Worth Traveling For
An Upper East Side icon, Loews Regency New York, designed by architect Morris Lapidus, first opened as The Summit more than 60 years ago. It underwent a major $100 million overhaul its first half century — reemerging with an Art Deco flair and a residential feel.
Whether here for a just-because staycation or a special event, Loews Regency — equally adept at serving a local if-you-know-you-know crowd — is a hotel where you’re encouraged to indulge. It’s the type of space where even within a few days, you’ll know the names of the helpful doormen who are always on hand.
Hotel Highlights
The Regency Bar & Grill is known as an Upper East Side mainstay, and is famed for offerings such as its Power Breakfast. But it’s branching out to include the hotel group’s new Alchemy by Loews Hotels cocktail program, highlighting a more inventive level of cocktails inspired by botanical apothecaries. Look out for the Lavender Sparkle, a French 75 riff highlighting lavender for a floral-herbal touch. The drink is garnished with a showy, full lavender sprig that will have you feeling like you’ve been whisked away to the south of France within a sip.
For casual, quick-service bites, Sant Ambroeus is the hotel’s semi-connected cafe, located around the corner. Snag a pastry, panini, or its popular Princess Cake. You’ll also relish the hotel’s local partnerships, including purveyors such as Grandaisy Bakery, For Five Coffee, and Ess-a-Bagel. For the latter, order a room service New York smoked salmon and bagel platter for an ultimate in-your-robe splurge.
The hotel’s Julien Farel Restore Salon and Spa is also worth a look. The famed French hairdresser has partnered to create a massive city spa oasis, replete with a full-service, high-end hair and beauty salon. There is also a spacious fitness center, and seems to attract a crowd eager to burn off whatever caloric splurges came the night before or may yet come later in the day.
Rooms & Experience
Guests quickly acclimate into the flow of a luxe, residential-style stay. Standard rooms include marble-topped furniture pieces, entrance foyers, and hair dryers branded from the in-house Julien Farel salon.
Look to book one of the hotel’s six signature Designer Suites, each showcasing a different designer or theme. The green-hued Nate Berkhus Suite, for instance, is loaded with art, including a dining room gallery wall, has a terrace accessible from the bedroom and living room, and also features a kitchenette hidden behind French doors. Other suite themes include Glamour, Pop Art, Uptown Bohemian, and Classic 1970s, the latter of which is a two-bedroom, two-bath space with a functional kitchen and some funky furniture to set the vibe.
What to Know Before You Book
In addition to the Designer Suites, the hotel’s Terrace Suites are showstoppers. Expect enormous terraces with full outdoor dining tables, the perfect place to enjoy a Sunday brunch spread featuring those salmon and bagel platters while looking down upon the city. Bring the furry friend, too. While an increasing number of hotels are pet friendly, you’ll find a full pet food menu here, including freshly prepared, cooked meals. When the whole family is coming along, the one-of-a-kind Regency Residence awaits, an opulent three-bedroom space with a formal dining room and wood-paneled den.
Address: 540 Park Ave, New York, NY 10065
Closest Airport: LaGuardia Airport could take as little as 20 minutes in ideal conditions, though expect half an hour. Newark will take 45 minutes to an hour, and JFK an hour or more.
Featured image courtesy of Loews Regency New York. Travel Curator may earn commission from booking links on this page.
