The Mark Hotel
UPPER EAST SIDE, NYC
"Top marks for this recently reopened New York landmark: a gem, even in a city with no shortage of swish hotels. Jacques Grange design has overhauled the fusty old-school style and made interiors a sumptuous mix of the original 1920s Art Deco glam and one-off furniture pieces, with an art collection especially curated for the hotel. Polished staff who evoke just the right 'feeling' -- you'll know what I mean as soon as you walk through the door."
-- Suzanne (Date Experienced: December 2009)
Great for
This vibrant, sometimes taxing city, enjoyed with oodles of style and ultra comfort. Equally suited for business stays, the Mark offers complimentary wi-fi, in-room printing, 212/646 numbers, and rooms compatible with laptops and smartphones.
With whom
Romance in the very heart of the place -- grab your lover and get spoiled. OR: arrange your company's NY-based meeting in their light-filled and well-serviced 850 square foot meeting room.
Memorable moment
Helen, the incredible head of staff greeting me and my dog Henry like long lost friends -- we'd not met prior.
Best time to go
NYC is best in cooler months -- especially the light-filled, colorful Fall & crisp, sunny Winter. Spring can be gorgeous if you hit the right days... being a half block from central park, guests can get their morning jog in with ease.
Be aware
This is truly one of NYC's top boutique hotels. There is not the grandness of a large property, nor the formality. Professional, yet casual. Polished, yet approachable.
Specifics
Room options
Spacious, well laid out and -- so quiet! Period pieces with contemporary patterns feel very elegant and relaxing. Size ranges from the small (but plenty big enough) Courtyard rooms to two-bedroom suites with kitchens and living rooms. Bathrooms are simply stunning and huge by city standards.
Service & vibe
Staff kitted out in Turnbull and Asser suits paint a picture of professionalism and seamless service. Very impressed to find the mini bar already stocked with my faves on my second visit.
Food
Mouth-watering goodies from Jean Georges Vongerichten. Cute touch is that the very same menu is available as room service. Not to mention: the ambiance of the bar makes for a super place to meet -- biz or personal.
Price range
From $600
Experience it
To do & see
May seem like a weird thing to say in a city like New York, but if you have the time to spare and weather is iffy, spend the day here in the hotel! Morning workout in the hotel's cutting edge gym, a lovely breakfast with the New York Times... a massage, facial and haircut at the in-house Frederic Fekkai salon followed by a cosy in-room movie with room service snacks and dinner to follow. There are also some of the world's best boutiques right at your doorstep.
Sport & activity
The gym has all the latest equipment, but personally, I prefer to get some fresh air. Central Park is half a block away: ask the concierge to book you into a morning bootcamp, go jogging, blading, rowing... you name it! Good yoga centers nearby and personal trainer provided on request.
Spa & grooming
The in-house Frederic Fekkai salon ensures you never leave the hotel with a hair or nail out of place. Spa treatments also available.
Local Insights
To eat
To name a few neighborhood greats: power breakfast at the cosmopolitan, classic Italian Sant Ambreous, afternoon coffee and pastries at Viennese style Café Sabarsky at the Neue Galerie, excellent fish at David Burke Townhouse, Vegan yummies at The Candle Café. Endless great choices; these are just a teaser!
To buy
Are you kidding? So much, so close. For larger stores head a 10-minute walk down Madison or 5th Ave to Barneys or Bergdorf Goodman. VBH on Madison Ave/74th street houses an impressive array of their own handbag designs in all kinds of skins/ materials; Tom Ford (Madison Ave at 70th street) is impressive and nothing run of the mill about it. Again: endless options.
Helpful Source
Edited info at blackbookmag.com
Location & Reservations
Where
The Mark Hotel
Madison Avenue at 77th Street
New York, NY
10075
Contacts
themarkhotel.com
reservations@themarkhotel.com
+1 212 744 4300
GM: James Sherwin
Head Concierge: Isabelle Hogan