The Carlyle, A Rosewood Hotel, New York

We saw a Steve Tyrell performance in the Cafe Carlyle and really enjoyed the performance. Steve has an excellent stage personality and quality voice. His approach to the music was caring and we would recommend any music lover to see him but not at the Carlyle. We spent five days in New York and being lovers of the finer things dined at most of the world renowned restaurants and hotels. The Cafe Carlyle was the absolute low point of our gastronomic experience. The tables are crowded together and once you are seated it is impossible to get out of your seat without bumping into your neighbour. We could not have a private discussion since we could hear every word our neighbours said and eventually joined in conversation with them about music etc. Luckily they were nice people and this helped. So much for a romantic evening out. The service is arrogant and one feels that if you do not order the outrageously expensive champagnes and tip the servers everytime they pass your table you are nothing in their eyes. Our server Tom approach us with book and pen in hand as if he was about to issue a parking ticket. We asked several times for some time but low and behold five minutes later here is the metermaid again. The food was mediocre to say the least and definitely not worth the cost. (210 dollars without wine) Our booth seat was not comfortable at all with no decent support and a pipe under the thighs. We have visited 23 countries during our travels and loved our time in New York. If you want good service and value for money go to the Peninsula or the Ritz Carlton but not the Carlyle. The only decent thing about our night there was that the cab driver knew where it was.