Yes, my first (and last) stay at the Carlyle a few years ago. We had longstanding reservations for four nights (two rooms), and they were totally overbooked (there was a huge gala benefit at the Met's Costume Institute that week and I guess both Princess Diana and Tom Cruise were more important guests than I!). The problem was apparently with guests who had decided to keep their rooms longer than originally planned, though that meant little to me.

They had "walking" arrangements with both the Surrey on E. 76th and the Rihga Royal on W. 54th - we chose a Pinnacle Suite at the Rihga Royal because we had reserved tower rooms at the Carlyle and wanted a view. What a mistake, the Rihga was awful, but that's another story.

Both rooms and breakfast and bar charges were paid for by the Carlyle for the first night at the Rihga Royal - we moved to a different hotel after the second night. The on-duty manager of the Carlyle invited us for brunch that Sunday, which was quite nice - the general manager made a point of coming to our table to introduce himself and apologize, and he did receive an earful, though the Champagne had mellowed me out a bit .

They also offered me a credit for a free night in the future (up to two rooms) which I have never used.