Lotte New York Palace

This review is SO long overdue (and SO long!) because my family and I have been staying at The Palace (as it used to be called), for decades--and we wouldn't stay anywhere else in the city. We were a bit worried when it became the Lotte NY Palace because we all know that changing hands can sometimes change things that we love about a place. But The Lotte New York Palace has only gotten better. The Tower rooms are our preference, on the higher floors overlooking this magnificent city (and on one side--St. Patrick's Cathedral)! And after staying at so many different hotels in the city over the years (from large 5 star hotels to small boutiques), we keep coming back here for both the supreme cleanliness, service, size, brightness, and comfort of the rooms (from single rooms to 2 bedroom suites) which compared to most boutique hotels these days, are such a relief--large, good lighting in both the rooms and bathrooms, and lots of drawers and closet space! Plus the beautiful traditional lobby along with the gorgeous restaurants and bars, the Pomme Palais for coffee and snacks, and excellent room service, make it so easy to be comfortable, and stay for a while. And of course the location is perfect. From St. Patrick's to Rockefeller Center, 5th Avenue up to Central Park, to Times Square and the theater district, and all over the upper East side, you can walk EVERYWHERE from here--or grab a cab or the subway from around the corner. But what especially makes it the best of the best, and really keeps bringing us back no matter what, by far, is the staff. From the minute we step out of the cab and onto the curb in front of the hotel we are greeted by the warmest and kindest doormen and bellmen. Every single one of them is fabulous (forgive me for not remembering everyone's names), but Isaac and Ray have especially become like family to us over the years. When they see us coming (usually unexpectedly) they light up and make us feel like we're royalty. We look forward to coming back to the hotel every afternoon or evening when they're on shift so we can hang out and chat (if it's quiet--haha). We've stayed in touch over the years, even through Covid and knowing they will be there whenever we come to the city really brings us comfort. And this last stay we were greeted by Papa and Nana (really!) and Angel and the rest of the guys at the bell desk who were always checking to make sure we had everything we needed. As for the rest of the staff...they are beyond fabulous too! Front desk and concierges, Ani, Dalmasi, Isabella, Ann-Marie, and ALL the rest have also treated us like family over the years. We have been through so much together, from celebrating birthdays, weddings, and college graduations (at Villard Restaurant in the hotel) to being there for hospital visits, funerals, and now losing our house in the California fires...they have offered their love and support and condolences throughout the years, and Ani even offered to go check on our uncle who is all alone in Queens after our aunt died! We couldn't believe it (though we wouldn't let her do it)! :) (Ani and Dalmasi are now dear friends of mine and will just always hold such a special place in my heart.) And finally, FOM Ryan has also been so kind and wonderful to us. 2 years ago we came for a wedding and when the hotel realized they accidentally overbooked our room, Ryan offered to upgrade us to the Penthouse suite, which was just such an incredible treat and gift to my husband (on his birthday)! And last week I needed to extend my stay for one day due to a family emergency, and Ani and Ryan so generously made it happen and helped me out tremendously with the room rate. Our family still can't believe the exorbitant amount of kindness, warmth, and generosity that everyone exudes at the Lotte NY Palace. This is what brings us back there year after year, and it has become our forever home away from home. Thank you all for what you do and for making us feel so special and so loved. We are beyond grateful to everyone of you (shoutout to the incredible housekeeping and room service staff as well) and know that we look forward to seeing you all again soon! And to everyone else reading this (if you're still reading it)...do yourselves a favor and stay here! You will love it just as much as we do! Read less

I love the Palace and the location is everything. Hotel service is great, everyone from the front desk to housekeeping to the friendly doorman and sales team, all are very professional and courteous to the guests. Love stopping at Pomme in the morning for coffee and a pastry. Villard bar is very beautiful but pricey, good for a quick drink and appetizer. I like that I can visit St. Patrick's which is right across the street. Only down side is that the sleeping rooms really need updating. Ask for a room with a view of St. Pat's. Read less