The Carlyle opened in 1930 on the corner of Madison Avenue and East 76th Street, on the Upper East Side. Named after the Scottish historian Thomas Carlyle, it has long been the discreet address of New Yorkers and visitors who prefer residential quiet to Midtown. It is one of the classic luxury hotels in New York City, operated by Rosewood.
History
The hotel opened just after the Wall Street crash of 1929 and became, over the following decades, a favourite of presidents, royalty and artists. Many of its rooms are long-term residences. Its cabaret, the Café Carlyle, has presented singers and musicians for decades.
Architecture and design
The architect Sylvan Bien designed the Art Deco tower, whose stepped silhouette stands out above Madison Avenue. Inside, the interiors combine Art Deco details with classic New York decoration.
Bars and dining
Bemelmans Bar is named after Ludwig Bemelmans, author of the Madeline books, who painted its murals of Central Park in exchange for lodging. Few cabaret rooms of its kind survive in New York; the Café Carlyle is one of them.
Weddings and events
The Carlyle hosts private dinners, intimate weddings and receptions on the Upper East Side, close to Central Park and the museums of Fifth Avenue.
At a glance
What sets it apart
- 01Art Deco tower opened in 1930 on Madison Avenue
- 02Bemelmans Bar and its murals by Ludwig Bemelmans
- 03The Café Carlyle cabaret
- 04Operated by Rosewood
Chronology
Dates that matter
1930
The Carlyle opens on Madison Avenue, months after the Wall Street crash.
1947
Ludwig Bemelmans paints the murals of the bar that now bears his name.
1955
The Café Carlyle opens as a cabaret room.
1961
President John F. Kennedy keeps a suite at the hotel during his presidency.
1968
Bobby Short begins his residency at the Café Carlyle, which lasts until 2004.
2001
Rosewood takes over the management of the hotel.
2018
The documentary Always at The Carlyle is released.
