When I stumble into the lobby of The Surrey, A Corinthia Hotel a few weeks before the Met Gala, I feel the palpitating pulse of a runway-ready house of glam. Creamy and discrete, with a fortissimo of background sound that smacks of clique-y chic, stately gossip, and well-earned privilege, the lobby has catwalk appeal. Modest in size, however, it also feels residential — in a very elevated Upper East Side way. There’s a sense, right away, that even the guests have deep-rooted connections to New York — especially the UES — though The Surrey’s absolutely teeming with locals, too. Most are pouring into the The Lounge by Casa Tua (you will want to order a dirty martini when you amble in) set to the right side of the lobby. They’re greeted by a dapper bar manager with an Italian accent who knows everyone’s name. Besides being hospitable, he’s a dead ringer for a guy I’ve seen on the book cover of a romance novel. His sultriness and conviviality sum up not just the bar’s mood, but the whole hotel’s ambiance. The Surrey is simply a sexy hangout, one with palpable frenetic energy, the sort that makes it perfect for stylish stars, celebutantes, fashion high rollers, and flashy athletes with a couture game. I linger in my bar banquette far too long, sipping slowly before returning to my suite, so I can eavesdrop and people watch in the most voyeuristic way. I can’t stop myself.
Catwalk Ready
Set to capture the loyalty of fashion icons and dominate the scene during future fashion weeks (and upcoming Met Gala events), The Surrey launched last fall with a vengeance. Steps from Central Park on 76th Street and Madison Avenue, its location alone ensures it will never have a paucity of fashionista clientele. The hotel comes with a legendary pedigree, having opened in 1926 as a Roaring Twenties go-to haven that welcomed the likes of Bette Davis and Claudette Colbert. But its reopening with reimagined flourishes, marks a new beginning.
A project by British real estate mavens, the Reuben Brothers, it re-enters the market as the Corinthia group’s first North American hotel. First of all, in a homage to history, its jaw-dropping Art Deco facade has been restored. Within, however, it exudes a contemporary cosmopolitanism, a stately take on modern times. That’s thanks to the vision of designer Martin Brudnizki, who usually embraces a maximalist approach. With The Surrey, he wielded a softer brush. The rooms and common areas are a melange of neutrals, gold-y beiges, and subdued tones, enriched with lavish textures, as well as colorful artwork. It’s like an elegant stage set on muted backdrop for the parades of natty bon ton guests and their voguish attire.
Spacious urbane rooms and suites await. Again, there’s a penthouse feel with stunning details, mostly modern, but many that reference the Art Deco past. Even the lowest level rooms sport small living areas, walk-in closets, full baths and an airiness not often found in New York City. By far the grandest sleepover happens in the enthralling Signature Suites, each celebrating and inspired by the bridges of Central Park. Encapsulating the spirit of its namesake landmark bridge, each suite has decorative details that reference particular ironwork and stonework. Sculpted crown moldings, artwork that depicts the bridges, and windows that look out to the park, combine to connect guests to the location. If traveling with family or friends, go for the two-bedroom Surrey Suite, which delights with silk wall coverings by Phillip Jeffries and drapery by Colefax and Fowler. Spellbinding art hangs and anchors. Look for pieces by Jasper Johns and Helen Frankenthaler.
Collaborating with The Surrey, Casa Tua, a restaurant group and exclusive member’s club, has locations in Paris, Aspen, and Miami. Guests can partake in Casa Tua’s New York location and mostly Mediterranean menu around the hotel. Enjoy the all-day restaurant (where reservations are hard to snag) to dine on the acclaimed classic menu. In the Lounge Bar, Casa Tua-created snacks and small plates can be ordered; likewise, room service sends up an array of the famous dishes. Casa Tua members can sneak into the private club, hidden like a speakeasy upstairs, behind a staircase. Wherever you dine, I suggest The Miky’s Salad (my favorite), with lentils, ancient grains, avocado, and roasted lemon dressing — and the cacio e pepe, of course.
The Surrey Spa delivers quietude in a bright space with two treatment rooms, a salt-walled relaxation room, and other de rigueur amenities such as a sauna and steam room. The treatment menu has celebrities in mind with Sisley Paris rituals, including a 105-minute Black Rose Replumping Facial and Scalp Massage, reported to be visage changing. The gym, state-of-the-art, beckons after so much Casa Tua noshing, and best of all, the hotel boasts a sheltered outdoor terrace — unusual in New York — for al fresco yoga.
A hotel that allows you to revel in the Upper East Side and the bygone era of Gatsby-esque splendor while applauding your Christian Louboutin pumps accented outfit, The Surrey moves to the future. Stella McCartney, Cardi B, Zendaya, and Mary J Blige and others were here for the Met Gala. If you want to stay for fashion week, make your reservations now.
Feature image courtesy of The Surrey, A Corinthia Hotel.
