The Carlyle Hotel: A Glittering Legacy on Manhattan’s Upper East Side

“The Carlyle is an extraordinary Upper East Side destination that has been a defining part of New York’s cultural and social fabric for almost a century,” reflects Marlene Poynder, managing director of The Carlyle. “Since we opened our doors in 1930, we’ve hosted every American president since Harry Truman, and royals from Prince Charles and Princess Diana to the kings and queens of Denmark, Greece, Spain, and Sweden. While we’re celebrated for our discretion, some stories have become part of our legend— like the elevator ride with Princess Diana, Michael Jackson, and Steve Jobs, where Princess Diana broke the silence by singing Michael Jackson’s ‘Beat It.’ Magical moments like that, and Bill Murray’s impromptu serenade at Bemelmans Bar, live on in our walls.”

Oh, the stories those walls could tell! Over the decades, The Carlyle, now part of the Rosewood Hotel group, has played host to the who’s who of politics, royalty, and Hollywood. President John F. Kennedy? Yep, he had an apartment here and held private meetings away from prying eyes. Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis even called The Carlyle home for 10 months after JFK’s assassination. Iconic meeting alert: Audrey Hepburn and Jackie O. reportedly first crossed paths right here.

The Carlyle’s 192 rooms aren’t just places to rest—they’re all a piece of New York history. Every suite is tastefully designed, blending classic elegance with modern luxury. Guests are treated to custom fabrics, rich wood paneling, and Art Deco flourishes that pay homage to the hotel’s early days. For the ultimate indulgence, the lavish Central Park view suites offer sweeping vistas of Manhattan’s skyline, while the Royal Suite is fit for, well, royalty. It’s no wonder the hotel has become a home away from home for so many luminaries.

Princess Diana was a regular, so naturally, Prince William and Kate Middleton followed in her footsteps during their 2014 visit. “To actually see the duke and the duchess was like goosebumps to me,” Carlyle concierge Waldo Hernandez revealed in Matthew Miele’s 2018 documentary Always at The Carlyle. “Kate even said hi to me, which was kind of cool.”

Hollywood royalty is just as smitten with the Carlyle as political and British royalty. This is where legends come to live—and love. Rumor has it that Marilyn Monroe and John F. Kennedy shared some secret moments here, adding a dash of intrigue to the hotel’s storied history. Elizabeth Taylor and Greta Garbo? Practically regulars. Ingrid Bergman even called it home for a while. And the nights were anything but quiet, with Frank Sinatra, Truman Capote, and the Beatles’ guitarist George Harrison all once caught up in the hotel’s glittering whirl.

Over the years, some celebrities have taken up full-time residence, transforming their suites into private sanctuaries. Fashion icon Vera Wang, for instance, called the Carlyle home for a decade—at least, her brand did, as it was the first location of her bridal salon, which debuted in 1990. Designer Diane von Fürstenberg also made the Carlyle her residence, blending timeless luxury with her signature style, while Mick Jagger, who maintained a pied-à-terre at the Carlyle, added a touch of rock ’n’ roll to the hotel’s storied history.

The Carlyle Hotel has cemented its status as the ultimate destination for fashion’s elite, particularly during New York Fashion Week. The iconic Upper East Side landmark serves as both a discreet hideaway and glamorous hub for designers, models, and celebrities. With its luxurious suites and legendary Bemelmans Bar, The Carlyle offers a chic haven where fashionistas prep for the runway or relax after a whirlwind of events.

The Carlyle Hotel has also become a de facto clubhouse and pre-show for many celebrities and fashion icons on the iconic first Monday in May: the Met Gala. Regulars include Rihanna, who’s known to leave from The Carlyle in jaw-dropping couture moments, and Kim Kardashian, often photographed exiting in her latest Met Gala look. Naomi Campbell, Gigi and Bella Hadid, Zendaya, and Harry Styles have also been spotted there, using the hotel as their glam headquarters, and each exit has become a de facto pre-carpet show of its own. Designers like Tom Ford and Marc Jacobs are frequently seen arriving to assist their muses with final touches. With its private, glamorous ambiance, The Carlyle has become synonymous with pre-Gala prep.

As for Hollywood? Forget “stuffy Upper East Side” stereotypes. Modern stars like Taylor Swift and Lady Gaga have all made appearances, while icons like David Bowie, Andy Warhol, and Hunter S. Thompson proved the hotel’s cool factor years ago.

When it comes to food and drink, The Carlyle serves more than just meals—it dishes out experiences. Bemelmans Bar is pure New York glamour, named after Madeline creator Ludwig Bemelmans. His whimsical murals pair perfectly with expertly crafted cocktails and live jazz. Don’t be surprised if a celebrity suddenly takes the stage. “Mariah Carey’s even sung here after the Rockefeller Christmas lighting. Bono’s done it too,” Hernandez shared. The vibe? A little bit classic, a little bit “New York after dark.”

And speaking of New York magic, The Carlyle and Bemelmans Bar star alongside Bill Murray in Sofia Coppola’s holiday favorite A Very Murray Christmas. Like Nowhere did for the Chateau Marmont, Coppola’s film turns The Carlyle into more than just a backdrop—it’s practically a lead character. Between the cozy holiday vibe, Murray’s laid-back charm, and the hotel’s old-school sophistication, it’s the perfect way to toast a New York Christmas.

Then there’s Café Carlyle, the city’s cabaret crown jewel since 1955. Legendary performers like Bobby Short, Eartha Kitt, and Elaine Stritch put it on the map, and today’s stars—think Blondie’s Debbie Harry, Rita Wilson, Katharine McPhee, and an annual residency with Isaac Mizrahi—keep its intimate stage alive with music. Woody Allen and his clarinet were practically part of the furniture after he played with the Eddy Davis New Orleans Jazz Band for over 35 years. Monday nights became a scene, with devoted fans and curious on- lookers packing into the legendary Upper East Side spot for a little live jazz and a lot of nostalgia. The residency wrapped in 2020, following the passing of bandleader Eddy Davis, but Woody’s clarinet solos are forever part of the Carlyle’s charm- filled legacy. Café Carlyle manager Allal Gogo—better known as Gogo to regulars—is the heart and soul of the venue, and it’s thanks to his warm hospitality and exceptional service that guests, and performers, keep coming back.

“We know more than half of our guests really, really well,” Hernandez revealed. “A lot of our guests are like family to us. We know their likes, their dislikes. If there’s a new restaurant or show in town, we’re the first to send them.”

After nearly a century, the Carlyle isn’t just a hotel—it’s a mood. It’s sipping martinis at Bemelmans, soaking in the romance of a cabaret show, and walking the same halls as legends. Whether you’re a history buff, a luxury lover, or just someone who wants to feel like a star for a night, the Carlyle is your New York moment waiting to happen. Here’s to the next 95 years of magic, memories, and a little bit of mystery.