Image courtesy of Lotte New York Palace
Lotte New York Palace is a legendary Midtown hotel with grandiose accommodations. What was once a home for the city’s upper echelon now routinely welcomes discerning guests from all over the world.
“Lotte Palace is a combination of historic charm and modern luxury,” Fora Advisor Gina Martin said. “This historic landmark’s prime location near St. Patrick’s Cathedral, Rockefeller Center and Fifth Avenue allows guests to take advantage of some of the most iconic places in New York.”
Read on to learn about the experience that awaits guests of Lotte Palace in New York. To get the most out of your stay, connect with a Fora Advisor to plan and book your trip. They’ll find you a room that fits your preferences, and communicate any special requests to the hotel on your behalf. Plus, if you choose to stay in Lotte Palace’s luxe towers, you can enjoy complimentary Virtuoso perks.
Fora Perks at The Towers at Lotte New York Palace:
$100 hotel / resort credit, breakfast daily, upgrade & extended check-in/out whenever possible.
Why choose Lotte Palace in New York City?
Lotte New York Palace combined luxury, history and convenience in Midtown Manhattan. The property is located near many of New York’s best places to visit, like the aforementioned Rockefeller Center and Fifth Avenue (for shopping), plus the Theater District.
The hotel — one of the largest in the city — presents a mix of Old World charm and New York sophistication. It comprises a historic Villard Mansion (a.k.a. “The Palace”) connected to a contemporary tower (referred to as “The Towers”), which has especially excellent views of the skyline.
Lotte New York Palace is also renowned for its incredible service. Per Fora Advisor Amanda Blakely, the hotel is a favorite among visiting royalty, heads of state, athletes and celebrities.
“You'll recognize Lotte Palace’s iconic lobby from scenes in Gossip Girl, Succession and 27 Dresses,” Fora Advisor Genny Montgomery shared. “I love the generous room sizes, luxurious beds — and I'm picky! — and views of St. Patrick's Cathedral.”
The property is famous & historic
Image courtesy of Lotte New York Palace
The hotel dates back to 1882, when the Villard Houses — a set of six townhouses designed in a neo-Italian Renaissance style by infamous Gilded Age architect Stanford White — were completed. The elegant buildings would become the foundation for the hotel nearly a century later. In 1974, the 55-story Helmsley Tower was added. Nearly a decade later, the property became New York’s first luxury hotel, The Helmsley Palace.
“The architecture is incredible: A subtle mix of French Gothic and modern amenities make my clients feel like they are ‘home’ in the city,” Fora Advisor Kelly Weinstein said.
In 1992, the hotel was purchased by the Sultan of Brunei, who undertook extensive refurbishments before eventually selling the property in 2011 to a group of investors who, in turn, sold the property to Lotte Hotels & Resorts in 2015, rebranding the property as Lotte New York Palace.
“Be sure to join one of the complimentary Saturday tours of this official landmark property,” Fora Advisor Amanda Blakely recommended. “You can hear the delightfully scandalous tale of how this enormous and extravagant mansion came to be woven into the fabric of Midtown Manhattan.”
Lotte Palace is a great base for the holiday season (or any time of year)
Image courtesy of Lotte New York Palace
If you’re visiting New York for the holidays — the city’s one of the best places to visit in November and December — Lotte Palace makes for a warm and inviting base. The hotel pulls out all the stops on decorating, matching the enchanting vibe of Manhattan during the season.
Genny said, “I love strolling past the nearby Saks Fifth Avenue windows decorated for the holidays, before setting out for a day of shopping.”
Lotte Palace’s service is bar-none
Every Fora Advisor who has booked Lotte New York Palace mentioned the hotel’s impeccable hospitality. Fora Advisor Melissa Curtin noted that Lotte Palace is her most-booked hotel, and property management has consistently gone the extra mile to make her clients feel t welcomed and taken care of (she also noted that her clients often mention the views). All her clients have enjoyed VIP perks and special gestures. One family with two young kids received Champagne and chocolate-covered strawberries, for instance, while a little one celebrating her eighth birthday received a special cake.
Accommodations at Lotte Palace in New York
Image courtesy of Lotte New York Palace
Lotte New York Palace has over 900 rooms split between the Villard Mansion and Helmsley Tower.
Book your stay with a Fora Advisor, and they’ll help you sort through your options to find a room that fits your travel style.
Rooms & suites in The Palace
Accommodations in The Palace are spacious, featuring comfortable furnishings, marble bathrooms and views of either the city or the hotel’s iconic courtyard. The Palace suites offer more space, with separate living areas, high-end furnishings and upscale décor that create a refined environment.
Rooms & suites in The Towers
In contrast, accommodations in The Towers are more contemporary. They provide a higher level of luxury and exclusivity. The Towers’ rooms and suites are all located on the upper floors of the hotel. (Fora Advisor Genny Montgomery recommends The Towers if you want the best views and elevated service.) Enjoy enhanced privacy and access to exclusive amenities, including a dedicated concierge and private check-in.
Rooms feature modern design, lavish fabrics and butler service. Suites in The Towers are particularly expansive — the top-tier options can comfortably sleep up to eight adults — with some offering multiple bedrooms, private dining areas and separate living spaces.
“If you choose to really live like a king, the Royal Suite — spread over 5,000 square feet — has a huge outdoor terrace with stunning views,” Fora Advisor Kelly Weinstein added. “Their Hastens mattress is the ultimate luxury.”
Dining at Lotte Palace in New York
Image courtesy of Lotte New York Palace
Lotte New York Palace hosts one restaurant and several classy bars and lounges, each of which caters to different tastes and occasions.
Villard Restaurant is the hotel’s signature venue, and offers a refined experience with a mix of classic American breakfast and elegant brunch options.
Gold Room specializes in shareable plates and classic cocktails with contemporary twists. Troubles Trust is a stylish, modern cocktail bar located on the lobby level (and named after the hotel's famous golden retriever, Trouble). Summer Bar has a more upscale-casual vibe. And Rarities is a high-society salon that honors the property’s original status as a Gilded Age icon.
There’s also Pomme Palais, which serves a delectable array of pastries and coffee. And, of course, in-room dining is available in both The Palace and The Towers.
Related guide: Best Foodie Itinerary: New York City
Amenities at Lotte Palace in New York
Image courtesy of Lotte New York Palace
Lotte New York Palace pairs world-class amenities with its room selection. The hotel hosts the first ila Only Spa in the United States, and offers a range of holistic treatments (as does its sister spa in the English countryside). Cedric Salon is a premier beauty destination. And the hotel’s large fitness center includes updated equipment (Pelotons, strength and cardio equipment…) and both yoga and fitness classes available by request.
“If you have the time, you’ll definitely want to take in a show (at Lotte Palace),” Fora Advisor Amanda Blakely said. “You won’t need to go far to see Broadway-quality Chamber Magic, with magician-in-residence Steve Cohen. The spectacle is held Friday and Saturday nights in an elegant ballroom.”
Book your stay at Lotte New York Palace with a Fora Advisor
At Lotte New York Palace, guests experience refined comfort in the heart of Midtown Manhattan. To make the most of your stay, book with a Fora Advisor. They’ll handle all the details and secure your desired accommodations. And if you choose a space in the hotel’s gorgeous Towers, your advisor can unlock exclusive VIP perks such as room upgrades and spa credits.
Lotte New York Palace & related travel FAQs
Read on for a few answers Fora Advisors are asked about Lotte New York Palace and its surroundings. You can also send your questions to an advisor directly.
What is there to do in the immediate area around Lotte Palace in New York?
Image courtesy of Lotte New York Palace
Lotte New York Palace is ideally situated in Midtown Manhattan, offering immediate access to some of New York City's most iconic attractions. Just steps from the hotel, guests can explore the historic St. Patrick's Cathedral, enjoy panoramic views from the Top of the Rock at Rockefeller Center and indulge in a luxe shopping spree along Fifth Avenue. (Fora Advisor Kelly Weinstein described it as the perfect location.) There’s also New York’s Museum of Modern Art (MoMA) and the vibrant energy of Times Square nearby.
Related article: Destination Debrief: New York City
How far is the hotel from LaGuardia and JFK airports?
The hotel is about nine miles from LaGuardia Airport (LGA) and 15 miles from John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK). Travel times vary depending on traffic, but typically, it takes between 30 to 45 minutes to reach LaGuardia and an hour (or more) to reach JFK by car or taxi. Public transportation options, such as buses and trains, are also available.
What are the check-in/out times at Lotte Palace?
Standard check-in time is at 3 pm and check-out is at noon. Your Fora Advisor may be able to unlock early check-in or late check-out if you stay in The Towers.
When did Lotte, the brand, buy the property?
Lotte Hotels & Resorts bought the former Helmsley Palace in 2015.
Can Lotte Palace host weddings or other events?
Yes. In fact, Lotte New York Palace is a premier venue for weddings and other events. The hotel offers a variety of event spaces, including the historic Villard Mansion, which features grand ballrooms and intimate salons perfect for weddings, receptions and other special occasions. A Fora Advisor can coordinate with the hotel’s dedicated event-planning team if you’re interested in hosting a wedding or event.
Is Lotte Palace New York popular with families?
Certainly. The hotel offers a wide range of rooms and suites that can comfortably accommodate families.
How do you pronounce Lotte New York Palace?
Image courtesy of Lotte New York Palace
Lotte rhymes with latte! The name "Lotte" is of Korean origin, where the "e" at the end is pronounced softly, similar to the "e" in "café."
Was ‘Gossip Girl’ filmed at Lotte Palace?
Gossip Girl was indeed filmed at Lotte New York Palace. In the show, the Palace is depicted as the home of the van der Woodsen family, and many iconic scenes from the series were shot in and around the hotel.
How much does it cost to stay at Lotte New York Palace? Does the hotel ever have special offers?
Fora’s average daily rate at Lotte New York Palace is $837. Accommodations in The Towers are notably more expensive than those in The Palace.
But when you book your stay with a Fora Advisor, they’ll always check for any special offers.
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