My friend Lene: talented film producer (Oscar nominee), and intrepid (she’s Danish) luxe-trotter, travelled to New York to join her equally talented partner, singer Rick Astley, who was performing in the Macy’s Day Parade. I recommended the Royalton on 44 West, 44th Street, curious to find out how the recent makeover had ‘reincarnated’ this popular and fashionable establishment.

Lene had stayed here 19 years ago and I the year before last. Within that time this Philippe Starck icon, also known as ‘Conde Café’ (watering-hole for magazine editors), had changed little. In those days - a year is a lifetime in this business - it was moodymaritime; groovy blue tones, low-lit, funky alternative, and made a real statement in a city that defined the word. Thus, it set the trend for fashionable, funky, alternative boutique-glamour and those that followed never matched ‘The Royalton’. Reinventing itself was a tough act to follow.

Here, in her words, is her appraisal of the new face of the Royalton.

“Upon entering you are captivated by a long lounge with a big central fireplace providing an absorbing glow across the entire space. The style reminded me a little of Aspen with a lighting that is still very soft and a clever combination of contemporary with supreme comfort. The change from mainly blue to chocolate, steel, and cream, with leather sofas and fur throws is comforting and extremely inviting. It’s superstylish while offering you a slick but homely environment. The new interiors are a far cry from the 80’s ‘luxury liner’ look, which I remembered from way back when. This is cooler, in a cosy-chilled-classy way but I guess it could still be the interior of a superduper luxury cruise-liner.”

“Our room was on the 5th floor with a view to 34th street, which was very nice. It was a swish Loft Suite. It’s hard to describe, as it still has that quirky element, but I know the suite was big for N.Y. The colour choices seemed a lot ‘cooler’ than I remembered, perhaps a little more sophisticated, with grey dominating the colour tones.”

“We only had time to try the restaurant once and that was for breakfast. The room is beautiful and the breakfast was perfect! Everything was great from the quality to the quantity and the espresso was fantastic. Again service here was friendly, professional and just right. Not too “in-yourface” but always there when needed. In fact, I think that the staff and service seems to have got even better than I remember in the past and it suits the more sophisticated style of interiors and the more temperate vibe overall; less of the funky stuff, and more genuine, perhaps.

I would stay here again but the next time I will take

Lene Bausager & Sophie Marchant

Read the full review and book online at www.luxuryexplorer.com