New York, New York, New York, New York. When it comes to luxury hotels, New York City, specifically Manhattan has an abundance. That’s why we are breaking our report on the top suites at New York City’s best hotels in a series, divided by neighborhood. To start, we go classic to the Upper East Side.
1. The Carlyle, a Rosewood Hotel
2. The Lowell
3. The Mark
4. Loews Regency New York
5. The Surrey, a Corinthia Hotel
1. The Carlyle, a Rosewood Hotel
Forbes Travel Guide writes, “Many of New York’s landmark luxury hotels of the 1930s have changed ownership over the years, and with those transitions, a number have lost a bit of their grandeur. The Carlyle, A Rosewood Hotel, in all of its Upper East Side glory, has managed to maintain the glamour and luxury of days past. Though owned by Rosewood Hotels & Resorts, this Manhattan landmark has kept the same classic feel, which keeps guests returning over and over again. Just one block from Central Park, The Carlyle remains a mix of hotel rooms, suites and apartment residences. Every American president since Truman has called the hotel his unofficial New York home. It was a favorite of the late Princess Diana of Wales and other royals as well as many heads of state.”
The Telegraph adds, “The 35-story Beaux Arts building has been a bastion of New York City glamour since it opened in 1930. There is old-world charm at every turn, from the gilded marble lobby to the whimsical illustrations in its legendary piano bar, Bemelmans. In classic five-star fashion, everything is meticulously polished, and Art Deco inspirations feature throughout.”
Presidential Suite
Encompassing the entire 26th floor of The Carlyle’s tower, the 2,722 sq. ft. Presidential Suite offers 360-degree views of the city, featuring floor-to-ceiling windows with sweeping vistas of Central Park, Midtown and beyond. The private elevator landing and entrance feature gold leaf and hand-etched Art Deco-inspired murals. This residential-style suite is adorned with Venetian plaster walls throughout and features three bedrooms, four full bathrooms and one-half bath, living room, full kitchen and media area. The gallery entrance just off the landing features a piano.
More suites at The Carlyle, a Rosewood Hotel.
2. The Lowell
Conde Nast Traveler reports, “The Lowell is anything but flashy, tucked away on a quiet side street on the Upper East Side. And once inside, you’ll find an art- and antique-filled oasis, with nooks perfect for sinking into plush sofas and chairs while having a glass of wine by the fireplace.
The smallest rooms here are still a spacious 400 sq. ft., and all are designed by President Obama’s White House decorator Michael S. Smith. The color scheme is one of soft neutrals and pale blue, which complements the polished oak floors and wood burning fireplaces.
Forbes Travel Guide says, “Located in a landmark 1920s building on the Upper East Side, The Lowell captures the essence of an elegant country house with a blend of English prints, floral fabrics and Chinese porcelains that surprisingly works. Many suites boast wood-burning fireplaces, a rarity in Manhattan. All rooms are individually decorated, and The Lowell’s specialty suites are a unique treat. The Hollywood Suite reflects the 1930s silver-screen era with photos of glamorous ingenues. The English influences extend to the Pembroke Room, where Anglophiles can throw their pinkies up at teatime (breakfast and brunch is also served). But for something uniquely American, check out the clubby Post House, a well-respected New York steakhouse that serves terrific chops.”
Penthouse Suite
Situated on the 17th floor with panoramic views of Manhattan including four landscaped terraces and wood burning fireplace, the 3,000 sq. ft. Penthouse Suite features a gourmet kitchen connecting to a bright dining conservatory for entertaining.
More suites at The Lowell.
3. The Mark Hotel
Forbes Travel Guide reports, “Boasting a lobby with bold black-and-white marble floors and plush velvet settees, plus guest rooms designed in a calming neutral color palette with dark wood trim and textured fabric wallpaper with crown molding, The Mark is one of New York’s chicest retreats, having been decorated top-to-bottom by French designer Jacques Grange. In the heart of the Upper East Side and steps from Madison Avenue shopping and museums like The Whitney, the hotel offers an ideal base for discovering Uptown Manhattan and displays a unique, boutique vibe, perfect for the fashion-forward set or those who shun larger chains. Yet there’s plenty to explore in the hotel itself, including dining on contemporary American cuisine at The Mark Restaurant, helmed by Jean-Georges Vongerichten, booking a hair appointment at the esteemed Frédéric Fekkai salon, or indulging in a bit of bubbly at the ’60s-inspired Mark Bar, outfitted with cow print couches and twinkling lights.”
The Telegraph adds, “Be ready for old-world glamour in the lobby, an elegant space characterized by dizzying but dramatic black and white-striped marble flooring and a grand staircase. A small reception desk rests to the side, allowing plenty of space for guests to move about. Sconce-lit walls, mirrored lift doors, plush furnishings, and bold, abstract artwork add to the sexy, modern feel – unexpected for the Upper East Side. The stand-out spaces design-wise are the sophisticated and alluring restaurants and bars. You’ll imagine that you’ve been whisked off to Paris for the night.”
The Mark Penthouse
The Mark Penthouse is 10,000 sq. ft. is located on the 16th floor with three King bedrooms, two Queen bedrooms, six bathrooms, a library lounge, a dining room for 12, two powder rooms, private rooftop terrace access and panoramic views of the city.
More suites at The Mark.
4. Loews Regency New York
Forbes Travel Guide says, “Located at Park Avenue and 61st Street, Loews Regency New York Hotel looks so residential you’d almost pass right by it. This, of course, is intentional. Aiming to provide you with a feeling of privacy, exclusivity and unassuming glamour, the Loews Regency doesn’t want you to stay at the hotel — it wants you to move in. Awash with muted tones of purple, taupe and swirls of black and white marble, the Loews Regency has a contemporary, refined and understated beauty. The rooms evoke the feeling of a Manhattan apartment to make you feel not that you’re visiting New York, but that you’re living in the city.”
Conde Nast Traveler adds, “For all the change that New York City has undergone lately, Park Avenue remains an exalted address synonymous with business, power, and prestige. Even the layout of Park Avenue—the wide thoroughfare with a landscaped median running through it—is an iconic Big Apple scene, especially when the tulips are blooming in the spring. But north of Grand Central Station, around 58th street, the power suits begin to give way to strollers and cartoon backpacks, and it’s here on the corner of 61st and Park where go-getters go to unwind. Yet, this isn’t an over-the-top, in-your-face, too-fancy establishment. There’s a subtle Art Deco flair in the lobby, and the hotel feels very much like an Upper East Sider’s regular hangout that’s frequented by the building’s actual neighbors and their friends. The crowd does skew slightly more mature, but for good reason—these are neighborhood locals who have already made it.”
The Regency Residence
The Regency Residence spans 5,550-sq. ft. with an expansive foyer leading to the living room overlooking Park Avenue. A formal dining room, kitchen with island, breakfast nook, and a butler’s pantry lends itself to entertaining. There’s a wood-paneled den with built-in cabinetry with a view of 61st and Park Avenue.
More suites at Loews Regency New York.
5. The Surrey, a Corinthia Hotel
The Surrey is expected to reopen this year managed by Corinthia. The 16-story building will feature 70 guest rooms, 30 suites and 14 residences. Four signature suites will be inspired by the bridges of Central Park. Luxury travel agency group Virtuoso says, “Bette Davis and JFK are just a few of the famous faces that have graced The Surrey. With its prime location on the Upper East Side, you’ll stay just steps from Manhattan’s best museums, restaurants, and boutiques.”
Preview the suites at The Surrey.
