The Surrey, A Corinthia Hotel

"Renovating in New York City—the land of a thousand permits—is always difficult. Renovating a hotel building like The Surrey, however, is almost impossible: at a century old, it requires both official approval from the landmark commission and unofficial approval from the public. Plenty of New Yorkers have memories of the hotel’s previous iteration, when the clientele included John F. Kennedy, Bette Davis, and Claudette Colbert. Add in an iconic Art Deco facade, and you aren’t just battling bureaucracy, but the warm fuzz of nostalgia. Yet, after a multi-year closure—which included a change of ownership (the hotel is now owned by the Reuben Brothers) and a change in management (from Relais & Chateaux to Corinthia Hotels)—The Surrey is finally ready to make its grand re-debut. Arriving on a Saturday afternoon in November, I was feeling a little burnt out from the realities of city living: construction on Madison Avenue made my trip from the West Village three times longer—and bumpier—than it needed to be. Earlier that morning, a pigeon decided to relieve itself on my just-dry-cleaned sweater. And earlier, earlier that morning (around 5 a.m.) I was awoken by the blare of sirens. I wasn’t necessarily having a bad day, but I wasn’t exactly having a good day either. Until, that is, I walked into the lobby: cream, marbled, and adorned with artful floral branches, it exuded a distinct sense of visual calm. The interior design of The Surrey 2.0 was executed by Martin Brudnizki, who also designed Annabel’s in London and Fouquet’s in Tribeca. While those projects embraced maximalism, with The Surrey, there’s a sense of restraint. Color palettes are muted, with pops of color mostly arriving courtesy of the art on the walls. Curated with help from Paris’s Visto Gallery, it includes works by George Condo, Robert Mapplethorpe, and the Brooklyn-based contemporary artist Ethan Cook." - Elise Taylor

"Some hotels embody the character of their neighborhood, and in the Upper East Side, one fine example is the Surrey. Discreet service, a prestigious address, and amenities of the highest quality combine in this historic property, first built in 1926 as a residence hotel. Over the decades, celebrities from John F. Kennedy to Bette Davis chose the Surrey as their New York home. In the modernization of the Surrey, interior designer Lauren Rottet was inspired by the idea of a classic Manhattan townhouse passed down through generations. Amenities are just as exceptional as the service at this Relais & Chateaux property, from the 17 th -floor private roof garden (try the seasonal muddled lemonade) to the luxurious Cornelia Spa. With a location near Museum Mile, the Surrey also places an emphasis on art, seen in its collection of modern art on display including pieces by Chuck Close. Café Boulud is beloved by New Yorkers, and Bar Pleiades, inspired by the style of Coco Chanel, is a chic retreat for people-watching along Madison Avenue. Order a classic cocktail and settle in to listen to the weekly jazz trio on Friday nights."

"Located on 76th Street just a few blocks from the Met, the Surrey was favored by many celebrities to get ready for the gala in 2019. It was here that Hailey Bieber slipped into her thong-bearing gown by Alexander Wang; Céline Dion donned her dramatic Noel Stewart headpiece and fringed Oscar de la Renta bodysuit; Ashely Graham got ready in her logo-studded Gucci-Dapper Dan blazer dress; and Serena Williams slid into her Nike x Off-White Air Force One sneakers. Aside from all of the stars and luxurious bedrooms—some even with terraces—you’ll find a private roof garden at the hotel reserved just for members and guests that offers up incredible views of the New York City skyline as well as a café by acclaimed chef Daniel Boulud."

"How did it strike you on arrival?On a quiet Upper East Side street, the Surrey is an ode to Art Deco in sleek shades of gray, black, and silver, reminiscent of a smaller, more intimate version of the nearby Carlyle. What’s the crowd like?Lots of repeat guests who, like the hotel, are low-key about their taste for luxury. Importantly: Tell us about your room.Entry level rooms are attractive, if a bit uninspired, in simple grays and whites, but rather spacious at 330 square feet. We’re craving some deep, restorative sleep. They got us?The Duxiana bed is a major highlight, with fluffy, soft duvet, Sferra sheets and goose down pillows. How about the little things, like mini bar, or shower goodies. Any of that worth a mention?The Surrey has one of the best minibars we've seen, with Mast Brothers chocolate, Ommegang Abbey Ale, and Hudson Bay Bourbon. Please tell us the bathroom won’t let us down.White marble bathrooms have Waterworks fixtures and amazingly plush Mascioni bath towels. Products are from French label Côté Bastide. We all need some good Wi-Fi. What’s the word on that here?Fast, free Wi-Fi. Anything stand out about other services and features?You can't check out without a meal or two at Cafe Boulud, superstar chef Daniel Boulud's restaurant at the Surrey, for coq au vin in a rather formal but unpretentious setting. What was most memorable—or heartbreaking—about your stay?It's the little things, like the private rooftop garden, the small-but-luxurious in-house spa and the calming, simply appointed guest rooms, that make a stay here so comfortable. Bottom line: worth it, and why?It's a sanctuary with the best of everything: bed, food, spa, and location." - John Wogan

"Boulud will keep both the cafe and the cocktail bar Les Pleiades — both located inside the Surrey hotel, at the corner of East 76th Street and Madison Avenue — temporarily shuttered while that hotel remains closed." - Beth Landman