Last weekend found us again in favorite of all cities, New York. After a glorious Christmas holiday in midtown Manhattan, we immediately re-booked a stay at the Hotel Elysee after hearing from the staff that it would be closing for a two year renovation at the end of March.Closing? Renovation? Changing? We were grasped by the horrible thought that this charming old world treasure on East 54th Street would be transformed from it cozy, romantic and cocooning self, into a modern and possibly soul-less version of its former self. We cannot imagine the absence of the marble flooring, the chandeliers and gold-brocaded wallpaper surrounded by mahogany in the elevator.
The Elysee, located between Madison and Park Avenues, was opened as a Euro-style hotel in 1926 by a Max Haering and it catered to the "carriage trade" until in 1936, it became bankrupt and was purchased by Mayer Quain, a visionary who made his money as a concessionaire. His love of night-life and his business acumen unleashed a series of changes which included the addition of a small lounge service which began at 10:30 AM and concluded at 4:00 AM. The lounge was "simply" decorated with zebra-striped wallpaper and monkey decals which reminded patrons that if they were to over-indulge, they might look like monkeys. There were four stools at the small bar. This was the earliest version of the now famous New York icon known as "The Monkey Bar" with one of its entrances being the hotel's lobby. I don't know what the prices were in 1936 but nowadays, dinner for two is an easy $400.00.
The Elysee is now in the very capable hands of Henry Kallan as part of his Library Hotel Collection (big emphasis on library), each one unique and stunning.
After the Second World War, the Quain children eclectically designed every room in their father's hotel so that no two were alike. French-country furnishings, exquisite drapery and beddings are, to this day, part of what makes each room beautiful and unique. Some, as did ours this visit, have patios with flower boxes and outdoor plantings. Fifty Fourth Street, on a weekend, is quiet and the patios are simply luxurious as they welcome the visitor to sit with a cup of coffee in the morning or an evening aperitivo. Not your average modern day find.
This old world glamor gal has a rich history. Countless showbiz luminaries and New York glitterati have found their way through its thresholds, a few making this their home. The original Quain plan included suites and apartments. More than one guest, like Ava Gardner, referred to the Elysee as "home away from home". Tallulah Bankhead, an eighteen year resident, ran noisy parties which went on for days at a time. Jimi Hendrix made music that resulted in him having to vacate. Joe DiMaggio. Frank Sinatra and Marlon Brando are amongst the names that show up in the hotel's archives, to name more. So celebrated was it that Columnist Jimmy Breslin regarded it as a "genuine New York landmark, a great hotel". He remarked that the walls had seen it all...... Life Magazine referred to the Elysee as a "swank version of a theatrical boarding house". It became "THE place' for Manhattan's show biz crowd.
Perhaps the most famous of the "residents" was Tennessee Williams who resided in the Sunset Suite (the rooms and suites were not numbered) for the last fifteen years of his life. It was here that he penned his final play and it was here that he was found dead in February of 1983. The cause of his death remains unclear. But what is clear is the story of the transient guest who complained to the staff that a strange noise was keeping him awake. That noise? Williams typing. The guest was moved to another room. Williams was not asked to stop typing. No, no, no.
It came as a small coincidence during this particular visit, that I received and email from the Cape Playhouse in Dennis which advertised an upcoming tribute to its founder, Raymond Moore. A somewhat eerie coincidence as I read the attached New York Times obituary of the 42 year old Moore who died on March 9, 1940. Wait for it...... at the Hotel Elysee in New York City. That playhouse is one mile from my current home!! Another New York Moment for this New York woman, indeed.
So, as we bid a fond farewell to the current Elysee, we look forward to the new (and hopefully not too-improved) version and to our already-booked to another of the Library Hotel collections, The Library, for the 2025 Christmas in our favorite city at her best time of the year.
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