Old glamour, new tricks: why this NYC hotel reopening is turning heads

The Advertiser

14-05-2025

Once a residential hotel that hosted the likes of JFK and Bette Davis, this elegant art deco icon on the Upper East Side re-opened after an extensive renovation in October 2024. It's the North American debut for Corinthia Hotels, a brand that specialises in boutique luxury properties, and breathes new life into a landmark building that will celebrate its 100th birthday next year.
Nowhere does old-school glamour like the Upper East Side. This sophisticated neighbourhood is known for its upmarket boutiques, plush restaurants and grand townhouses. The Surrey provides a convenient bolthole in a largely residential enclave.
From the bowler-hatted doormen to the art deco flourishes in the marble-tiled lobby, everything whispers understated luxury. Public spaces feature a curated art collection of tasteful works by New York-based creatives, while a muted pastel palette and comfortable lounges create a stylish residential feel. The property's top six floors are all private residences, so expect to see well-heeled locals and their pampered pets gliding through reception.
Spread over eight floors, the hotel's 70 guest rooms and 30 suites continue the residential vibe with bespoke cabinetry, handcrafted Murano chandeliers and a soothing colour scheme of soft blues, greens and creams. Everything in my 38-square-metre grand deluxe room has a premium feel, from the silky Frette linens and the cloud-like bathrobe to the well-stocked minibar containing two types of premixed negroni. However, apart from a striking painting by NYC-based figurative artist Jansson Stegner, there's little to provoke or intrigue, which feels like a squandered opportunity in exuberant New York. Bathrooms are similarly agreeable - marble-swathed spaces with double sinks, rain showers and upscale toiletries by Antica Farmacista. Splash out on a suite for a freestanding tub and separate living area.
The hotel has partnered with Casa Tua, a restaurant group and private members' club, to operate its lounge bar and restaurant, both seductive, dimly lit spaces with cosy fireplaces and bold portrait photography. Start in the lounge with the signature Casa Tua cocktail (a tasty negroni Aperol spritz fusion) then move into the restaurant for a crowd-pleasing roster of Mediterranean favourites, including pappardelle bolognese and scallop risotto. The venues are well-patronised by locals, providing a fascinating insight into the rarefied lives of those who can actually afford to live in this neighbourhood. During my winter visit, one restaurant patron eats her entire meal wearing a Russian fur hat.
Shoppers will love the proximity to Madison Avenue's exclusive boutiques and luxury brands, including Christian Louboutin, Prada and Hermes, while art addicts are surrounded by cultural heavyweights, such as the Met, the Guggenheim and the Frick Collection. A complimentary town car can deliver you anywhere in a ten-block radius or the nearby 6 subway train will whisk you to Grand Central station in eight minutes. Central Park is just one block away.
An energising massage at the onsite spa, which specialises in anti-aging treatments by Sisley Paris and has a steam room, sauna, salt relaxation room and high-tech gym with adjoining roof terrace.
The writer was a guest of The Surrey.
Once a residential hotel that hosted the likes of JFK and Bette Davis, this elegant art deco icon on the Upper East Side re-opened after an extensive renovation in October 2024. It's the North American debut for Corinthia Hotels, a brand that specialises in boutique luxury properties, and breathes new life into a landmark building that will celebrate its 100th birthday next year.
Nowhere does old-school glamour like the Upper East Side. This sophisticated neighbourhood is known for its upmarket boutiques, plush restaurants and grand townhouses. The Surrey provides a convenient bolthole in a largely residential enclave.
From the bowler-hatted doormen to the art deco flourishes in the marble-tiled lobby, everything whispers understated luxury. Public spaces feature a curated art collection of tasteful works by New York-based creatives, while a muted pastel palette and comfortable lounges create a stylish residential feel. The property's top six floors are all private residences, so expect to see well-heeled locals and their pampered pets gliding through reception.
Spread over eight floors, the hotel's 70 guest rooms and 30 suites continue the residential vibe with bespoke cabinetry, handcrafted Murano chandeliers and a soothing colour scheme of soft blues, greens and creams. Everything in my 38-square-metre grand deluxe room has a premium feel, from the silky Frette linens and the cloud-like bathrobe to the well-stocked minibar containing two types of premixed negroni. However, apart from a striking painting by NYC-based figurative artist Jansson Stegner, there's little to provoke or intrigue, which feels like a squandered opportunity in exuberant New York. Bathrooms are similarly agreeable - marble-swathed spaces with double sinks, rain showers and upscale toiletries by Antica Farmacista. Splash out on a suite for a freestanding tub and separate living area.
The hotel has partnered with Casa Tua, a restaurant group and private members' club, to operate its lounge bar and restaurant, both seductive, dimly lit spaces with cosy fireplaces and bold portrait photography. Start in the lounge with the signature Casa Tua cocktail (a tasty negroni Aperol spritz fusion) then move into the restaurant for a crowd-pleasing roster of Mediterranean favourites, including pappardelle bolognese and scallop risotto. The venues are well-patronised by locals, providing a fascinating insight into the rarefied lives of those who can actually afford to live in this neighbourhood. During my winter visit, one restaurant patron eats her entire meal wearing a Russian fur hat.
Shoppers will love the proximity to Madison Avenue's exclusive boutiques and luxury brands, including Christian Louboutin, Prada and Hermes, while art addicts are surrounded by cultural heavyweights, such as the Met, the Guggenheim and the Frick Collection. A complimentary town car can deliver you anywhere in a ten-block radius or the nearby 6 subway train will whisk you to Grand Central station in eight minutes. Central Park is just one block away.
An energising massage at the onsite spa, which specialises in anti-aging treatments by Sisley Paris and has a steam room, sauna, salt relaxation room and high-tech gym with adjoining roof terrace.
The writer was a guest of The Surrey.
Once a residential hotel that hosted the likes of JFK and Bette Davis, this elegant art deco icon on the Upper East Side re-opened after an extensive renovation in October 2024. It's the North American debut for Corinthia Hotels, a brand that specialises in boutique luxury properties, and breathes new life into a landmark building that will celebrate its 100th birthday next year.
Nowhere does old-school glamour like the Upper East Side. This sophisticated neighbourhood is known for its upmarket boutiques, plush restaurants and grand townhouses. The Surrey provides a convenient bolthole in a largely residential enclave.
From the bowler-hatted doormen to the art deco flourishes in the marble-tiled lobby, everything whispers understated luxury. Public spaces feature a curated art collection of tasteful works by New York-based creatives, while a muted pastel palette and comfortable lounges create a stylish residential feel. The property's top six floors are all private residences, so expect to see well-heeled locals and their pampered pets gliding through reception.
Spread over eight floors, the hotel's 70 guest rooms and 30 suites continue the residential vibe with bespoke cabinetry, handcrafted Murano chandeliers and a soothing colour scheme of soft blues, greens and creams. Everything in my 38-square-metre grand deluxe room has a premium feel, from the silky Frette linens and the cloud-like bathrobe to the well-stocked minibar containing two types of premixed negroni. However, apart from a striking painting by NYC-based figurative artist Jansson Stegner, there's little to provoke or intrigue, which feels like a squandered opportunity in exuberant New York. Bathrooms are similarly agreeable - marble-swathed spaces with double sinks, rain showers and upscale toiletries by Antica Farmacista. Splash out on a suite for a freestanding tub and separate living area.
The hotel has partnered with Casa Tua, a restaurant group and private members' club, to operate its lounge bar and restaurant, both seductive, dimly lit spaces with cosy fireplaces and bold portrait photography. Start in the lounge with the signature Casa Tua cocktail (a tasty negroni Aperol spritz fusion) then move into the restaurant for a crowd-pleasing roster of Mediterranean favourites, including pappardelle bolognese and scallop risotto. The venues are well-patronised by locals, providing a fascinating insight into the rarefied lives of those who can actually afford to live in this neighbourhood. During my winter visit, one restaurant patron eats her entire meal wearing a Russian fur hat.
Shoppers will love the proximity to Madison Avenue's exclusive boutiques and luxury brands, including Christian Louboutin, Prada and Hermes, while art addicts are surrounded by cultural heavyweights, such as the Met, the Guggenheim and the Frick Collection. A complimentary town car can deliver you anywhere in a ten-block radius or the nearby 6 subway train will whisk you to Grand Central station in eight minutes. Central Park is just one block away.
An energising massage at the onsite spa, which specialises in anti-aging treatments by Sisley Paris and has a steam room, sauna, salt relaxation room and high-tech gym with adjoining roof terrace.
The writer was a guest of The Surrey.
Once a residential hotel that hosted the likes of JFK and Bette Davis, this elegant art deco icon on the Upper East Side re-opened after an extensive renovation in October 2024. It's the North American debut for Corinthia Hotels, a brand that specialises in boutique luxury properties, and breathes new life into a landmark building that will celebrate its 100th birthday next year.
Nowhere does old-school glamour like the Upper East Side. This sophisticated neighbourhood is known for its upmarket boutiques, plush restaurants and grand townhouses. The Surrey provides a convenient bolthole in a largely residential enclave.
From the bowler-hatted doormen to the art deco flourishes in the marble-tiled lobby, everything whispers understated luxury. Public spaces feature a curated art collection of tasteful works by New York-based creatives, while a muted pastel palette and comfortable lounges create a stylish residential feel. The property's top six floors are all private residences, so expect to see well-heeled locals and their pampered pets gliding through reception.
Spread over eight floors, the hotel's 70 guest rooms and 30 suites continue the residential vibe with bespoke cabinetry, handcrafted Murano chandeliers and a soothing colour scheme of soft blues, greens and creams. Everything in my 38-square-metre grand deluxe room has a premium feel, from the silky Frette linens and the cloud-like bathrobe to the well-stocked minibar containing two types of premixed negroni. However, apart from a striking painting by NYC-based figurative artist Jansson Stegner, there's little to provoke or intrigue, which feels like a squandered opportunity in exuberant New York. Bathrooms are similarly agreeable - marble-swathed spaces with double sinks, rain showers and upscale toiletries by Antica Farmacista. Splash out on a suite for a freestanding tub and separate living area.
The hotel has partnered with Casa Tua, a restaurant group and private members' club, to operate its lounge bar and restaurant, both seductive, dimly lit spaces with cosy fireplaces and bold portrait photography. Start in the lounge with the signature Casa Tua cocktail (a tasty negroni Aperol spritz fusion) then move into the restaurant for a crowd-pleasing roster of Mediterranean favourites, including pappardelle bolognese and scallop risotto. The venues are well-patronised by locals, providing a fascinating insight into the rarefied lives of those who can actually afford to live in this neighbourhood. During my winter visit, one restaurant patron eats her entire meal wearing a Russian fur hat.
Shoppers will love the proximity to Madison Avenue's exclusive boutiques and luxury brands, including Christian Louboutin, Prada and Hermes, while art addicts are surrounded by cultural heavyweights, such as the Met, the Guggenheim and the Frick Collection. A complimentary town car can deliver you anywhere in a ten-block radius or the nearby 6 subway train will whisk you to Grand Central station in eight minutes. Central Park is just one block away.
An energising massage at the onsite spa, which specialises in anti-aging treatments by Sisley Paris and has a steam room, sauna, salt relaxation room and high-tech gym with adjoining roof terrace.
The writer was a guest of The Surrey.