Empire Hotel, New York City

-- Hotels, 7/7/2008 12:05:00 PM

The historic Empire Hotel at 44 W. 63rd St. in New York City has reopend following an extensive redesign. The 413-key hotel is one of the oldest establishments on the Upper West Side still operating under the same name at the same location.

Highlights of the lavish refresh include the elegant Lobby Bar on the ground floor, the luxurious redesign of the spacious rooms and suites, and the addition of the exclusive Pooldeck on the 13th floor where the giant, neon Empire Hotel sign casts a red glow.

Located steps away from Lincoln Center, Empire first opened in the mid-1890s but was completely rebuilt in 1923, when the iconic sign was erected, making it one of the longest standing neon billboards in the United States. The 12-story hotel had remained unchanged through the years, until recently.

Goodman Charlton oversaw the interior design of the guestrooms, suites and public areas, transforming Empire into the majestic property that its name suggests. The design and décor of Empire’s interior is a neutral palette of ochre, coffee, cream and caramel, accented by handcrafted metalwork such as hammered bronze, brass and copper.

The Lobby is an impressive triple-volume gallery, complete with a sweeping staircase to the mezzanine level that overlooks the seating area. Ochre shantung silk drapes run from the vaulted ceiling to the marble floor. High-backed plush couches and zebra print and mahogany chairs are grouped on the ground floor and mezzanine level.

Empire accommodations include 50 luxury suites, five of which are Living Room suites, plus 363 plush rooms with seven different room styles. All accommodations are designed in a modern, refined and comfortable manner, with tasteful accents such as faux-crocodile-covered side tables and splashes of tiger and zebra print on cushions and wing-backed chairs, crisp white Frette linens and down comforters. Each room is equipped with an LCD flat-screen television, an iPod docking station, wireless Internet and two telephones with data port and voicemail. Bathrooms include oversized rainfall showerheads, L’Occitane bath amenities and terrycloth bathrobes.

The bi-level Pooldeck has a capacity of 150 guests. The hotel is situated for guests to enjoy 180-degree city views. The classic poolside decor features custom-designed teak sun beds, a plunge-pool and private cabanas. The cabanas are replete with linen curtains, day-beds, ceiling fans, LCD televisions, iPod docking stations, mini refrigerators, telephones and Wi-Fi.