Inn at Irving Place

If you ever feel like leaving the 21^st century behind and reliving the fantasies of old New York, head towards the Inn at Irving Place located in the exclusive neighborhood of Gramercy Park. It’s like turning the pages of a romantic novel replete with genteel brick town houses and Tiffany lamps, and watching them all come to life. A member of Small Luxury Hotels of the World, Inn at Irving Place is counted among the most romantic hotels in the world according to Forbes.com.

The Inn at Irving Place is actually not one but two adjoining Victorian 1830’s townhouses that don’t even have a sign to announce its presence. The place looks most unassuming on the outside and you’d probably pass by without so much as a second glance, unless you know what you are looking for. The neighborhood is also pretty quiet and sees very little traffic. For those who are used to the noisy, glamorous, and bustling neighborhood, the solitude of the neighborhood is very welcome.

This boutique hotel has 12 charming rooms and each of them is named for a famous 19^th century New York personality, such as O. Henry, Edith Wharton, Madame Olenska, and Washington Irving. Of the 12 rooms, there are three one-bedroom residences that come with separate living rooms, full kitchens, and bedrooms. The original architectural details of the townhouses have been retained and, where needed, restored.

The amenities offered at the Inn at Irving Place are what set it apart from the other regular hotels and B&B’s. To begin with, all rooms are really spacious, much more than you’d expect. They all are furnished with four poster beds, period antique furniture and art, ornamental fireplaces, embroidered linens, and cherrywood floors. The bathrooms are also large and fitted with brass fixtures, ceramic tiles, and pedestal sinks.

Switch off you television for a while, put your feet up, and relax. In the tranquility of the inn and the aura that surrounds you, it almost feels like you’ve travelled back in the 1920’s. If it’s available, grab the room named after Madame Olenska. It has a bay window overlooking Irving Place, making it the perfect corner for you to curl up with a cup of coffee and a good book.

Dining options at the Inn at Irving Place are aplenty. They serve continental breakfast in bed or in the guest parlor and the afternoon tea and evening desserts at Lady Mendl’s are out of this world. The Cibar Lounge offers imported beers, designer martinis, and light appetizers, while at Cafe Spinoza you can order soups, chili, sandwiches and pastries.

Staying at the Inn at Irving Place is truly an experience you should rope yourself in for, in this lifetime.

• Address: 56 Irving Place, New York, NY 10003
• Location: Between 17th and 18th Sts, Union Square, the Flatiron District & Gramercy Park
• Phone: 800-685-1447, 212-533-4600
• Prices: From $415 superior suite; from $585 junior suite. Extra person – $25. Rates include continental breakfast.

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