Who To Take: Impress your in-laws with a brunch that allows for conversation or get away from it all and stop in for a solo cocktail.
Hôtel Plaza Athénée is one of the most well-known hotels in the world, but unless you are looking for it or taking a walk on 64th street, you might not be aware of its exact location. The quiet upper east side area allows for the hotel’s privacy and this makes it the ideal hideaway. The remarkable hotel has a rich history, serving visitors since 1984. One of their most frequent and notable guests was Diana, Princess of Wales. Famous for their tasteful interiors and boutique feel, this upscale location has longevity that never goes out of style.
Our editors attended an exclusive event that allowed for a tour of all the hotel offerings, including the esteemed Valmont Spa. The event served as a reveal to their hotel rooms and restaurant re-design and upgrades. Arabelle Restaurant’s surreal sky ceiling will have you mesmerized, while bites of food from a menu created by Chef Oliver Keegan will keep you coming back. In addition, we were treated to a variety of cocktails, made by a number of guest mixologists. Hendrick’s Gin offered up a taste of their limited-edition gin, the Midsummer Solstice in a trio of cocktails. (see our review and the recipes at this link)
When it comes to personal attention and warm hospitality, Hôtel Plaza Athénée makes the cut. The upscale experience starts at the red-domed awnings outside and continues throughout your entire visit. Whether you are a traveller staying the night or New Yorker visiting Bar Seine, your visit is sure to be extraordinary and never ever rushed.
(photo at the top of this post) Afternoon Tea has never looked so good, especially when served in a plush interior, filled with velvet and leather arm chairs in Bar Seine. The red theme throughout the hotel adds a nice punch.
New York’s Hôtel Plaza Athénée has a distinguishable vintage style and logo, as seen in the vintage telephone. Right, our Editorial Director, Ellen Swandiak, poses in front of the glitzy hotel entrance.
The front part of the lounge, outside the bar. Right, a 9-liter bottle of Taittinger champagne, a salmanazar, is being poured by a strapping, practiced expert in the hotel’s Bar Seine. I dare say that bottle was nearly done when we left.
Comfortable red armchairs, classic art and a romantic atmosphere are Bar Seine‘s staple.
We did enjoy a couple of cocktails here. The Ginger Sparkler: Taittinger Champagne & Domaine de Canton Liquor, candied ginger and the Basil Lime Gimlet: Reyka Vodka, fresh basil & lime, simple syrup. Right, the doors to Bar Seine, being opened by our style editor Paulina Kajankova, lead to a private and opulent dining room where we enjoyed our lunch.
This apple martini was made with fresh squeezed apple juice. Right, the lunch menu allows you to chose from smaller plates of refreshing options, such as a Chilled Watermelon Salad, to more hearty choices, such as a Black Angus Burger.
Editorial Director, Ellen Swandiak, enjoying Hôtel Plaza Athénée’s french-inspired dining area. Right, a delicious cauliflower appetizer served atop hummus with a curry mayo.
The deserts, the saffron panna cotta and a cheesecake with a lively berry topping and were both welcomed and equally delicious.
Erik Andersson created some stunning and tasty cocktails with Hendricks limited-edition gin, Midsummer Solstice. The cocktail, Ernest Bouquet, had a lively mix of Maraschino Liqueur, grapefruit and lime juice. (see the recipe at this link)
Edible flowers add beauty and taste to elevate the cocktails. Right, the Floral Impulse, a cool purple-y blue and refreshing concoction. (see the recipe at this link)
Style editor Paulina Kajankova gets a lesson in whiskey from upstate New York: Hudson Manhattan Rye Whiskey from Tuthilltown Spirits.
Arabelle Restaurant is where breakfast is served and private events can be held. Right, a detail of the ethereal ceiling and embellished woodwork.
Heading into Arabelle Restaurant, so elegant.
Intricate chocolates and fruity sweets at the event.
Hôtel Plaza Athénée, 37 East 64th St (betw Park & Madison Ave);
