New
York never ceases to amaze me. Just when I think I've stayed at every kind of
hotel that NY has to offer, along comes a landmark deeply nestled in a fashionable
neighborhood that exudes old world charm, elegance, style, class, privacy and
comfort. The Excelsior Hotel is not in the heart of Manhattan but rather in the
heart of Old New York on 81st Street on the Upper West Side between Central Park
and trendy Columbus Avenue. It's surrounded by a park-like atmosphere and overlooks
the American Museum of Natural History and the New Rose Space Center. My visit
was in January when branches were bare but it was easy to imagine this lovely
neighborhood and nearby park alive and robust with colorful foliage, active joggers,
and young mothers pushing baby carriages. It felt safe and serene. It's
hard to believe that among the hustle and bustle of noisy New York that such a
place exists.  | The
Excelsior's lobby. |
When
one stays at as many hotels as I do throughout the year, many begin to blend together
with fewer and fewer standing out. But when I walked into The Excelsior, the first
thing out of my mouth was "Wow"
and that was only the lobby. Drenched in French country motif, the contrast from
the world outside gave an instant sense of time travel. The
neighborhood itself blew me away. Turn of the century charm, the 20th that is,
abounds in this area of historic apartment buildings and brownstones, along tree-lined
streets and lampposts that have lit 100 years of New York's history. The area
bustles with an endless range of restaurants, outdoor sidewalk cafes (in season),
and exclusive shops, most of which are within walking distance. The Excelsior
offers a destination for those seeking quiet, culture, and more than just a tourist
hotel. Since
it's situated on the Upper West Side, The Excelsior is not within walking distance
of the financial district, Times Square, or Broadway. However, for those who enjoy
the chaotic rhythm of New York City, there are several convenient modes of transportation
right from the front door of The Excelsior, any of which will whisk you away into
the wild and wonderful world of Manhattan within minutes.
(CONTINUE...)
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