I stayed here over a year ago before the extensive renovations and found it to be a tiny bit shabby. On my return the week before Christmas of this year I was in heaven. The place glittered from head to toe. New carpets, luxury fabrics on the walls, elegant down pillows and duvets. Top shelf television sets, fast porter and room services.

The art deco decor here is the real deal, everything has been lovingly refinished to perfection. No expense seems to have been spared. The hotel has the luxury and history and beauty of a time gone by. Conveniently nestled between Chinatown and downtown shopping, my partner and I had a wonderful time doing last minute Christmas shopping and walking up and down the wildly slanting streets.

The wonderfully savvy concierge found us great restaurants catering to my vegetarian requirements, taxis were at our beck and call, there was never a worry, never a problem. The whole experience was magical.

The bar was like a parlor suitable for the Medici's, priceless art hangs on the walls, tapestry and chandeliers and spotless and shiny, the real silverware glows, the sushi chef dazzles, the drinks are strong, the live jazz is authentic. Ahhh, heaven. I felt like the happy prisoner of an Edith Wharton novel.

My only regret is that I had to leave. We even got a special holiday rate of $269 a night for a deluxe room. It was perfect. Don't just stay there, LIVE THERE!



Recommended: Yes