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.
