It’s been more than nine months since Gossip Girl went off the air and I still miss it. So I certainly wasn’t going to pass up my chance to take a tour of  The New York Palace, which has just completed a $140 million renovation. This luxury hotel, famous for its large courtyard that faces Madison Avenue, played a starring role in Gossip Girl, as almost half of the main characters have lived there (or even own it) at some point in the show. The Palace always looked good on TV, but this new facelift makes it absolutely spectacular. As Mayor Bloomberg said in his speech at last night’s grand opening party, “Serena van der Woodsen would definitely approve.”

Hello, bubbles: this chandelier over the grand staircase of the New York Palace feels like champagne to me.

The outside hasn’t changed much as far as I could tell. But after seeing construction there for so long, it’s nice to have it back. The rooms have undergone a major renovation and the ones that I saw in the Tower (read: the highest and more expensive rooms) were very impressive. Really, the decor was so stylish, it felt like it was out of a magazine. I got to tour the Champagne suite, a three-story 5,000 sq.ft. suite that goes for $25,000 a night. If Serena would loved the bubbly chandelier (see above) that now hangs over the grand staircase, then Chuck Bass would have loved this suite. (Serena et al. probably wouldn’t have minded it either.) With all of the earth tones, the suite’s decor has a real masculine feel. But the modern touches and high ceilings keep it light and airy.

The 5,000-sq.-ft. Champagne Suite at the New York Palace goes for $25,000 a night.

More exciting news is that Michel Richard, a chef that I remember well from my Zagat days, is now at the helm of the Gilt, the New York Palace’s signature restaurant. This French chef has had more luck in Washington, DC, and Vegas than he has in New York City, but this should be a great fit for him. I remember going to Central, his more casual place in DC, and it was terrific. He’s also overseeing Pomme Palais, an all-new space on 51st street that serves coffees and pastries. I’m always on the lookout for a good place to meet someone for coffee in Midtown, so I’ll be trying it out soon.