Weddings Winter 2009 > Planner

HOTELS

The Bowery Hotel

335 Bowery, at 3rd St.; 212-505-9100; theboweryhotel.com

Although the building is new, its 10,000-square-foot second-floor space feels comfortably lived-in. A wedding here will be chic (guests enter via a private entrance), but it may also be a bit of a hassle. Certain pieces of furniture (like the pool table) can’t be removed. The Bowery can’t be rented more than six months in advance, so it’s perfect for those working within a shorter time frame. No outside catering. Prices upon request.

The Carlton Hotel

88 Madison Ave., at E. 29th St.; 212-532-4100; preferredhotels.com

Built in 1904 and recently renovated by esteemed architect David Rockwell, the Carlton Hotel blends turn-of-the-century elegance and modern design. The hotel can host receptions for up to 200 guests, and offers incentives like spa discounts for couples who fill their room blocks with the Gettin’ More When Gettin’ Hitched package.

The Carlyle, A Rosewood Hotel

35 East 76th St., nr. Madison Ave.; 212-744-1600; thecarlyle.com

Famous for its Art Deco style and old-time New York glamour, the Carlyle has been a classic since its opening in 1930. Two French-inspired suites—the Versailles and the opulent Trianon—make for elegant weddings. Guests are treated to butlered hors d’oeuvre, a full bar, and a choice of entrées. From $175 to $225 per person.

The Four Seasons Hotel

57 E. 57th St., nr. Park Ave.; 212-350-6501; fourseasons.com

This famed landmark hotel is one of the most sought-after in the city, and with good reason. Guests can mingle on the gorgeous lobby terrace before going to any number of great rooms. The biggest, the Cosmopolitan Suite, holds 165 guests for cocktails and has a clubby, cabaret feel; several smaller rooms can accommodate groups of 50. From $150 per person for three-course dinner.

Essex House

160 Central Park S., nr. Seventh Ave.; 212-247-0300; jumeirahessexhouse.com

Couples who love the Saint Regis but want something a little less pricey can try this renovated Art Deco landmark. The Grand Salon—with mirrored doors and pastoral murals—holds up to 280 people; the more intimate Petite Salon accommodates 90. Packages start at $275 per person and include bridal suite, groom’s changing room, wedding cake, and a respectable wine list.

Gramercy Park Hotel

2 Lexington Ave., at E. 21st St.; 212-920-3300; gramercyparkhotel.com

Ian Schrager completed this bohemian landmark’s latest transformation in 2006. The sleek Park Rooms (decorated with red-velvet curtains and Eames chairs) hold 100 guests for a cocktail reception, while the 4,000-square-foot Roof Club Suite (an outdoor Moroccan-themed room) holds 150. The lushly landscaped Private Roof Club & Garden can accommodate 250. Prices upon request.

Hilton New York

1335 Sixth Ave., nr. W. 54th St.; 212-586-7000; newyork.hilton.com

With the largest ballroom in New York City—and three more to boot—the Hilton is a good bet for oversized weddings (it can accommodate anywhere from 300 to 3,000 guests). The team at the midtown tower specializes in kosher weddings. From $210 per person.

Hotel Giraffe

365 Park Ave. S., at 26th St.; 212-685-7700; hotelgiraffe.com

Couples can host a cocktail-party reception (or even a post-wedding brunch) in the Piano Suite, the Giraffe’s 1,300-square-foot penthouse. The suite has 26-foot barrel-vaulted ceilings, as well as great downtown and Fifth Avenue views. It can accommodate 65 guests or, if the garden is included, 110. From $1,500.

Intercontinental The Barclay New York

111 E 48th St., nr. Park Ave.; 212-755-5900; intercontinental.com/newyork

For 80 years, the Barclay has specialized in customizing weddings to fit the bride and groom’s vision in the 2,500-square-foot window-lined ballroom overlooking 49th Street. There are seventeen additional spaces, seating 10 to 250 guests. From $165 per person.

Mandarin Oriental, New York

80 Columbus Circle, at 60th St.; 212-805-8915; mandarinoriental.com

With wall-to-wall, floor-to-ceiling northeast views of Central Park, the hotel’s massive 36th-floor ballroom is unlike any other. The 6,000-square-foot space can host up to 450 guests for dinner and dancing. Three-course seated dinners start at $275 per person.

New York Marriott Brooklyn

333 Adams St., nr. Willoughby St., Brooklyn Heights, Brooklyn; 718-246-7000; marriott.com

There aren’t many hotel spaces in the area, so this newly renovated and expanded site is a favorite of Brooklyn couples. The 18,105-square-foot Grand Ballroom is essentially a blank canvas and accommodates 500-plus guests; several smaller spaces are also available. Catering starts at $120 per person.

The New York Palace Hotel

455 Madison Ave., nr. 50th St.; 212-303-7766; newyorkpalace.com

The Palace resides in a 55-story tower that includes the Triplex suites, which offer private rooftops with breathtaking views of Rockefeller Center, as well as the Villard Ballroom, for hosting larger events beneath two crystal chandeliers and surrounded by marble columns. The Grand Courtyard is available in warm-weather months. From $250 to $500 per person; bridal suites are complimentary.

Omni Berkshire Place

21 E. 52nd St., at Madison Ave.; 212-753-5800; omniberkshireplace.com

This luxury hotel offers three venues—the Juilliard Ballroom, the Carnegie Salon, and the Atrium—that can accommodate 70 to 120 guests. The wedding-reception menu features an array of Italian and New American standards. From $150 per person; cost includes a bridal suite for the night of the wedding.

Pierre Hotel

2 E. 61st St., nr. Fifth Ave.; 212-940-8111; tajhotels.com

One of the most luxurious wedding locations in New York City, the Pierre offers a comprehensive list of services including an on-site wedding planner, flower arrangements, customized menus (they can accommodate kosher events), and wedding-day photography. The spacious, meticulously decorated ballrooms hold anywhere from 20 to 500 guests; the Pierre also offers discounted rates for overnight wedding guests. Prices upon request.

The Plaza Hotel

Fifth Ave., at Central Park S.; 212-549-0550; theplaza.com

Since 1929, the Plaza’s neoclassical ballroom has hosted legendary events such as Truman Capote’s Black & White Ball. Guests can mingle and marvel at the 4,800-square-foot space’s original chandeliers, mirrors, and sconces, while Great Performances—known for using locally grown organic produce—provides the catering. The hotel now offers a “100 Mile Menu” option for couples who want their ingredients sourced from local purveyors. Cakes are provided by Sylvia Weinstock or Ron Ben-Israel. From $350 to $450 per person.

Roosevelt Hotel

45 E. 45th St., at Madison Ave.; 212-661-9600; theroosevelthotel.com

This midtown landmark evokes old-world elegance. The wide array of event spaces range from the gilded, chandeliered Grand Ballroom, which can accommodate up to 400 guests, to the smaller Terrace Ballroom, which holds 180. Catering is in-house, starting from $165 per guest.

60 Thompson

60 Thompson St., nr. Broome St.; 212-219-2000; 60thompson.com

One of Soho’s hotter hotels, 60 Thompson can host an entire wedding, from the ceremony to the reception, in one convenient spot. A popular option is to hold the ceremony and the cocktail hour on the seasonal roof terrace, A60, followed by dinner at the acclaimed Thai restaurant, Kittichai, then cap it off with a cake-cutting ceremony and dancing on the second floor at Thom Bar. Prices upon request.

Top of the Tower Beekman Tower Hotel

3 Mitchell Pl., nr. 49th St.; 212-355-7300; thebeekmanhotel.com

Situated on the 26th floor, this restaurant features live piano entertainment and a wraparound terrace that ups the romance factor. Long velvet drapes and slow-burning candles add atmosphere to the Art Deco dining room. From $125 per person.

From the Winter 2010 New York Wedding Guide