Profile

Ever dreamt of being Park Avenue royalty? Blending with its residential neighbors, the Regency offers a glimpse of Upper East Side high society without making visitors feel like neighborhood outsiders. A recent multi-million dollar renovation has yielded revamped and highly contemporary guest rooms; think mahogany with gold accents, high thread-count sheets and silk and velvet fabrics. As a Loews Hotel, the Regency participates in many of that group’s programs, including “Loews Loves Pets” (tons of amenities and services for four-legged guests); Home Sweet Loews (borrow everything from reading glasses, humidifiers and rain boots to workout gear and 5 types of pillows); and “Loews Loves Kids” (special gifts and activities for the under-10 set.) If guests ever feel compelled to leave their plush rooms, they can schmooze with locals downstairs at “The Library,” an atmospheric, old-world lounge and restaurant stocked with novels, knick-knacks and newspapers from around the world. For some of the city’s best cabaret, opt for the adjoining Feinstein’s. — E. J. Samson

Indulge in your Park Avenue excess by calling the 24-hour limousine service.

Cons
It shouldn’t come as a surprise that many of the extra services (parking, breakfast, movies, etc.) are pricier than at most other hotels.

Claim to Fame
Past guests include style icons Audrey Hepburn and Princess Grace.