Always At The Carlyle

Always at The Carlyle is a 2018 documentary that takes a glimpse behind the scenes of one of New York's most iconic and legendary establishments, The Carlyle Hotel. The film features an ensemble of notable figures, including Woody Allen, Herb Alpert, and Wes Anderson, amongst a host of eminent celebrities and personnel closely associated with the hotel. Directed by Matthew Miele, who is known for his insightful documentaries about New York's landmarks, the movie brings to life the untold stories of this renowned hotel that yawns across Madison Avenue.

This documentary is more than just a feature on a famous hotel; it’s a celebration of a bygone era where glamour and discretion meet. With a running time of 92 minutes, it offered viewers a doorway into what was once a playground for the city's rich, famous, and influential. The film manages to capture the unique atmosphere of the Carlyle, a Rosewood Hotel popularly known as New York City's 'Palace of Secrets.’

Woody Allen, the distinguished film director, screenwriter, and actor, adds his verve to the film by sharing his personal experiences with the elite establishment. His regular appearances at the hotel's Café Carlyle with his jazz band show his direct association and familiarity with the hotel.

Herb Alpert, the legendary musician, and music industry executive, contributes his share of tales and anecdotes related to the hotel. Famous for his band, Herb Alpert & The Tijuana Brass, his experiences provide a musical perspective to the Carlyle's atmosphere.

In addition, Wes Anderson, globally acclaimed for his visually unique and meticulously crafted films, has his part in the narrative. As a filmmaker known for his love of symmetry and vintage aesthetics, his input lends the movie a distinctive, artistic outlook on the iconic landmark.

Throughout the film, viewers are offered exclusive access to some of the hotel's most luxurious and sought-after suites, each boasting its own unique design and style. From dreamy, themed rooms capturing various periods in history to lavish, modern apartments equipped with every convenience, the range of the Carlyle's accommodations is brought to light impressively.

Moreover, Always at The Carlyle paints a vivid picture of the bustling life behind the scenes, from dedicated hotel staff preparing for high-profile guests to the routine shenanigans in the building's premiere eatery, Café Carlyle. The viewers will come to appreciate the artistry and meticulous organization that goes behind maintaining the Carlyle's prestige and reputation.

Also notable in the film are interviews with some of the hotel's regulars including celebs, socialites, and loyal employees who marvelously enrich the narrative with their fascinating anecdotes and insights. The likes of George Clooney, Anjelica Huston, Anthony Bourdain, and Naomi Campbell shed light on the charm and appeal of the Carlyle that have made it a beacon of luxury over the years.

By peeling back the layers of opulence and glamour, Always at the Carlyle also delves into the importance of discretion that makes the place truly unique. Known as the ‘Palace of Secrets,’ the Carlyle is famed for honoring the privacy and confidentiality of its elite guests, underpinning its image as the safe haven for the who's who of the global cultural landscape.

In conclusion, Always at The Carlyle has successfully woven a tapestry of glamour, history, tradition, and discretion that encapsulates all that the Carlyle stands for. Offering a mixture of untold stories, celebrity anecdotes, beautiful architectural shots, and a nostalgic old-world charm, this film is an enchanting journey that leaves one yearning for a bygone era of elegance and exuberance. Whether you are a native New Yorker or a person who appreciates history and architecture, this film will undoubtedly hold an undeniable charm.