Am going to NYC in February. Essex House was recommended. Can anyone tell me about hotel? How are the rooms? Is is deluxe? Thank you

Hi Janie...a few years ago Essex House was restored to its original art deco look (it's about 70 years old)...the rooms are decorated in Louis XVI and Chippendale style and many of the rooms offer fantastic views of Central Park...the bathrooms are marble...it's on Central Park South and it really is a very elegant hotel...the restaurants are Les Celebrites (very classy...I think it's still called that) and Cafe Botanica which is more casual. All in all I think it's more than deluxe and the location is great because you will be within walking distance of 5th Avenue, theaters, museums and so much more.

Hi Merilee, Thanks for the info. I have any question, Im going to a very elegant party and would love to have my makeup professionally done. Can you recommend somewhere to go that won't be very expensive? Maybe just going down to Macys would work and its free.

Janie, I stayed at the Essex House in March and enjoyed my stay. The room was small and it seemed somewhat noisy at night (trash trucks, a NYC problem!) but overall the hotel was quite nice. I'd stay there again. Of course, having the Westin "Heavenly Bed" doesn't hurt!

Hi Janie...your idea to visit a cosmetics counter at Macy's or Bloomingdales's is a good one...they'll apply your makeup while they give you a sales pitch, but it's worth it...the other route is making an appointment at Elizabeth Arden on 5th Avenue. Enjoy!

Just to correct a previous post: Les Celebrites closed more than one year ago and, in its place is the most expensive restaurant in NYC, Alain Ducasse, which received 4 stars this week from the New York Times. Cafe Botanica remains at the hotel as a less expensive, more casual alternative.