Old money, charm and discreet attention to detail mark this hotel as a favorite of the well-heeled and well-bred. It’s located on arguably the ritziest shopping street on the planet, teeming with high-end boutiques and galleries. Only 181 of the rooms in the building are used as hotel rooms. The rest are residential, which is why the place has such a comfortable air. A graceful fireplace, crystal wall sconces, Aubusson carpets and Gobelins tapestries set the tone. The artfully designed guest rooms are individually and luxuriously decorated with antiques (usually French) and fine fabrics. The hotel hasn’t ignored the 21st century entirely, though. There are fax machines and iPod docking stations in every room and there is a state-of-the-art fitness center with personal trainers. The marble bathrooms boast whirlpool tubs, thick terrycloth robes and Kiehl’s toiletries. Adding to the property’s grand appeal is The Carlyle Restaurant, where French, Greek and American-influenced cuisine is served in the atmosphere of an English manor house. Enjoy the the on-site spa Sense, which occupies two floors and 4,000 square-feet.
