Our overnight accommodations were on the 43rd floor overlooking just as amazing views as the Tower Club lounge. (Just when I thought things couldn’t get any better!) After checking out the marble bathroom, flat screen, and fabulous amenities (like my personal Palace robe), I took a seat on the plush king bed, staring through the window at the city lights.
It’s hard to believe, but more than a century ago in 1882, Henry Villard, one of the nation’s most prominent financiers, teamed up with an outstanding architectural firm spearheaded by Stanford White, to create a residence of singular style. At that time, neo-Italian Renaissance style was totally “in,” so Villard and his team conceived The Villard Mansion—a magnificent home fit for a king. However, this place wasn’t in the heart of Rome; rather, in midtown Manhattan.
Today, the mansion boasts exquisite interiors coated in green marble, bronze décor, coffered ceilings, gold touches, and romantic mosaics. The Madison Room, recognized as one of the most beautiful preserved rooms in history, is available for private parties…of course, for a price. (The Palace sees a lot of celebs.)
There is also a dramatic two-story Renaissance-style Gold Room, fittingly named, as the room is almost entirely gold. It was originally Villard’s music room, equipped with a balcony for an ideal performance stage.
Also in the mansion, is a Drawing Room featuring Italian marble fireplaces, and a cozy library—also popular for party rental space.
The best part of all: the mansion’s magnificent rooms are accessible from The Palace Hotel.
