For Travel Maestro’s November travel industry professional interview, it was my pleasure to speak with Carol Coleman, Director of Travel Industry Sales at the New York Palace Hotel.

No stranger to the luxury travel industry, before joining The New York Palace over 2 years ago, Carol has many years under her belt working at leading brands such as Ritz-Carlton and Marriott.  She brings warm and passionate energy to her work, be it managing relationships with key Travel Agents or working alongside the hotel’s Virtuoso partners.  Carol’s focus is always to provide the exceptional hotel experience that Palace guests have come to expect.

Hi Carol, thank you for taking the time to talk with me about the New York Palace.

1)  The New York Palace is a legendary luxury hotel with a prime location in mid-Manhattan across the street from world-famous St. Patrick’s Cathedral and a great central location for families exploring New York. What services are offered that make the hotel family-friendly?

New York City is a magical place for children.  There are so many marvelous things to see, from Central Park to the many museums, and exhibits focusing on guests of all ages.  At The New York Palace, our family-friendly staff welcomes kids, offering little touches such as child-sized robes and slippers, Palace teddy bears, and adorable New York-themed cookies.  From oversized guestrooms to children’s menus, the hotel also offers themed packages such as American Girl and an upcoming Cinderella on Broadway partnership that are perfect options for family travel. 

2)  The hotel and location are equally attractive to business travelers. What are some of the hotel’s business and meeting services that cater to professional guests?

Our prime midtown location provides an easy commute to many corporate headquarters as well as the opportunity for business travelers to make the most of their time in New York.  Between meetings, guests are within walking distance to Rockefeller Center, Fifth Avenue shops, Central Park, and a variety of fine dining and entertainment venues.  Back at the hotel, business guests particularly enjoy our complimentary weeknight delivery of the NY Times, overnight shoeshine, and 24 hr room service.

3)  The New York Palace is a unique blend of past and present with the historic Villard Mansion and the connecting 55-story tower. Would you share some of the histories of the building?

The New York Palace indeed has a colorful history.  The Villard Mansion was built in 1880 and welcomes guests in through the wrought iron gates of a majestic courtyard on Madison Avenue.  The original building was built by railroad magnate Henry Villard.  It was a very important architectural feat in its time, created as 6 townhouses. 

Today, a modern tower connects to the mansion, housing over 900 spacious, modern rooms and suites.  One of the things I love about the hotel is the blend of the traditional and contemporary.  When dining or enjoying a drink in the historic mansion, you get the feeling of being in “old New York”, in the golden age of travel.  Meanwhile, the spacious sleeping rooms offer the latest in modern convenience.  We truly have something for everyone.

4) Are the guest rooms and suites the same in the main house and The Tower? Which ones have the best views of St. Patrick’s Cathedral?  

Located directly across the street from such an iconic landmark, many guest rooms and suites feature breathtaking views of St. Patrick’s Cathedral, specifically those facing west.  However, there are other areas in the hotel such as select meeting rooms in the Villard Mansion as well as our Spa & Fitness Center that also offer unprecedented views.

5) Can you give us an update on your renovation plans? 

The first phase of a comprehensive $120 million renovation project includes a recently unveiled set of newly redesigned Tower accommodations.  Located on floors 41 – 43 The Towers Debut Rooms and Suites offer expansive city views and a distinctly residential feel with spacious floor plans and modern design elements. These stunning suites and rooms range from 465-square-feet to 1,120-square-feet, ideal for entertaining as well as family travel.  The remainder of the hotel’s premium tier will be renovated at the start of 2013, along with a lobby transformation and some new food and beverage offerings.  We are very proud of these new rooms and look forward to showing them off!

6) We heard rumors of new food & beverage offerings coming to the hotel, can you share any specific details of what guests can expect? 

As part of the next chapter in our property-wide changes and renovations, the hotel will welcome a new bar and restaurant concept from acclaimed Chef Michel Richard, which will take up residence in the landmark rooms of the Villard Mansion.

Then, later in 2013, as part of the hotel’s lobby upgrade, a pastry shop with light food to take away will be added as an additional outlet, also run by Chef Michel Richard.

7) The New York Palace is Green Key Certified. What are some of the sustainable practices employed by the hotel?

We recently renovated meeting rooms that feature a variety of environmental advances to help support the hotel’s overall commitment to sustainability and social responsibility.  For example, in addition to LED lighting, the new event rooms now operate on 100% renewable power with the use of Combined Heat and Power (CHP) or Cogeneration System– the largest of its kind in New York City.

8) Please tell us, as a resident New Yorker, what is your personal favorite attraction or activity in the city that visitors should not miss.

Having lived in New York City for 20 years, I have many memorable experiences and go-to spots.  One of my favorites is the beautiful and lush Central Park, particularly the Alice in Wonderland sculpture near East 74th Street.  It is whimsical, impressive, and quite hilarious!  I also love Ellis Island.  Visiting their interactive museum, I quickly learned how New York came to be the city it is today.  I appreciate living here and raising my family in a culturally rich city, with new experiences around every corner!

Carol, thank you for sharing the iconic New York Palace with us.

For travelers interested in staying at the New York Palace, please contact Covington’s professional travel advisors to make your arrangements. As proud members of the Virtuoso network, we are happy to include complimentary amenities with your reservations.