With all the time we spend shopping along Madison Avenue it’s a wonder that we have never considered those who do not live in the immediate vicinity. After several requests for hotel recommendations we are dedicating the entire week to uncovering the amazing places to stay along Madison Avenue.


There are basically five hotels from which to choose — The Mark, The Surrey, The Carlyle, The Lowell, and Hôtel Plaza Athénée. Truth be told, the hotels are as varied as the boutiques along Madison Avenue. There isn’t a wrong choice among these establishments but we hope to help you find the place to stay that best represents your personal style.

The Carlyle hotel is one of the most legendary hotels in New York. The property has hosted some of the most high profile celebrities, dignitaries and socialites. It is a New York classic. What makes this property especially unique is that the building is partially condos. As a matter of fact, each floor has at least one full-time resident.

Even though the Carlyle has an entrance on Madison Avenue, you are going to want to enter through the 76th Street entrance. Upon arrival you will be welcomed by the hotel’s Art Deco glamour, which includes classic Baccarat chandeliers and oil paintings that resemble a Renaissance museum.

Each suite in the 124 room hotel is furnished differently and represents the diversity of its residents. During a recent tour we saw suites that ranged from Urban Chic to classic Choinosirie. Before booking a room we suggest that you speak to an on-site reservation expert to identify the space that would be best for you.

The Carlyle is the highest building on Madison Avenue and understandably has some of the best views that extend past central park, through the Hudson River and over to New Jersey. The Empire Suite, which is located on the 29th floor, has absolutely breath taking views from the master bedroom. The Deco-inspired duplex suite has two bedrooms, a full kitchen, office and we can’t leave out the cashmere covered walls.

Although all the suites we saw were quite impressive, the Classic rooms more closely resemble a European hotel room. Rates range from about $800 a night for a classic room with a court yard view to $15,000 a night for the Empire Suite.

Downstairs, Cafe Carlyle is legendary for their nighttime entertainment and headliners, which include Ute Lemper and Woody Allen, who regularly appears to jam with the Eddy Davis New Orleans jazz. Bemelmans Bar, just off the lobby, is known to be one of the finest cocktail bars in the world. The Carlyle has a full fitness center, spa and Yves Durif Salon.

The Carlyle is a religious custom for some travelers but a must for those yearning for a classic New York experience. Those who would choose George V in Paris or Claridge’s in London will feel right at home at the Carlyle.

Packing Tip: Don’t forget your Burberry Trench

With all the time we spend shopping along Madison Avenue it’s a wonder that we have never considered those who do not live in the immediate vicinity. After several requests for hotel recommendations we are dedicating the entire week to uncovering the amazing places to stay along Madison Avenue.


There are basically five hotels from which to choose — The Mark, The Surrey, The Carlyle, The Lowell, and Hôtel Plaza Athénée. Truth be told, the hotels are as varied as the boutiques along Madison Avenue. There isn’t a wrong choice among these establishments but we hope to help you find the place to stay that best represents your personal style.

The Surrey hotel is an art lover’s dream destination. The property is located at 76th and Madison, which is right in the heart of Museum Mile. In addition to the surrounding museums, the hotel hosts an impressive modern art collection that is dispersed throughout the private and public spaces.

The Surrey has all the furnishings and panache of a chic boutique hotel but without any of the pretense. Interior architect Lauren Rottet was agile in her ability to create a modern space that maintains sophistication and warmth. Upstairs, the rooms are furnished functionally and luxuriously.

Each salon is very spacious and outfitted for ultimate comfort with a Duxiana bed and custom Sferra bedding. Every item is well edited and functional, as well as luxurious. The oversized desks are a working traveler’s dream.

If you’re looking to find the perfect place to daydream you must check out the hotel’s rooftop garden. This 17th floor oasis is exclusive to hotel guests and select “members” from the neighborhood. This serene escape is the perfect spot to grab a light snack or drink before dinner– we suggest the Basil Martini.

Downstairs, you can eat at Daniel Boulud’s world class restaurant, Cafe Boulud or grab a drink at the neighborhood’s favorite, Bar Pleiades. In addition, New York’s most indulgent spa just opened in the Surrey. Cornelia Spa, is best known for their decedent services and skilled staff. Personally, we can’t wait to try the Caviar and Oxygen Reparitive Quench facial.

The hotel contains 190 salons, including 30 one-bedroom suites. Even the most jaded traveler will become giddy from the Penthouse and a Presidential Suites. Rooms range in price from about $400 to about $7500.

The Surrey is clearly the destination of choice for well-heeled travelers and neighborhood residents needing an extra room for guests. If Coco Chanel were coming into town, this is where she would stay.

Packing tip: Don’t forget your Metallic Silver Chanel Reissue

With all the time we spend shopping along Madison Avenue it’s a wonder that we have never considered those who do not live in the immediate vicinity. After several requests for hotel recommendations we are dedicating the entire week to uncovering the amazing places to stay along Madison Avenue.


There are basically five hotels from which to choose — The Mark, The Surrey, The Carlyle, The Lowell,  and Hôtel Plaza Athénée. Truth be told, the Hotels are as varied as the boutiques along Madison Avenue. There isn’t a wrong choice among these establishments but we hope to help you find the place to stay that best represents your personal style.

Our first stop is The Mark Hotel, which is located on 77th Street off of Madison Avenue. Walking into the lobby feels as if you received a gilded invitation from Vogue magazine to an exclusive event. Jacques Grange’s design is flawless and modern. There is no doubt that you’ve come to the right place. After all, you’re a lover of great design.

Upstairs the rooms are toned down into a warm and inviting space to rest your shopping bags. Each suite has furnishings and details created by famed designers including, iRon Arad, Vladimir Kagan, Todd Eberle and Karl Lagerfeld. Each room has a private bar, which feature Sub-Zero refrigeration and black granite counters. The beds are custom-made and the linens are by Quagliotti, the fine Italian textile maker.

Beyond the rooms, The Mark Hotel houses one of the most wanted reservation on the Upper East Side. The Mark Restaurant by Jean-Georges serves up some of the best food in the neighborhood and isn’t bad for star gazing either. On any given night you can spy Justin Timberlake, Tom Ford or Harvey Weinstein. 

Our favorite perk of The Mark are the bicycles that guests can use to cruise the neighborhood or explore central park. Hotel rates range from about $360 to about $10,000 a night for the Signature Suite, which has four bedrooms and six bathrooms. Families, children, pets and long term stays are welcome.


The hotel also includes a shoe shine kiosk by John Lobb, a full gym with trainers from neighborhood favorite, Punch Fitness Center and a Frederic Fekkai salon. So even if you don’t get your annual invitation to the Met Gala you can stay at The Mark and feel as if you are a Vogue editor.