AuthorizedReview
Couples · October 202510/10
I stayed in The Towers at Lotte Palace during my recent trip, but since the Towers are part of the larger Palace property, I wanted to share a review that speaks to the overall experience. This feedba...I stayed in The Towers at Lotte Palace during my recent trip, but since the Towers are part of the larger Palace property, I wanted to share a review that speaks to the overall experience. This feedback blends both Towers-specific details and property-wide highlights, organized by category for easy skimming.
STAY DETAILS:
August 22–25, 2025, Friday through Monday.
FIRST IMPRESSIONS:
Few hotels in New York City balance historic grandeur with modern city energy the way the Palace does. Walking through the Villard Mansion entrance, you’re immediately immersed in Gilded Age architecture — marble staircases, ornate ceilings, and the famous chandelier installation in the grand staircase. Even before reaching the Towers’ private lobby, you already feel you’ve arrived somewhere iconic.
ROOM EXPERIENCE:
We booked a Towers Corner Suite (1,210 sq ft; king bed + sofa bed + Butler pantry). The size is extraordinary for Midtown Manhattan — it felt like a private apartment rather than a hotel room. A spacious entryway with a walk-in closet, a separate bedroom with an additional closet, and a huge living room made it effortless to spread out. Water pressure in the shower was excellent, blackout curtains ensured uninterrupted sleep, and the AC worked great. The décor does lean dated, but the layout and square footage are unparalleled in the city.
CLEANLINESS & HOUSEKEEPING:
Spotless throughout the stay. The housekeeping team was reliable, discreet, and flexible with timing when we requested later service.
BUTLER SERVICE:
This was the only significant letdown. For a Towers stay, you’d expect proactive attention — an introduction, turndown service, slippers or robes laid out, a welcome amenity, or at least a check-in from the butler team. Instead, service was inconsistent: turndown was skipped two nights, slippers arrived only on the last night (still wrapped in plastic), and no morning coffee/tea delivery was offered. Compared to Butler programs at St. Regis, Peninsula, or Ritz, this felt reactive instead of anticipatory.
FOOD & DRINK:
Breakfast in the Villard Room:
Lemon mascarpone pancakes: rich and decadent, very filling, easily shared.
Avocado toast: beautifully plated, average taste.
Peppered bacon, Canadian bacon & English sausage: all solid.
Cappuccinos: great.
-A suggestion: Adding wellness-focused juices (e.g., kale-apple-ginger or carrot-orange-turmeric blends) would elevate the experience, comparable to what peers in the 5-star category provide. Currently, fresh orange, grapefruit, apple, and cranberry juices are available.
Room Service:
Breakfast 6:30 AM–Noon
All-day menu until 10:30 PM
Late-night until 2:00 AM
BARS:
The Gold Room: A breathtaking historic bar with soaring gilded ceilings, murals, and old-world detail. More than a bar, it feels like a museum or film set (it has, in fact, appeared in multiple movies/TV). Cocktails are absolutely top notch amazing, but it’s the atmosphere that makes it even more special.
Rarities: A small, ultra-exclusive lounge (about 25 seats) tucked into the Villard Mansion mezzanine. Access is invitation-only or arranged in advance. Specializes in rare spirits and vintage wines, with the intimacy of a private club.
AMENITIES:
Booking via Amex Fine Hotels & Resorts delivered perks like a late 4 PM checkout, breakfast credits, and a $100 property credit, all honored without hassle. Towers guests also enjoy a private check-in lobby, concierge services, complimentary house car (based on availability), and access to the spa’s sauna and steam room.
The fitness center deserves a mention — one of the largest hotel gyms in the city, featuring Peloton bikes, full strength/cardio equipment, and stunning views over St. Patrick’s Cathedral.
LOCATION & ATMOSPHERE:
Midtown doesn’t get more central. Rockefeller Center, Fifth Avenue shopping, and St. Patrick’s Cathedral are steps away. Views from our suite directly overlooked the Cathedral — a dramatic and unforgettable New York moment.
The property also leans into the city’s cultural moments; during our visit (US Open weekend), the Palace hosted several players and even set up a pickleball court event in the courtyard. It created a lively, fun buzz alongside the classic luxury feel.
PARKING & ARRIVAL:
Valet pricing ($90 or $110 per day, I'm unsure which it is).
Self-parking is available at the SP+ garage on 50th Street next door.
Doormen were consistently outstanding — attentive, professional, and warmly welcoming.
SERVICE & STAFF HIGHLIGHTS:
Front Desk: Rebecca Villaseñor — an absolute standout. From the very first interaction, she set the tone with warmth, professionalism, and genuine charm. She went out of her way to check on us throughout the stay and always addressed us by name — a small detail that made a lasting impression. Rebecca delivered the type of attentive, personalized service that separates good hotels from great ones. She made us feel not just accommodated, but genuinely cared for, and that level of connection is what defines true five-star hospitality.
Concierge: Two members of the concierge team deserve special recognition — Ani and Diego. They are the embodiment of world-class concierge service: quick to respond, highly resourceful, and impressively knowledgeable. They didn’t just react to requests, they anticipated them, and coordinated flawlessly with each other, even across different shifts and days off. Whether it was securing hard-to-get reservations or creating memorable experiences tailored to our trip, they executed everything with precision and ease. Their consistency and teamwork reflected the level of professionalism expected at a property of this reputation.
The Gold Room: Jose — the heartbeat of the Gold Room and the reason we ultimately chose The Towers for our stay. We first encountered him in 2023 by chance, and his enthusiasm, warmth, and encyclopedic knowledge of both the bar and the property itself left a lasting impact. Jose is far more than a bartender — he’s a master of his craft, someone who can engage with guests effortlessly while delivering drinks with speed, accuracy, and artistry. Watching him work is part of the experience. His presence transforms the Gold Room from a beautiful space into an unforgettable memory, and he is the type of hospitality professional who inspires guests to return time and again.
Housekeeping: Consistently excellent.
Butler Team: The one weak spot — invisible when they should have been an integral part of the stay.
WHAT COULD IMPROVE:
Butler service consistency.
Rooms, while large, could benefit from modernization. But again, everything was so clean, worked well, and very comfortable, that an "outdated" decor is not going to stop me from staying here. It was excellent.
FINAL THOUGHTS:
The Lotte Palace, with its blend of history, iconic architecture, and prime Midtown location, remains a quintessential New York stay. While the Towers’ butler program didn’t deliver as expected, the suite size, location, and especially the staff — Rebecca, Ani, Diego, and Jose — made the trip unforgettable.
Staying in the Towers gave us privacy and space, but the energy of the full Palace property made it feel alive. It was hard to say goodbye — and I look forward to returning. Thanks again to those who truly went above and beyond for us; Rebecca, Ani, Diego, and Jose.Show More
