HotelChatter

The Speakeasy Suite is in fact one of three recently-added "specialty suites," all of which harken back to a different era of the hotel's history. These include the turquoise-and-gold-accented Broadway Diva Suite, the view-tastic Terrace Suite, and, of course, the one we loved best, the Speakeasy Suite.

Though the room itself is pretty standard compared to the rest of the Carlton's accommodations (distressed mirrors, tall leather headboards, Chesterfield bed), the real attraction lies behind that innocent-looking bookcase. Located to the left of the door immediately upon entering, the bookcase has a narrow panel of wood running along its right hand side. Flip open the panel, turn the key, and voila! Your own private speakeasy awaits.

Inside, the mood is set with wood paneling, a Tiffany-style hanging lamp, and faded 1920s-inspired wallpaper. There's also a four-seat poker table with a complete case of cards and poker chips all ready to go, plus a bar, a flat screen TV, and period photos of flappers and G-men. The whole ambience is captured perfectly, and the space truly feels like you've walked into another era, separate from the hotel.

The best part (according to us, at least) is the bar, where, with the added help of a mixology book (and, of course, a shelf full of unopened bottles) you can pretty much whip up any cocktail you feel like. Then, when you're passed out on the poker table later in the evening...good news! Your bed is only a twenty feet away.

Rates for the Speakeasy Suite start at around $600/night.

[Photos: HotelChatter]