The Carlton originally opened as Hotel Seville in early 20th century New York City as a tribute to the ornate elegance of old New York. Opening in 1904, just months before the opening of the subway, Hotel Seville was one of several hotels in the early part of the century to transform the neighborhood’s low-scale blocks into a chic, high-rise avenue. The opening of The Seville was wildly successful.

In 1987, the hotel underwent major upgrading that included restoration of the façade, and was renamed The Carlton Hotel on Madison Avenue. In 2003, David Rockwell was brought on to introduce a multi-tiered effort to return the Carlton to the splendor of its former years. The US$60 million plan included the development of acclaimed restaurant Country, and Café at Country with world-renowned Chef Geoffrey Zakarian. In addition, Rockwell embarked on a full hotel refurbishment and redesign.

As a core tenant of the refurbishment, the Rockwell Group focused on modernizing the hotel while respecting the rich history behind this property. For example, Rockwell hand picked and restored a vintage bar that was used back in 1912 for famous patrons such as Frank Sinatra and installed at the hotel’s restaurant. Similarly, Rockwell restored numerous other antique elements of the hotel including a stunning, Tiffany-style glass skylight that had been painted over to deter air raids during World War II. Other highlights include the transformation of the hotel’s lobby and lounge as well as the exterior façade and the 317 guest rooms.