Tucked in the heart of the Upper East Side just steps from Madison Avenue, New York City mainstay The Surrey has reclaimed its icon status. Originally built in 1926, the storied property has been fully reimagined as Corinthia Hotels’ North American debut. Infusing Manhattan glamour into a serene city retreat, the hotel completed an extensive renovation last fall, which restores its historic splendor and secures its rightful place in the ranks of New York City’s grand dame stays. Honoring its roots and attuned to the present, The Surrey is ready to dazzle a new generation of travelers with classic elegance and local ease.
Photography provided by The Surrey, A Corinthia Hotel
Setting
Reflecting the elegance and heritage of its iconic neighborhood, The Surrey is just a short stroll from mandatory destinations like Central Park, the Met, the Frick Collection and the Guggenheim, making it a perfect destination to maximize those quintessential New York City–moments. The hotel sits right on Madison Avenue, providing guests with unmatched access to one of the hottest luxury shopping scenes in the country, making it a perfect landing spot for style enthusiasts and window shoppers alike. Despite this prime location, the hotel maintains a tranquil vibe and insulates guests from the buzzing metropolis outside its doors. This balance of discretion and convenience is precisely what has long defined the Upper East Side’s allure for both residents and visitors.
Vibe
The Surrey takes quiet luxury to the next level, striking a perfect balance of sophistication and warm hospitality, with an edge of glamour. Upon arrival to the property, guests are greeted at the door and led into the chic mirrored and marble-clad lobby for check-in. The extensive renovation led by acclaimed interior designer and MBDS founder Martin Brudnizki breathes new life into the property, reviving its art deco splendor through elegant combinations of soothing neutral hues, dynamic textures and high-end finishes. The space oozes a serene Old World glamour, which undoubtedly sets the tone for the stylish crowd rotating through. And behind this stately façade, The Surrey maintains its reputation for plush comfort with white-glove service.
Claim to Fame
Originally built in 1926 as a residential hotel, The Surrey earned notoriety as a discreet haven for notable figures like Bette Davis and President John F. Kennedy. Long a favorite of locals and celebrities seeking a little more privacy, the hotel’s legacy as a hot spot for illustrious clientele continues seamlessly into a new era of attracting A-listers and Met Gala–goers on the heels of its spectacular transformation. The Surrey once again shines as a gathering place for the city’s stylish set thanks to its private members’ club, art-driven events and curated neighborhood connections. With notable recent visitors like Zendaya, Serena Williams and Hailey Bieber, it should come as no surprise when guests spot a familiar face, but it’s the sort of place where the stories stay within the walls.
Amenities
Beyond an acclaimed restaurant and spa, The Surrey considers every detail of five-star living: twice-daily housekeeping, evening turndown service, in-room dining around the clock, laundry and shoeshine service, and concierge arrangements through Les Clefs d’Or. Anything you may need is just a phone call away. The AMP-designed fitness studio is open 24 hours a day, providing state-of-the-art equipment for high performance workouts and access to a secluded roof garden for peaceful meditation and yoga sessions. The hotel’s 14 bespoke private residences add an even more exclusive dimension, offering long-term stays with the same comfort and discreet luxury.
The Rooms
Featuring more than 100 rooms, including 30 suites and 14 private residences, the boutique hotel’s accommodations are meticulously curated — and it’s evident as soon as you cross the threshold into your room. Brudnizki’s design nods to the building’s art deco past through wood paneling, geometric details and subtle pattern play against soothing palettes of creamy blue, soft green and rich terracotta. The interiors are set off by exceptional art curation and thoughtful touches like handpicked books and fresh flowers. Expect soft Frette linens, walk-in wardrobes and marble bathrooms with Antica Farmacista amenities. Large windows frame views of courtyard gardens or classic Upper East Side rooftops. The four newly introduced signature suites perched on the top floors channel the romance of Central Park’s storied bridges through bespoke details and crown moldings, delivering the pinnacle of home-away-from-home luxury.
The Spa
When the city’s hustle and bustle finally catches up to you, an oasis on the second floor awaits to rejuvenate your body and mind. The Surrey Spa is a serene 2,500-square-foot self-care sanctuary created in partnership with Sisley Paris. Offering treatments that blend the brand’s plant-based skincare with cutting-edge science, the menu includes everything from bespoke facials to full-body restorative rituals. The intimate spa also touts a sauna, steam room, salt relaxation room and sensorial shower — all designed to elevate your wellbeing and ensure you leave relaxed and rejuvenated.
Dining
Debuting New York’s first outpost of Casa Tua, a renowned restaurant group and private members’ club, has secured the hotel’s status as a go-to scene for the cool crowd. True to its name, which translates to “your home”, the restaurant dishes up Italian and Mediterranean cuisine in an intimate yet vibrant setting that channels the warmth and comfort of dining in your own home. Guests can savor everything from handmade pasta to decadent desserts in the restaurant or sip martinis in the moody lounge. Membership to the Casa Tua Club offers a true home-away-from-home experience, opening up an exclusive world of lively gatherings and events. For those who prefer privacy or are fully committed to relaxation, in-room dining menus are available day and night.
