Hotel Elysée New York City
One of the first things we do whenever we are confirmed on a cruise is to look for a pre-cruise hotel in the city of embarkation. We prefer to stay in luxury boutique hotels whenever possible. We were very fortunate to be hosted for a one-night stay at Hotel Elysée in New York City, or Manhattan to be more specific.
After landing at LaGuardia, we ordered an Uber to take us to Hotel Elysèe. The Uber X, was the least expensive option and the cost to midtown Manhattan was $65 not including tip.
The drive from LaGuardia to Hotel Elysée only took about 20 minutes. Traffic was not that bad until we got into Manhattan.
photo courtesy of hotel elysée
The facade of Hotel Elysée is undergoing some renovation, so the beautiful image above is somewhat encumbered by construction scaffolding, a common sight on many buildings in NYC. Of course, this construction may be completed by the time you visit Hotel Elysée.
Once inside the hotel, it really does have the feel of an intimate French country inn. Hotel Elysée was opened in 1926, nearly 100 years ago! During that time, the hotel has undergone some renovations, but has retained the classic elegance of that period. In 2017, Hotel Elysée was ranked as the #5 hotel in New York City by Travel and Leisure.
Reception at Hotel elysée
When we checked in, we were shocked to learn that we had been upgraded to one of the Presidential Suites! We were also informed that the computer system that programs the room keys was malfunctioning, so we would have to be escorted to our room by Jesse, a staff member, who could unlock the door for us with a master key. Jesse told us that he has been working at Hotel Elysée since he was 17 years old and that it is the only job he has ever had.
Jesse unlocked our door, revealing one of the most elegant suites we have ever experienced.
Presidential suite 134
The suite has a huge living room with a fireplace, bookcases stocked with books, a sofa and casual seating for up to eight as well as a dining table that can seat six guests. A small desk at one end of the room is positioned across from a baby grand piano! I don’t think we have ever stayed in a suite with a piano.
Our suite even has a very nice-sized kitchen with full refrigerator, stove and microwave. There were no dishes or cutlery provided, but I assume that needs to be arranged in advance.
The bedroom in suite 134
The bedroom is equally impressive with a king-sized bed, elegant seating, beautiful furnishings and a huge free-standing closet complete with mirrored doors. The bathroom is large and equally elegant with a full-sized bathtub and large walk-in shower.
Tub and Vanity Suite 134
Of course, the elegance of these accommodations exists in their Queen/King Deluxe rooms as well.
Queen Deluxe Room
Morning refreshments are available in the Club Room, Monday - Friday 7 am - 9 am; Saturday & Sunday 7 am - 10 am. Selections include:
Freshly Brewed Coffee and Fine teas
Cappuccino and espresso
Orange juice
Soft drinks & water
Assorted muffins, danish, scones and croissants
Fresh fruit
Yogurt
The Club Room also offers all-day snacks and serves as an all-day living room where you can invite a friend or meet new friends from around the world. No matter the hour enjoy these offerings:
Wi-Fi in the Club Room and throughout the hotel
Freshly brewed coffee, cappuccino, espresso, and selection of fine teas
Assortment of individually wrapped snacks and whole fruits
Variety of books, magazines, and daily newspapers
Computer station with printer
Comfortable Seating at The Club Room
As far as the hotel’s location, it is on E 54th Street between Madison Avenue and Park Avenue, within walking distance of Central Park. This is an upscale boutique hotel that should be considered by any cruise traveler embarking or disembarking a ship at Manhattan Cruise Terminal. For more information, check out the hotel’s website at https://libraryhotelcollection.com/en/hotel-elysee.html.
Hotel Elysée is perfectly located for pre-/post-cruise travelers. The hotel is only about a 15-to-20-minute drive from Pier 88 at Manhattan Cruise Terminal. This was only a $25 Uber ride for us when we transferred to the port.
Hotel Elysée should be on your short list of luxury boutique hotels when you find yourself on a a cruise that embarks and/or disembarks in New York City. And please, don’t fly into NYC and go right to the ship. Spend at least three or four days to explore this amazing city before or after your cruise.
