A Posh Pied-à-Terre on Manhattan’s UES

The Surrey

New York, New York
Timeless, $$$ (from $450)

Manhattan's Upper East Side is home to Madison Avenue's fancy boutiques and restaurants, Museum Mile, Central Park, and The Surrey — an elegant pre-war, Beaux-Arts hotel that feels like the home of a very wealthy friend. Once a long-term residence hotel — notable celebrities like John F. Kennedy and Bette Davis were guests — The Surrey is understated elegance at its finest and a tranquil retreat for those in the know.

At a Glance

Vibe: Old-world glamour and service.

Standout Detail: The $30 million modern art collection includes works by Jenny Holzer and Jimmie Martin, along with a tapestry of fashion icon Kate Moss by portrait artist Chuck Close.

This Place Is Perfect For: Art enthusiasts who want to be a stone's throw from Museum Mile; History buffs who want to retrace the steps of icons like J.F.K. and Bette Davis; Those who want the charm and discretion of a residential townhouse in Manhattan.

Rooms: There are 189 well-appointed salons (including 34 suites, a penthouse, and a presidential suite) that come with hand-crafted DUX beds by Duxiana, custom Sferra bedding, plush Italian robes by Pratesi, Diptyque bath products, and complimentary WiFi. Pets are welcome for a $150 one-time fee per stay.

On Site: Inside the beautiful Beaux-Arts building, guests will find a luxurious spa, 24-hour fitness service, hotel bike share program, and a 2,200-square-foot picturesque private roof garden with the largest bed of lavender in New York City.

Food + Drink: Adjacent to the lobby is Michelin-starred Café Boulud by Daniel Boulud. The modernized bistro showcases the chef's contemporary approach to classic French cuisine with a focus on seasonal ingredients. For small gatherings, two private dining rooms seat 18 guests and can be combined to accommodate a total of 40 people. Round-the-clock in-room dining is available. Next door, the cocktails served at intimate Bar Pleaides are classic in spirit and market-driven in ingredients. Live jazz happens Friday evenings and Sunday afternoons.

Book It

Spend the night. Click here for reservations.

What to Do Nearby

For a classic New York City experience, the Upper East Side is always your best bet. Located just steps from The Surrey, Central Park is home to the famed Central Park Zoo, Wollman Rink, Belvedere Castle, and the Alice in Wonderland statue. Big name museums like The Frick Collection, The Metropolitan Museum of Art, and The Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum are all within a fifteen-minute walk, but don't miss out on smaller, more specialized museums like Neue Galerie New York, where you'll find Cafe Sabarsky, a picturesque Viennese-inspired eatery, on the ground floor. If you're in the mood for Japanese, Kappo Masa is a tranquil spot around the corner. Or, for something more low-key, Table d'Hote is a classic UES hole-in-the-wall that's run by a former chef from Gramercy Tavern.

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