On November 30th, I had a wonderful time attending NYC’s iconic Rockefeller Tree Lighting Ceremony. But, after three hours of standing in that pouring rain, it was great to rest and relax in the luxurious comfort of the Lotte Palace Hotel.

 

The Lotte Palace Hotel has recently undergone a $140 million redesign including a $25 million makeover of the Towers accommodations. The Towers has 176 guest rooms and suites and occupies the top 14 floors of the hotel.

When I’d checked in earlier that day, I could see that there was a lovely mix of elegance and luxury, but without the stuffy, pretentious attitude that sometimes greets you when you visit a top hotel. This is an important element to me. No matter how five star the accommodations can be, I don’t think any of us likes staying at a place where the management acts like your “lucky” to be there.

Here instead, from the bell captain to the front desk receptionists, the staff was very well educated on making you feel special.

I felt that even more so when I stumbled back in from Rockefeller Center, happy but soggy in a crumpled orange poncho. As I entered the hotel’s elegant Towers reception area, I wondered how I would be received. Would I be met by arrogant staff members who rolled their eyes at my appearance? Not so! Instead, I was greeted as if I had just come back from a black tie event.

Even better, though, was the beautiful room that I came back to. Although it was equipped with state-of-the-art technology, I felt surrounded by old world warmth and comfort.

 

And what an amazing view of the city.

 

After a good night’s sleep, I had breakfast with the hotel’s public relations manager Tracy-Ann Hamilton at the hotel’s sumptuous restaurant Villard.

This part of the hotel was originally the landmarked residence built in 1882 for prominent financier Henry Villard. Take a look at the detailed wood work.

Ms. Hamilton told me that the restaurant is presently open for breakfast and brunch.

And while eating delicious lemon marscarpone pancakes and signature farmhouse popovers created by Chef Oscar Granados, I could see that short business meetings as well as happy family gatherings were taking place there.

Holiday Events and Promotional Packages: Ms. Hamilton also mentioned that the hotel has scheduled a series of nice holiday events. Click Here to learn more.

Special promotional offers are also available including the Christmas Spectacular Starring the Radio City Rockettes™ Package which includes:

• Up to 25% off tickets to Christmas Spectacular Starring the Radio City Rockettes™. Orchestra seats starting at $45*
• In-room welcome amenity, which includes a Rockettes tote bag, souvenir and complimentary Food & Beverage voucher for the show (a $15 value)
• Discounted room and suite accommodations from now – January 2, 2017

Click HERE to learn more about this and other promotional offers.

Getting there: Located on 50th Street and Madison Avenue, this hotel has the advantage of being close to the major shopping stores on Fifth Avenue, but tucked away from all of that traffic.

As usual, I took Amtrak from the Capital District area to Penn Station. There are many ways to travel to the hotel once you’re in the city including taking a taxi. The fastest and easiest choice for me was simply taking the Uptown E subway service located right in Penn. I got off at the 53rd and 5th Avenue stop and took the Madison Avenue exit. The hotel was then just a few blocks away.