Wayfarer TV exclusive: inside The Carlyle, one of New York City’s most legendary hotels

Since 1930, The Carlyle, A Rosewood Hotel has been a classic landmark of Manhattan’s elegant Upper East Side, hosting Presidents, Royalty, and some of America’s most famous actors and entertainers.
Located on the corner of Madison Avenue and 76th Street, just one block from Central Park, The Carlyle is a 35-story, 192-room hotel offering guests a combination of discretion and grace.
The Carlyle is surrounded by galleries and designer boutiques on New York’s posh Madison Avenue and located blocks from the Metropolitan Museum of Art, the Guggenheim and the Frick.
The strong Art Deco influence, introduced by the hotel’s first decorator Dorothy Draper, has been meticulously maintained, from the famed black and white marbled lobby to Art Deco motifs of the hotel’s specialty suites.
Many of the accommodations have been updated further with a more contemporary flair from designers such as Alexandra Champalimaud, Thierry Despont and Tony Chi.
Every American president since Truman has visited and its rich history includes visiting Royals and heads-of-state including HRH, The Prince of Wales; the late Diana, Princess of Wales; TRH The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge to the Kings and Queens of Denmark, Greece, Spain and Sweden.
Inside the property, Café Carlyle has made an indelible mark on the entertainment and social landscape of New York City since its opening in 1955.
The landmark Café Carlyle, has played host to such legendary talents as Bobby Short, Elaine Stritch, Eartha Kitt and Judy Collins.
Featuring restored Marcel Vertès murals, the Café maintains the integrity of an historic Manhattan destination with a new infusion of modern refinement and style.
A favourite neighborhood bar of Upper East Siders and visitors alike, Bemelmans Bar is a special hideaway where artist and author Ludwig Bemelmans’ whimsical drawings come to life.
Best remembered for his beloved Madeline series of classic children’s books, Bemelmans was commissioned in 1947 to paint the large-scale murals to depict all four seasons in famed Central Park.
Open 356 days a year with live music every evening, the bar maintains its Art Deco legacy with chocolate-brown leather banquettes, nickel-trimmed black glass tabletops, a dramatic black granite bar and a 24-karat gold leaf-covered ceiling.
Featuring the only surviving Bemelmans’ commission open to the public, the bar combines wit and coziness in unique New York style.
Dowling’s at The Carlyle, the hotel’s new all-day dining restaurant, opened in Fall 2021 following a renovation of the former space.
This the latest addition to The Carlyle family and is named after Robert Whittle Dowling, former owner of The Carlyle and an influential urban planner known for his passionate efforts over half a century ago to revitalize the city that never sleeps.
He acquired the hotel in the 1940’s and was instrumental in turning it into the institution it is today and putting it on the map as a fashionable destination attractive to celebrities, politicians, royalty and tastemakers alike.
It is through his whimsical vision that The Carlyle embodies a distinct sense of place, offering a welcoming, intimate and eclectic atmosphere for New Yorkers and visitors alike.
Designed by New York based tonychi studio, the stylish and intimate new dining room exudes the glamour and charm of the 1930’s and 40’s and will be adorned by over 200 pieces of artwork.
The collection includes commissions from modern day New York based artists to historic artwork from the hotel’s archives, highlighted by newly acquired Ludwig Bemelmans original paintings and illustrations that pay subtle tribute to the adjacent bar that has been a beloved Upper East Side favorite for 75 years. Dowling’s is open seven days per week for breakfast, lunch, dinner and weekend brunch.
The Gallery, which leads to the restaurant, is the "living room" of hotel. Envisioned by designer Renzo Mongiardino, The Gallery is an exotic Turkish tea parlor inspired by the Topkapi Palace in Turkey.
Here guests can enjoy a quick late morning breakfast, a light lunch, daily afternoon tea or cocktails and casual dinner in the evening.
Guests, residents and locals have access to an oasis of luxury and tranquility at the intimate Valmont Spa by the luxury Swiss skincare line. Located on the third floor, the spa also features the Yves Durif Hair Salon that provides guests and prominent locals with the upmost grooming and pampering on the Upper East Side.