The Surrey, A Corinthia Hotel

In-Depth Review of the Surrey, a Corinthia Hotel, in NYC - AFAR

"Opened in 1926 and relaunched in October 2024 under a European luxury operator, this Upper East Side property blends a storied past with a subdued, residential luxury vibe. Located steps from Central Park at 20 E. 76th St., it houses 100 guest rooms (including 30 suites) and 14 private residences, with interiors by Martin Brudnizki that favor a toned-down jewel-toned palette, marble bathrooms stocked with Antica Farmacista, and in-room touches like wall-integrated Bluetooth shower speakers and curated bedside reading on New York themes. Public spaces emphasize a homey, living-room atmosphere—spa services, art deco–inspired lounge decor, and even house-made dog treats—and staff are notably attentive, greeting guests by name and responding promptly to requests. The property makes a quiet, low-key base for seasoned visitors and locals but is less convenient for first-time tourists hoping to be near midtown attractions like Times Square and Rockefeller Center." - Chloe Arrojado

The Surrey, a Grande Dame Hotel of the Upper East Side, Makes a Splashy Return | Vogue

"Renovating in New York City—the land of a thousand permits—is always difficult. Renovating a hotel building like The Surrey, however, is almost impossible: at a century old, it requires both official approval from the landmark commission and unofficial approval from the public. Plenty of New Yorkers have memories of the hotel’s previous iteration, when the clientele included John F. Kennedy, Bette Davis, and Claudette Colbert. Add in an iconic Art Deco facade, and you aren’t just battling bureaucracy, but the warm fuzz of nostalgia. Yet, after a multi-year closure—which included a change of ownership (the hotel is now owned by the Reuben Brothers) and a change in management (from Relais & Chateaux to Corinthia Hotels)—The Surrey is finally ready to make its grand re-debut. Arriving on a Saturday afternoon in November, I was feeling a little burnt out from the realities of city living: construction on Madison Avenue made my trip from the West Village three times longer—and bumpier—than it needed to be. Earlier that morning, a pigeon decided to relieve itself on my just-dry-cleaned sweater. And earlier, earlier that morning (around 5 a.m.) I was awoken by the blare of sirens. I wasn’t necessarily having a bad day, but I wasn’t exactly having a good day either. Until, that is, I walked into the lobby: cream, marbled, and adorned with artful floral branches, it exuded a distinct sense of visual calm. The interior design of The Surrey 2.0 was executed by Martin Brudnizki, who also designed Annabel’s in London and Fouquet’s in Tribeca. While those projects embraced maximalism, with The Surrey, there’s a sense of restraint. Color palettes are muted, with pops of color mostly arriving courtesy of the art on the walls. Curated with help from Paris’s Visto Gallery, it includes works by George Condo, Robert Mapplethorpe, and the Brooklyn-based contemporary artist Ethan Cook." - Elise Taylor

10 Luxury Hotels Around the World Opening in Spring 2024 - AFAR

"Corinthia’s U.S. flagship occupies a 1926 Upper East Side residence hotel that once hosted figures like JFK and Bette Davis; opening mid-2024, the property has interiors by Martin Brudnizki featuring 100 guest rooms and suites plus 14 residences dressed in richly textured fabrics in soothing greens, blues, and muted golds. Miami-based Casa Tua will operate the on-site Italian restaurant, lounge, and a private members club, continuing the brand’s reputation for transforming historic buildings into luxury hotels." - Jennifer Flowers

"Some hotels embody the character of their neighborhood, and in the Upper East Side, one fine example is the Surrey. Discreet service, a prestigious address, and amenities of the highest quality combine in this historic property, first built in 1926 as a residence hotel. Over the decades, celebrities from John F. Kennedy to Bette Davis chose the Surrey as their New York home. In the modernization of the Surrey, interior designer Lauren Rottet was inspired by the idea of a classic Manhattan townhouse passed down through generations. Amenities are just as exceptional as the service at this Relais & Chateaux property, from the 17 th -floor private roof garden (try the seasonal muddled lemonade) to the luxurious Cornelia Spa. With a location near Museum Mile, the Surrey also places an emphasis on art, seen in its collection of modern art on display including pieces by Chuck Close. Café Boulud is beloved by New Yorkers, and Bar Pleiades, inspired by the style of Coco Chanel, is a chic retreat for people-watching along Madison Avenue. Order a classic cocktail and settle in to listen to the weekly jazz trio on Friday nights."

"Located on 76th Street just a few blocks from the Met, the Surrey was favored by many celebrities to get ready for the gala in 2019. It was here that Hailey Bieber slipped into her thong-bearing gown by Alexander Wang; Céline Dion donned her dramatic Noel Stewart headpiece and fringed Oscar de la Renta bodysuit; Ashely Graham got ready in her logo-studded Gucci-Dapper Dan blazer dress; and Serena Williams slid into her Nike x Off-White Air Force One sneakers. Aside from all of the stars and luxurious bedrooms—some even with terraces—you’ll find a private roof garden at the hotel reserved just for members and guests that offers up incredible views of the New York City skyline as well as a café by acclaimed chef Daniel Boulud."