The Surrey
"How did it strike you on arrival?On a quiet Upper East Side street, the Surrey is an ode to Art Deco in sleek shades of gray, black, and silver, reminiscent of a smaller, more intimate version of the nearby Carlyle. What’s the crowd like?Lots of repeat guests who, like the hotel, are low-key about their taste for luxury. Importantly: Tell us about your room.Entry level rooms are attractive, if a bit uninspired, in simple grays and whites, but rather spacious at 330 square feet. We’re craving some deep, restorative sleep. They got us?The Duxiana bed is a major highlight, with fluffy, soft duvet, Sferra sheets and goose down pillows. How about the little things, like mini bar, or shower goodies. Any of that worth a mention?The Surrey has one of the best minibars we've seen, with Mast Brothers chocolate, Ommegang Abbey Ale, and Hudson Bay Bourbon. Please tell us the bathroom won’t let us down.White marble bathrooms have Waterworks fixtures and amazingly plush Mascioni bath towels. Products are from French label Côté Bastide. We all need some good Wi-Fi. What’s the word on that here?Fast, free Wi-Fi. Anything stand out about other services and features?You can't check out without a meal or two at Cafe Boulud, superstar chef Daniel Boulud's restaurant at the Surrey, for coq au vin in a rather formal but unpretentious setting. What was most memorable—or heartbreaking—about your stay?It's the little things, like the private rooftop garden, the small-but-luxurious in-house spa and the calming, simply appointed guest rooms, that make a stay here so comfortable. Bottom line: worth it, and why?It's a sanctuary with the best of everything: bed, food, spa, and location." - John Wogan
