New York Palace is back in the full glory after a 2-year, $140 million renovation. The final phase of the extensive renovations is opening of the Rarities – an intimate, reservation-only 25-seat sumptuous lounge located in the famed Renaissance-style Villard Mansion. Designed in homage to the city’s legendary private gentleman’s clubs, the sort of place where Vanderbilts and Astors would meet for drinks, this is an exclusive destination available to The Towers guests. All of the historical elements have been maintained, with antique and artifact embellishments.
Rarities and Tavern on 51 (public bar) are decoratively connected by a landmarked staircase, as well as an illuminated metal and glass vitrine display case that extends through the center of the staircase. The vitrine was designed specifically to house the curated rare scotches offered at Rarities. In addition to scotches, this exclusive, reservation-only venue serves a sampling of the world’s rarest wines and spirits. Some of them are almost never seen anywhere else in the world, ranging from the $485 a glass Fladgate Scion 1855 Vintage Port to the $27,000 a bottle 1985 Romanee-Conti Grand Cru.
The recently reborn New York Palace features 909 spacious rooms and suites – including 176 newly renovated exclusive Towers accommodations – which provide the perfect setting for relaxation and inspired stays in New York City. The hotel’s famed Villard Mansion built in 1882 is recognized as a New York City Landmark and gracefully blends with a contemporary 55-story tower. The Madison Avenue Courtyard provides a dramatic entryway to the hotel’s grand lobby. Unique dining venues, developed by acclaimed chef Michel Richard, offer everything from imaginative entrees to signature pastries and creative cocktails. The Palace’s collection of versatile meeting and event spaces is ideal for weddings, corporate events and social occasions.
