Hidden treasure in Gramercy Park
Written: Nov 21 '00 (Updated Nov 21 '00)
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Product Rating:
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Pros: romantic hideaway in the middle of it all -- 19th century gracious living & 21st century amenities
Cons: expensive!
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| theeye's Full Review: The Inn At Irving Place |
I suppose I ought not to be surprised to find that, as of this writing, there is not even one epinion posted about The Inn at Irving Place. After all, in order to write a review of a hotel, one ought to actually spend a night at the hotel. And in order to spend a night at a hotel, it stands to reason that one must actually find the hotel.
Have you ever driven or walked along Irving Place between 17th and 18th Streets in the Gramercy Park section of Manhattan? My husband and I have friends who used to live right around the corner on 16th Street, so we've visited that block any number of times. We had never noticed a hotel on the block. Our friends, who lived a mere block away, had never noticed a hotel on that block. I'd bet good money that you could stand on the sidewalk there and interview pedestrians for days and not find one who had noticed a hotel on that block.
When we drove up on July 20, 1997, we knew that the Inn was somewhere on that short block; we had written down the address when we made our reservation. Still, it took several passes up and down the block before we finally spotted the small, discreet sign which is the only indication that the stately brownstone townhouse is anything other than a very high-priced private residence. But the search was well worth it: from the minute we walked up the steps to the front door, we knew that we had found a real hidden treasure practically in our own back yard.
Built in 1834, The Inn at Irving Place transports you back in time a century or more. The meticulously renovated townhouse is beautifully decorated with real and reproduction antiques evocative of Edith Wharton, who (along with Washington Irving and other famous writers) lived in the Gramercy Park area. I rather expected to see Emma Thompson, in period dress, sipping tea in the front parlor. The guest rooms are graciously appointed in period style, but updated with every modern convenience. One notable exception: there is apparently no elevator in the building, only a grand stairway; I am not sure how or if they accommodate disabled guests.
When we checked in, we mentioned to the clerk that we had just been married that day (admit it: you were wondering how it was that I remembered the exact day, weren't you?). After freshening up (and taking a quick, admiring tour of our rather spacious room), we went out for some dinner. When we returned, we found a complimentary bottle of champagne (chilled) and two champagne flutes in our room. It is this sort of touch that makes the difference between good service and truly top-notch service. At The Inn at Irving Place, you really feel like a guest and not just a customer. It's a subtle difference.
Each guest room at the Inn is different: no cookie-cutter floor plans here. Our spacious room featured a large bay window with a window seat overlooking Irving Place, a queen-sized bed with lavish period-style bedding nestled in a sleeping nook, a magnificent, large bathroom with beautiful, antique style fixtures in perfect working order and furnishings and decor that looked hand selected. It was a lovely and romantic setting for our wedding night.
Continental breakfast is served each morning in the tea parlor. The antique china plates and beautiful furnishings create an atmosphere that will prompt even the most determined casual dresser to dress up. If you're not careful, you'll find yourself slipping into an English accent and lifting your little finger as you drink your tea!
As calm, serene and old-world as the atmosphere is at the Inn, 21st century New York is just footsteps away and there is plenty of nightlife to be found. My husband and I are city lovers and the combination of a country inn in the middle of Manhattan was really irresistible. As New Yorkers, we were particularly tickled by the delicious decadence of spending a night at an expensive, luxury hotel just a few miles away from home: we didn't actually go on a honeymoon, so our night out was our treat to ourselves.
As you might imagine, The Inn at Irving Place is not inexpensive. Room rates range from (brace yourself!) $300 to $450 per night. But if you are looking for a truly special place to stay in Manhattan and if price is no object, I doubt you'll find a more romantic, memorable venue.
Recommended:
Yes
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Epinions.com ID:
theeye
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Location: New York, NY (it's a hell of a town!)
Reviews written: 66
Trusted by: 166 members
About Me:
Company president, math geek, first time mom at 39, epinion addict. Sleep? Not lately.
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