Filed under: New York
The Surrey
What's to love?
This is the definition of luxury, nestled in Manhattan's exclusive Upper East Side. The Surrey belongs to the exclusive Relais & Chateaux collection and is their first and only New York City hotel.
First impressions
Given its location and clientele, we expected a hotel of The Surrey's calibre to be slightly stuffy. Instead we found the opposite - the hotel's contemporary and relaxed feel instantly makes you feel like you belong there.
Built in 1926, and once a residence hotel, the Surrey has played host to many noteable guests over the years including JFK and Bette Davis. In 2009 the hotel was completely modernised by interior designer Lauren Rottet.
The Surrey
Taking inspiration from a New York City townhouse, Rottet has created a chic and modern environment whilst still paying respect to the art-deco heritage of the building. The lobby is strewn with art and elaborate sculptures, and certainly doesn't have the feel of your average townhouse. We instantly fell in love with Chuck Close's huge statement black and white portrait of Kate Moss.
The staff at the Surrey are second to none. We received the warmest of greetings from the charming doormen (note: they always remember your name) and the front of house were extremely helpful and knowledgeable. Within minutes we were whisked into our beautiful suite where we could start to really appreciate what the hotel is all about.
Best rooms in the house?
Designed to be a 'home from home', The Surrey is made up of 190 rooms ranging from the more modest Salon rooms to the lavish Presidential suite (complete with private roof terrace and baby grand piano).
AOL Travel
Whichever room you stay in, you will be lavished with 5* comfort and service.
Our 'Ultra Deluxe' suite lived up to its name. A whopping 660 sq ft space made up of a large bedroom, a large living/dining/kitchen room with comfy sofas and a large bathroom complete with a lovely deep soaking tub.
AOL Travel
The bed was super comfy and came with custom bedding and a choice of pillows so that you get the best night's sleep - perfect!
Top tip?
The hotel has an amazing cocktail program. 24 hrs a day a Surrey mixologist is on hand to bring you the ingredients to make the perfect drink.
You have an extensive list to choose from and you also get a lesson in mixology. Note: You will get enough ingredients for around 6 drinks.
We opted for the Blackberry Mint Margaritas and here's how to make them:
Ingredients:
Blackberries
Mint
Fresh lime juice
Simple Syrup
Patron Silver Tequila
Method:
1. Muddle a handful of blackberries and mint with a shot of the fresh lime juice.
2. Add 2 shots of Tequila together with simple syrup.
3. Fill up the glass with ice and shake vigourously.
4. Pour drink into two glasses and garnish with mint
5. Enjoy!
This place is perfect if you're...
If you want to stay at one of the best addresses in Manhattan in unrivalled luxury,
Where to eat/drink
The hotels' 1930s style bar 'Café Pleiades' is great starting point. A place to mingle with Manhattan's elite, you can drink fine Champagne or sample one of their delicious signature cocktails.
The Surrey
The hotel also has a great restaurant 'Café Boulud', boasting 1 Michelin Star. You can find more places in our New York City Guide.
Things to do, places to see...
There are a number of great museums and galleries located near to the hotel as well as New York's magnificent Central Park. Don't miss the Guggenheim Mueseum and the Metropolitan Museum of Art. If you want to do some serious shopping, you can easily lose yourself on Madison where you will find the likes of Barney's, Chanel, Christian Loubotin and Tom Ford (to name but a few). The hotel also caters for Posh Pets, so if your pooch wants some pampering too, check out 'Le Chien Pet Salon' on 3rd avenue.
If you do one thing here, make sure it's...
Visit in the hotel in summer. In Spring/Summer, guests can head up to the private roof garden for drinks whilst watching the sun go down over New York's skyline.
The Surrey
This oasis is exclusive for guests and is the perfect way to wind down after a hectic day's shopping. We visited in September and just missed out taking advantage of this, however it is the perfect excuse for is to go back next year!
Details:
The Surrey,
20 E 76th St,
New York,
NY 10021
www.thesurrey.com
More info and reservations
City break guide: New York City
- 1. When to go/weather<p> Slightly warmer and drier than January, February is still one of the coldest months in New York City, with temperatures of -3C to 4C. And those skyscrapers make the wind feel colder and stronger. Wearing layers will deal with the variation between the warmth of shops and public transport and exploring outdoors. Things warm up a bit in March, though it's wetter but you can still enjoy the huge St Patrick's Day celebrations on 17 March (pictured above).</p>
![1. <b>When to go/weather</b>]()
- 2. Getting there and around<p> Many airlines fly into New York and February is a good month for flight and accommodation deals. Book an <a href="http://www.world-airport-transfer.com/airport-transfer.php?airport_transfer_city=New York&gclid=CKH48KLkyKYCFQEOfAodrm70Mw" target="_blank">airport transfer</a> for £11-£13 per person. The best way to see the city is on foot but if you've a lot of ground to cover or are tight for time, the <a href="http://mta.info/" target="_blank">public transport system</a> is a great way to get around. MetroCards are valid for one to 30 days (£5-£56). And those<strong> </strong><a href="http://nyc.gov/html/tlc/html/home/home.shtml" target="_blank">iconic yellow cabs</a> are also a quick and convenient way to travel.</p>
![2. <b>Getting there and around</b>]()
- 3. Nightlife and restaurants<p> The Financial District is on the up is still on the up. The buzzy vibe in Stone Street - try <a href="http://adriennespizzabar.com/" target="_blank">Adrienne's Pizza Bar</a> then finish with drinks at <a href="http://vintrynyc.com/" target="_blank">Vintry Wine and Whiskey</a>. At Bar Seven Five, at the <a href="http://www.newyork.wallstreet.andaz.hyatt.com/hyatt/hotels/index.jsp?null" target="_blank">Andaz Wall Street</a>, enjoy cocktails mixed at your table, then move upstairs to Wall & Water for market-to-table cuisine.Keep your eyes peeled for Mr de Niro in <a href="http://locandaverdenyc.com/" target="_blank">Locanda Verde</a>, the Italian "taverna" at his hotel, The Greenwich, in the TriBeCa neighbourhood. And, over in Brooklyn, pick up quality fast food served by <a href="http://www.goodsfood.com/" target="_blank">Goods</a> out of a refurbished Spartan trailer and eat in the garden, or sip coffee to a soundtrack of tunes at coffee, record and antique shop <a href="http://blackgoldbrooklyn.com/" target="_blank">Black Gold</a>.If want a taste of New York's late-nightlife, then head for international club brand <a href="http://www.pachanyc.com/" target="_blank">Pacha</a>, but expect queues.</p>
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- 4. Six must-dos<p> No trip to New York would be complete without ascending its tallest structure, the Art Deco <a href="http://esbnyc.com/" target="_blank"> Empire State Building</a>, for 360 degree vistas of the city below. For superb views of the Manhattan skyline, harbour and a close-up of the Statue of Liberty, take the 25-minute trip on the <a href="http://siferry.com/" target="_blank">Staten Island Ferry</a>. And make time to admire the Beaux Arts beauty, and constellations on the main concourse ceiling, of <a href="http://www.grandcentralterminal.com/index.cfm" target="_blank">Grand Central station</a>.<br /> The stretch of Fifth Avenue known as Museum Mile is home to nine of the city's must-see museums, including <a href="http://www.guggenheim.org/" target="_blank">The Guggenheim</a> and the <a href="http://www.metmuseum.org/" target="_blank">Metropolitan Museum of Art</a>. At the other end of the cultural spectrum, immerse yourself in the US's favourite pastime and take a tour or catch a game at the <a href="http://newyork.yankees.mlb.com/index.jsp?c_id=nyy" target="_blank">Yankee Stadium</a>.<br /> And don't forget the city's green spaces. Take a stroll along the historic <a href="http://thehighline.org/" target="_blank">High Line</a> - 1.5 miles of disused elevated freight rail that has been transformed into an overhead public promenade. Or lose yourself in the 843-acre <a href="http://www.centralpark.com/" target="_blank">Central Park</a>, which offers trails for walking and jogging, fields and lakes, and the famous zoo.</p>
![4. <b>Six must-dos</b>]()
- 5. Your tips and advice<p> "Never stop in the middle of the pavement to consult a map - New Yorkers walk at an average speed of 4.1mph, which means you'll be literally mowed down!"<br /> "Instead of climbing to the top of the Empire State Building, make it your photo backdrop and head to the <a href="http://www.topoftherocknyc.com/" target="_blank">Top of the Rock</a>."<br /> "If Central Park is too crowded, head to the Upper East Side to <a href="http://carlschurzparknyc.org/" target="_blank">Carl Schurz Park</a>, with its sprawling green grass, colourful gardens and views of the East River and Long Island City."</p>
![5. <b>Your tips and advice</b>]()
- 6. What they don't tell you<p> Avoid large, touristy bars and clubs, where cocktails are expensive. Instead, check out <a href="http://www.lushlifeguide.com/littlebranch.html/" target="_blank">Little Branch</a> (001 212 929 4360) and <a href="http://peguclub.com/flash/" target="_blank">Pegu</a> for drinks normal prices.<br /> The tipping culture in New York can be a bit of a shock. Keep a wad of dollar bills handy for doormen ($1 for hailing a cab), porters ($1-$2 per bag), hotel housekeeping ($1-$2 per day), bartenders and waiting staff ($1 per drink or 15 per cent -20 per cent of the bill) and taxis (15 per cent -20 per cent of fare).</p>
![6. <b>What they don't tell you</b>]()
- 7. Recommended hotels and reviews<p> For a taste of luxury, book into <a href="http://www.thechatwalny.com/" target="_blank">The Chatwal</a>, smart new kid on the block in the theatre district. A respectful refurbishment of the Stanford White building - once home to the US's first professional theatre club, the Lambs Club -has resulted in a hotel that evokes the glamour of Gotham.<br /> <br /> The <a href="http://plaza-athenee.com/" target="_blank">Plaza Athenee</a>, on the Upper East Side, has also undergone a multimillion-dollar transformation, to include new decor in rooms, larger bathrooms, new suites and an Asian-inspired spa across a whole floor.</p>
![7. <b>Recommended hotels and reviews</b>]()
- 8. Recommended tours<p> The best new tour is <a href="http://www.experiencetheride.com/" target="_blank">The Ride</a>, a hilarious, interactive version of the city bus tour of the city streets become a stage and the public participants. Say anymore, and it'll spoil the fun. Alternatively, get under the city's skin on a tour of the neighbourhoods with <a href="http://btsq.com/beyondtimessquare/index.aspx" target="_blank">Beyond Times Square</a>. Meanwhile, <a href="http://circlelinedowntown.com/" target="_blank">Circle Line Downtown</a> runs boat trips from the South Street Seaport. Designer bargain-hunters should try an <a href="http://theeleganttightwad.com/" target="_blank">Elegant Tightwad Shopping Excursion</a> and to unlock the local flavours of the city, head out with the <a href="http://enthusiasticgourmet.com/" target="_blank">Enthusiastic Gourmet</a>.</p>
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- 9. Package deals<p> For packages, <a href="http://www.expedia.co.uk/">Expedia</a> has a brilliant range of packages to New York, including five nights at the Milford Plaza at Times Square, from £465 per person from London Heathrow to Newark. Price based on two sharing a standard room without breakfast, including taxes and fees. Book online or call 0203 027 8682.</p>
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- 10. Practical stuff: money, language, visas, etc.<p> Every leisure traveller to the US is required to complete an <a href="https://esta.cbp.dhs.gov/esta/" target="_blank">Esta</a>. Allow 72 hours, and £29.95, for processing. Beware when shopping Price tags rarely include city sales tax. Add approximately nine per cent, unless it's below $110, when just over four per cent will be added. Likewise, tax should be factored in to menu prices and hotel rates, unless included. For information on what's new in the city, see <a href="http://www.nycgo.com/" target="_blank">nycgo.com</a>, <a href="http://www.hg2.com/" target="_blank">Hg2</a> and <a href="http://www.dailycandy.com/new-york/" target="_blank">Daily Candy</a>.</p>
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- New York, New York!<p> There's always plenty going on in the city that never sleeps from new exhibitions and cultural venues, to restaurant and bar openings. Prepare for a jam-packed trip....</p>
![<b>New York, New York!</b>]()
