Lotte New York Palace — Hotel in New York

I’ve organized this detailed review into clear categories so you can skim quickly or focus on the sections most relevant to your stay — or read it in full to capture the essence of our experience. Hope this helps! ||STAY DATE:|Friday, August 22nd – Monday, August 25th 2025.||OVERVIEW:|The Towers at Lotte Palace feels like a private NYC residence — grand in size, elegant in style, and staffed by people who make the experience memorable. The butler service, however, did not meet expectations.||ROOM:|We stayed in the Towers Corner Suite (1,210 sq ft, king + sleeper sofa + butler pantry). The sheer space is unmatched in NYC — it truly feels like an apartment. Shower had excellent water pressure. AC worked great. Bed was comfortable, linens could be softer but were fine overall. Noise insulation was incredible for Midtown. Blackout curtains made rest easy. Living room was huge. Kitchen had no glassware (all empty cabinets). Two closets, one large "walk-in" closet in the main entry hall, and a second smaller one in the bedroom. The rooms are undeniably “dated” in style, but the sheer size and layout are unmatched in New York. A full modern revamp would be wonderful — though it would almost certainly drive prices into the stratosphere.||CLEANLINESS:|Spotless throughout. Housekeeping kept everything immaculate, arriving late upon our request & never intruding.||BUTLER / TURN DOWN SERVICE:|For a Towers stay, the butler experience fell short. There was no greeting or proactive check-ins, and turndown was missed on two nights with none of the expected touches (slippers or robe laid out, curtains drawn, welcome treat, chocolates, a note, etc). Slippers only appeared on the last night, still in plastic and tucked under the nightstand. We also weren’t offered a standing morning coffee/tea delivery — something butler teams at peers like St. Regis, Ritz-Carlton, and Peninsula handle seamlessly. Overall, the butler presence was virtually non-existent — reactive rather than anticipatory.||FOOD & DRINK:|Breakfast in the Villard Room: |Lemon mascarpone pancakes: rich and filling, easily shared.|Avocado toast: tasty but not a standout; though it was beautifully plated and visually aesthetic.|Peppered bacon: flavorful.|Canadian bacon: good.|English breakfast sausage: good.|Cappuccinos: solid.|Suggestion: Adding wellness-style cold-pressed juices (like green juice with kale, apple & ginger, or carrot–orange–turmeric blends, which peers like St. Regis and Ritz offer) would elevate the breakfast offering. Worth noting: fresh juices (orange, grapefruit, apple, cranberry) are available.||Room Service Hours:|Breakfast: 6:30 AM – Noon|Lunch/Dinner: Noon – 10:30 PM|Late Night: 10:30 PM – 2:00 AM||BARS:|The Gold Room — One of the most iconic spaces in the Palace, this gilded bar sits within the Villard Mansion and feels like stepping into another era. With soaring ceilings, ornate gold-leaf details, and a dramatic old-world atmosphere, it’s a quintessential New York setting for cocktails. The space itself has been featured in films and TV, adding to its historic allure. Drinks are well-crafted, but what truly sets it apart is the sense of place — you’re sipping in a room that feels equal parts museum, movie set, and private club.||Rarities- is the hotel’s ultra-exclusive lounge, discreetly located on the mezzanine level of the Villard Mansion. With only about 25 seats, it operates by reservation or invitation only and specializes in rare spirits, vintage wines, and high-end cocktails found nowhere else. Styled more like a private members’ club than a hotel bar, it’s intimate, quiet, and refined. Access is generally limited to Towers guests, members, or those who arrange in advance through the hotel.||AMENITIES:|Booking through Amex Fine Hotels + Resorts gave us guaranteed 4pm late checkout, daily breakfast credit, and a $100 property credit — all honored seamlessly, which isn’t always the case at NYC hotels. Towers guests also have a private lobby and concierge, spa with sauna and steam room, and complimentary house car service (based on availability). The fitness center is one of the largest hotel gyms in New York City, featuring Peloton bikes, full strength and cardio equipment, and sweeping views of St. Patrick’s Cathedral. Free high-speed internet is included in the Towers (paid elsewhere in the hotel).||LOCATION & VIBE:|Prime Midtown spot — steps from Rockefeller Center, Fifth Ave, and St. Patrick’s Cathedral. The view of the Cathedral from the Towers is breathtaking and feels uniquely New York. The property itself incorporates the historic Villard Houses (1882), which give the lobby its iconic old-world grandeur. Film buffs will recognize it instantly from the iconic series of Gossip Girl, it’s also appeared in 27 Dresses, Law & Order, and more. The vibe is classic old-world luxury with a grand lobby and a quieter, more refined Towers experience.|During our stay, the hotel was buzzing with US Open energy — several tennis players were staying on property, and the courtyard even hosted a special pickleball event. It added a fun, unexpected element to the classic luxury vibe and showed how the Palace leans into major city moments.||DISAPPOINTMENTS / CONS:|Butler service was non-existent.|Bathtub plug was stuck, unable to use the bath. (Please note- this is our fault for not mentioning it — I’m confident it would have been addressed quickly, had we informed them.)|Décor shows its age- but honestly that's not a disappointment to me, as everything was clean. ||INSIDER TIPS:|Towers check-in is separate from the main lobby.|Make breakfast reservations during peak periods.|Don’t assume butler service will be proactive — request what you want.|Visit the Gold Room and say hi to Jose.|This property is a NYC icon — ask staff about its history or book a Gossip Girl–style tour to fully appreciate the setting.|Take advantage of the complimentary house car service (subject to availability).||PARKING / VALET:|Valet parking: Unclear if it is $90/day or $110/day. |Self-parking available at SP+ garage on 50th St., next to the hotel.|Doormen were excellent — warm, attentive, and deserving of recognition.||SERVICE / STAFF:|Front Desk: Rebecca Villaseñor — an absolute star. She was kind, warm, and charming from the start. She went above & beyond, checked in on us regularly, and greeted us by name, a small detail that made a big impact. She made sure we felt genuinely cared for, delivering the kind of thoughtful, personalized service that defines a five-star experience. Rebecca made us feel welcomed, at home, and truly valued as guests.||Concierge: I’d like to highlight two members of the Concierge team — Ani and Diego. Both are world-class professionals who embody true five-star service: attentive, efficient, and exceptionally knowledgeable. They coordinated seamlessly with each other (even on days off) to stay on top of our requests, ensuring nothing was ever missed. Together, they anticipated needs and executed every request flawlessly, from securing coveted reservations to arranging thoughtful new experiences. They consistently delivered the hallmark service expected at a property of this caliber.||The Gold Room: Jose — the reason we chose The Towers in the first place. We first met him by chance in 2023 when we stumbled into the Gold Room, and his warmth, passion, and vibrant energy left a lasting impression. He even suggested we consider staying at the hotel, and a year later, we did exactly that. Jose isn’t just mixing drinks; he’s a true craftsman with deep historic knowledge of the property, a genuine love for what he does, and an attentiveness to each guest that feels effortless. It’s like magic watching him work, fast, efficient, and fully engaged with everyone at the bar. His presence elevates the Gold Room into an experience, and he’s the kind of hospitality professional who makes you want to return again and again.||Housekeeping: consistently excellent, discreet, and thorough.||Butler service: the biggest disappointment. Missed turndown service twice and offered no proactive attention.||OVERALL:|Between the oversized suite and staff like Rebecca, Ani, Diego, and Jose, this stay was exceptional in many ways. The weak butler experience, however, kept it from being flawless. Would absolutely return — but with realistic expectations for their version of “butler service.” The staff, location, room size, FHR perks, and historic atmosphere ultimately outweighed the misses. It truly felt as though we were saying goodbye to family when we left. I genuinely look forward...

I stayed in The Towers at Lotte Palace during my recent trip, but since the Towers are part of the larger Palace property, I wanted to share a review that speaks to the overall experience. This feedback blends both Towers-specific details and property-wide highlights, organized by category for easy skimming.||STAY DETAILS:|August 22–25, 2025, Friday through Monday.||FIRST IMPRESSIONS:|Few hotels in New York City balance historic grandeur with modern city energy the way the Palace does. Walking through the Villard Mansion entrance, you’re immediately immersed in Gilded Age architecture — marble staircases, ornate ceilings, and the famous chandelier installation in the grand staircase. Even before reaching the Towers’ private lobby, you already feel you’ve arrived somewhere iconic.||ROOM EXPERIENCE:|We booked a Towers Corner Suite (1,210 sq ft; king bed + sofa bed + Butler pantry). The size is extraordinary for Midtown Manhattan — it felt like a private apartment rather than a hotel room. A spacious entryway with a walk-in closet, a separate bedroom with an additional closet, and a huge living room made it effortless to spread out. Water pressure in the shower was excellent, blackout curtains ensured uninterrupted sleep, and the AC worked great. The décor does lean dated, but the layout and square footage are unparalleled in the city.||CLEANLINESS & HOUSEKEEPING:|Spotless throughout the stay. The housekeeping team was reliable, discreet, and flexible with timing when we requested later service.||BUTLER SERVICE:|This was the only significant letdown. For a Towers stay, you’d expect proactive attention — an introduction, turndown service, slippers or robes laid out, a welcome amenity, or at least a check-in from the butler team. Instead, service was inconsistent: turndown was skipped two nights, slippers arrived only on the last night (still wrapped in plastic), and no morning coffee/tea delivery was offered. Compared to Butler programs at St. Regis, Peninsula, or Ritz, this felt reactive instead of anticipatory.||FOOD & DRINK:|Breakfast in the Villard Room:|Lemon mascarpone pancakes: rich and decadent, very filling, easily shared. |Avocado toast: beautifully plated, average taste.|Peppered bacon, Canadian bacon & English sausage: all solid.|Cappuccinos: great. |-A suggestion: Adding wellness-focused juices (e.g., kale-apple-ginger or carrot-orange-turmeric blends) would elevate the experience, comparable to what peers in the 5-star category provide. Currently, fresh orange, grapefruit, apple, and cranberry juices are available.||Room Service:|Breakfast 6:30 AM–Noon|All-day menu until 10:30 PM|Late-night until 2:00 AM||BARS:|The Gold Room: A breathtaking historic bar with soaring gilded ceilings, murals, and old-world detail. More than a bar, it feels like a museum or film set (it has, in fact, appeared in multiple movies/TV). Cocktails are absolutely top notch amazing, but it’s the atmosphere that makes it even more special.||Rarities: A small, ultra-exclusive lounge (about 25 seats) tucked into the Villard Mansion mezzanine. Access is invitation-only or arranged in advance. Specializes in rare spirits and vintage wines, with the intimacy of a private club.||AMENITIES:|Booking via Amex Fine Hotels & Resorts delivered perks like a late 4 PM checkout, breakfast credits, and a $100 property credit, all honored without hassle. Towers guests also enjoy a private check-in lobby, concierge services, complimentary house car (based on availability), and access to the spa’s sauna and steam room.||The fitness center deserves a mention — one of the largest hotel gyms in the city, featuring Peloton bikes, full strength/cardio equipment, and stunning views over St. Patrick’s Cathedral.||LOCATION & ATMOSPHERE:|Midtown doesn’t get more central. Rockefeller Center, Fifth Avenue shopping, and St. Patrick’s Cathedral are steps away. Views from our suite directly overlooked the Cathedral — a dramatic and unforgettable New York moment.||The property also leans into the city’s cultural moments; during our visit (US Open weekend), the Palace hosted several players and even set up a pickleball court event in the courtyard. It created a lively, fun buzz alongside the classic luxury feel.||PARKING & ARRIVAL:|Valet pricing ($90 or $110 per day, I'm unsure which it is). |Self-parking is available at the SP+ garage on 50th Street next door. |Doormen were consistently outstanding — attentive, professional, and warmly welcoming.||SERVICE & STAFF HIGHLIGHTS:|Front Desk: Rebecca Villaseñor — an absolute standout. From the very first interaction, she set the tone with warmth, professionalism, and genuine charm. She went out of her way to check on us throughout the stay and always addressed us by name — a small detail that made a lasting impression. Rebecca delivered the type of attentive, personalized service that separates good hotels from great ones. She made us feel not just accommodated, but genuinely cared for, and that level of connection is what defines true five-star hospitality.||Concierge: Two members of the concierge team deserve special recognition — Ani and Diego. They are the embodiment of world-class concierge service: quick to respond, highly resourceful, and impressively knowledgeable. They didn’t just react to requests, they anticipated them, and coordinated flawlessly with each other, even across different shifts and days off. Whether it was securing hard-to-get reservations or creating memorable experiences tailored to our trip, they executed everything with precision and ease. Their consistency and teamwork reflected the level of professionalism expected at a property of this reputation.||The Gold Room: Jose — the heartbeat of the Gold Room and the reason we ultimately chose The Towers for our stay. We first encountered him in 2023 by chance, and his enthusiasm, warmth, and encyclopedic knowledge of both the bar and the property itself left a lasting impact. Jose is far more than a bartender — he’s a master of his craft, someone who can engage with guests effortlessly while delivering drinks with speed, accuracy, and artistry. Watching him work is part of the experience. His presence transforms the Gold Room from a beautiful space into an unforgettable memory, and he is the type of hospitality professional who inspires guests to return time and again.||Housekeeping: Consistently excellent.||Butler Team: The one weak spot — invisible when they should have been an integral part of the stay.||WHAT COULD IMPROVE:|Butler service consistency.|Rooms, while large, could benefit from modernization. But again, everything was so clean, worked well, and very comfortable, that an "outdated" decor is not going to stop me from staying here. It was excellent. ||FINAL THOUGHTS:|The Lotte Palace, with its blend of history, iconic architecture, and prime Midtown location, remains a quintessential New York stay. While the Towers’ butler program didn’t deliver as expected, the suite size, location, and especially the staff — Rebecca, Ani, Diego, and Jose — made the trip unforgettable.||Staying in the Towers gave us privacy and space, but the energy of the full Palace property made it feel alive. It was hard to say goodbye — and I look forward to returning. Thanks again to those who truly went above and beyond for us; Rebecca, Ani,...

My marvelous experience with the Lotte New York Palace began before I even arrived. |Reservations: When I called to reserve a room, I knew that I had found the perfect place to stay for a special birthday trip to New York. My initial conversation was with Deidre; I spoke with Marie the next day (when I called back to request a higher floor than I had originally asked for). I had the most delightful conversations with both Deidre and Marie. Each was courteous, friendly, professional, and welcoming. They both shared my enthusiasm for my upcoming stay and promised to note that I would be celebrating my birthday on the day of arrival (which they did!). I was so impressed with their assistance and guidance. Within a day or two of making my reservations, I received a lovely email from Mr. Antonio, the Reservations Manager, who also extended a warm welcome along with a guide to the concierge and other services at the hotel.|Location: The location is just perfect, situated on Madison Avenue just behind St. Patrick's Cathedral. Fifth Avenue and Rockefeller Center are a two minute walk from the hotel.|Check In/Front Desk: My friend Marcia accompanied me to NYC. We had an early flight from North Carolina and arrived at the Palace around 9:00 am, where we received prompt service and a warm welcome from Lincy at the front desk. She checked us in and said she would let us know when the room was ready. Lincy explained the layout of the hotel, dining options, and amenities. She was efficient, pleasant, and helpful; she made our check-in process quick and easy. We left our luggage with George, who greeted us by name and a lovely smile each time we saw him. We had just returned to the hotel after a day of exploring when Lincy called to say, "Your beautiful room is ready!" During the course of our three day stay, I also interacted with Denise and Caroline at the front desk. As with everyone else at the Palace, they were welcoming, friendly, patient, and helpful.|Room: Wow. What a room! Everything about it was fabulous: a minibar/fridge stocked with premium wines and liquors, soft drinks, snacks, and chocolate; comfortable beds with excellent pillows; thick terrycloth robes and slippers; a spacious bathroom with luxurious toiletries from Molton Brown... and a magnificent view! We never tired of gazing out of the huge pictures windows overlooking the Cathedral, Rockefeller Center, and the New York skyline.|Housekeeping: The room was immaculate, with a pristine bathroom, fresh and fragrant bed linens, and a plush carpet. Our housekeepers provided us with plenty of toiletries, extra blankets, and minibar supplies. We exchanged greetings with several of our friendly housekeepers, including a sweet lady named Phurba; they were all so nice and made sure we had everything we needed.|Dining/Room Service: Room service is a treat, with elegant presentation, delicious and plentiful food, white table linens, china and silverware, and efficient and friendly servers. Morning coffee was a wonderful start to the day, with piping hot coffee in a silver carafe and a fresh flower on the serving tray.|Dining/The Gold Room: Cocktails in the Gold Room are a must at the Palace! A golden wall of Champagne beckons from the entrance. The setting is magnificent, the drinks are nectar from the gods, and our excellent bartender Marie was a most gracious and attentive host. We enjoyed handcrafted cocktails and a superb cheese plate. Marie gave us a detailed description of each cheese, including taste, texture, and provenance. She also recommended the perfect wine as an accompaniment. Marie enhanced and elevated an already grand experience!|Concierge: Shortly after arrival, we inadvertently wandered into the Towers Lobby, where Ani greeted us warmly. Ani provided us with a map, directions, and advice, all accompanied by a beautiful smile. |Special Personalized Touches: A delightful surprise awaited in the room: a birthday card and a tray of beautiful lemon Madeleines dipped in dark chocolate and topped with gold leaf. A fine birthday cake indeed!|Maurice - In a Class by Himself: We had the good fortune to meet Maurice within minutes of our arrival. We were immediately drawn to him as he stood presiding over the grand lobby and staircase, impeccably dressed, with an infectious smile and a most charming manner. We were a bit travel weary and disheveled, having left home at 2:30 that morning; however, Maurice greeted and treated us like royalty despite our somewhat scruffy appearance. Upon learning that it was my birthday, he disappeared for a moment and returned with a birthday tiara! He recommended a local diner just around the corner for breakfast (which had delicious food and a birthday Mimosa) and Grotta Azzurra, an excellent trattoria in Little Italy, for dinner. Maurice also remembered our names each time we saw him and seemed genuinely interested in ensuring that we enjoyed our stay to the fullest. Maurice is a true ambassador of the hospitality of the Palace.|Conclusion: Thank you to everyone at the Palace for making our stay a luxurious experience and a treasured memory. The only downside was...