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Room Request! Empire Hotel

Explore this elegant New York City classic

Just across the street from Lincoln Center—where the New York City Ballet, Metropolitan Opera, The New York Philharmonic Orchestra and many others perform—is another exciting Manhattan institution, the 92-year-old Empire Hotel. A sterling example of classic New York glamour, the hotel—which is home to popular restaurants and a can’t-miss roof deck—is a perennial destination, but here General Manager Atif Youssef reveals which of its rooms is the most in-demand. 

The indoor pool at the Empire Hotel

The indoor pool at the Empire Hotel

The most requested room:

The most requested room is Chuck Bass’ suite, made famous from the TV show Gossip Girl, in which the character Chuck Bass owned The Empire Hotel. This suite does not actually exist at the hotel because Chuck Bass’ suite was a set on a sound stage. However, the set designers did extract some hotel elements for Chuck Bass’ suite, including the earth tone colors and serenity design. The production team would also routinely collect the hotel’s guest room key cards and bathrobes with the hotel’s logo to use as props.

Our second-most requested room types—one that does actually exist at the hotel—are our Living Room and Corner suites.

What makes it so special: 

These rooms overlook Lincoln Center for the Performing Arts and the intersection of Columbus Avenue and Broadway as they continue up the Upper West Side. The views from these suites are mesmerizing, especially at night.

The rate: 

Our suite rates change seasonally and can range from $500 to $1,200 per night. Of course, we have some more reasonably priced city-view rooms available too. 

The lounge at the Empire Hotel

The lounge at the Empire Hotel

Celebrity guests:

We prefer to protect the privacy of our guests. However, we have had some wonderful film and photo shoots take place at the hotel that have featured Chris Rock, Rosario Dawson, the full cast of Sex and the City and many others. Kristin Chenoweth also hosted a fabulous party for the Broadway cast of On the Twentieth Century on our pool deck this past summer.

Your personal favorite: 

I personally prefer our Deluxe King rooms.

Because… 

They offer the best views of Lincoln Center. 

Fun fact:

The great American composer Aaron Copeland lived at The Empire Hotel for many years.

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