The Autograph Collection has announced that The Carlton Hotel in New York City, an iconic property in the heart of Midtown Manhattan, has officially become part of its distinctive portfolio, comprised of equally upscale and independent hotels, each with a unique personality.

Erected over a century ago a few steps from Madison Square Park, The Carlton Hotel is a time-honored centerpiece with 317 well-appointed, deluxe  guest rooms that include rich, vintage decor with a contemporary twist. As the second New York City hotel to join the Autograph Collection, The Carlton Hotel is the 27th property to join this growing collection of hotels that unites exceptional, independent hotels, selected accordingly for their distinctive style and ability to provide exclusive experiences to its guests. Members of the Autograph Collection have the ability to access the global sales and marketing channels of Marriott International, Inc. (NYSE: MAR) global sales and marketing channels, including the company’s industry leading Marriott Rewards program, while maintaining their individual hotel brand identity.

“The Carlton Hotel is an ideal addition to our portfolio, as it is effortlessly aligned with the Autograph Collection’s mission to provide original and unparalleled travel experiences,” said Kip Vreeland, vice president for the Autograph Collection. “The Autograph Collection’s successful and rapid expansion is attributed to our keen sense of understanding what discerning travelers want and carefully selecting hotels with unique characteristics that speak to those needs – The Carlton Hotel being our most recent addition.”

“We are thrilled to be in the company of some of the world’s most unique hotels through our affiliation with  the Autograph Collection,” said Jeff McIntyre, Partner of Gemstone Hotels & Resorts.

The history of the Carlton Hotel

Initially opened in 1904 as the Hotel Seville, The Carlton Hotel was originally designed and completed by Harry Allen Jacobs in Beaux-Arts style architecture with interiors graced by vintage decoration and furnishings heavily inspired by the Art Nouveau movement. The Carlton Hotel was one of the originating structures at the turn of the century that spurred the neighborhood’s transformation into a fashionable area now lined with various high-rises. In 2010, the hotel completed a multi-million dollar redesign, led by world-renowned architect David Rockwell, which incorporated modern elements that enhanced its original design while still preserving the Carlton Hotel’s historic old-world charm. “With our rich New York history and reputation for exceptional service and commitment to our guests, we are confident this will be a successful partnership,” said Victor Freeman, General Manager of The Carlton Hotel.

The Carlton Hotel, managed by Gemstone Hotels & Resorts, is located on Madison Avenue and 29th Street in the heart of Manhattan. The property features one of the city’s most beautiful hotel lobbies and serves as a historic reminder of New York’s elegant past. The 317-room luxury property boasts over 6,000 square feet of meeting space and seven unique meeting rooms ideal for everything from intimate business affairs to large-scale corporate and social events.

Recently voted as one of America’s “Best New Restaurants” by Esquire magazine, Millesime, French for vintage, is a vibrant seafood brasserie within The Carlton Hotel. Helmed by 2-Michelin starred Chef Laurent Manrique, Millesime’s menu includes Manrique’s signature dishes of Moroccan-inspired tuna tartare and Lobster Pot au Feu, in addition to classically prepared seafood dishes. The elegant upstairs dining room features a 100-year-old mosaic floor, a Tiffany Dome skylight, a marble oyster bar and a custom Bonnet open kitchen. The downstairs Salon is a casual yet stylish destination where some of the country’s up-and-coming musicians perform nightly as part of their new music series.

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