Fodor's Expert Review The Carlyle

The hotel's discreetly sophisticated Café Carlyle hosts such top cabaret and jazz performers as Christine Ebersole, Judy Collins, John Pizzarelli, Steve Tyrell, and comedians Mario Cantone and Tony Danza. The less fancy-schmancy (though still pricey) Bemelmans Bar features a rotating cast of pianist-singers. Bemelmans is known also for its wall murals and lampshades painted by the author of the Madeline books, who traded the artwork for lodging. Both nightspots feature old-fashioned cocktails and trendy new-fashioned ones. Chic attire only (no active sportswear permitted in either one).