!

My daughter and I just returned from New York, where we spent five days at the Hotel Elysee. This small hotel is located in Midtown East, which gives it easy access to most destinations in Manhattan, including the museums along Upper Fifth Avenue, the theatre district and many restaurants. Shops along Park and Lexington Aves, including Bloomingdales, are also very close.

We enjoyed our stay, appreciating the pleasant staff and the bright dining area where guests could gather for a substantial continental breakfast. Coffee and tea and fresh fruit were available all day, with wine and cheese in the late afternoon. Our blessedly quiet room had plenty of space,- always a plus in New York- consisting of a foyer with an ample closet and marble-topped dresser and a good-sized bedroom. There was a pretty , well-maintained bathroom off the foyer .

There were a few disappointments. The carpeting was pretty worn and had a few stains and, though I want to emphasize that the bedding and towels were impeccably fresh, I did wonder when the elaborate drapes had last been cleaned. I also noticed that the television set was ancient, with a very small screen. I don't go to New York to watch TV but I was ill one day and found it disappointing that a better set had not been provided. The single elevator was comically slow, as it seemed to be determined to go all the way up to the top floor before returning to the lobby.

Although I think our room was overdue for renovation, the hotel is well-run and should still have a lot of appeal for travelers who are looking for a more intimate, European feeling than the large chains can provide.

Hotel Elysee continues to be my favorite spot in NYC. It never disappoints...the service & welcome, the lovely rooms, the library where coffee is served all day..and of course the location is ideal.

Although I am now living in California, New York is where I was born and I go back at least twice a year to NYC to see friends and be part of the city life. Hotel Elysee is where I have been staying for the last 10 years - it feels like my home away from home. I love everything about it especially its history and location. The second floor club room is a great place to meet my friends and I love reading the NY Times on a Sunday morning. The staff is gracious and the rooms remind me of being in Europe. I always enjoy my stay there.