Upper East Side
The Surrey
Photo: Courtesy of the Surrey
New York, NY, 10021, United States
TEL: (212) 905-1477
This Upper East Side dowager, opened in 1926 as a residence hotel, underwent a gut renovation in 2009. The result is a vivid mix of contemporary looks, courtesy of designer Lauren Rottet: the lobby’s “antique rug” is actually a mosaic, video art by William Kentridge is on display, and any flowery formality has been erased from the 190 spacious rooms, which feature clean lines and muted tones. But the Surrey doesn’t stray entirely from its heritage, as a wall in the lobby bar is quilted like a Chanel bag, while the private rooftop garden comes complete with butler service.
Insider Tip:
The hotel’s singular highlight is the Michelin-starred Café Boulud. Don’t feel like getting out of your pajamas? Daniel Boulud’s sublime French cuisine is available via room service.
