Elite Traveler Winter 2020

The Mark NEW YORK CITY, USA

Manhattan life doesn’t get swankier than in this New York City grand dame. Wedged between the frills and thrills of the Upper East Side, this über-chic and royally approved hotel icon is old-school glamour personified, brought to life by a grand staircase and the most dramatic striped marble flooring. The overall feel is more European; Paris instantly springs to mind, but the sconce-lit walls, mirrored elevators, bold furnishings and abstract artwork give it a sexy, ‘inspire your own home’ feel. Hire out the entire top two floors for exclusive use — it’s here where the real magic lies: You’ll find The Mark’s Penthouse, one of America’s largest at more than 10,000 sq ft. Views, as you might imagine, are insane, with huge terraces looking over the grand expanse of Central Park, the Met Museum and beyond. Created in the vision of legendary French designer Jacques Grange, the inside is just as impressive: Bold, kaleidoscopic old-world grandeur meets contemporary luxury with Grange-designed furniture and bright and airy high ceilings set across five bedrooms, six bathrooms, two powder rooms and two wet bars. The living room, if your heart so desires, can be transformed into a ballroom, and there’s also the use of a plush conservatory, library lounge, stately dining room and, if you’re visiting during the winter months, your very own ice-skating rink. And there’s a top-notch restaurant overseen by celebrated French chef Jean-Georges Vongerichten and personal training by Dan Flores at The Mark Fitness Center. Butlers and a private masseuse are available if you so desire. If you do one thing... There’s in-suite hair styling from the house of Frédéric Fekkai and dining beneath the stars with an exclusive menu curated and prepared by Jean-Georges himself, but if there’s one thing you should do here, it’s to take advantage of the 24/7 access to shop at Bergdorf Goodman. Whether it’s 3am or 11pm, you can shop everything from shoes to jewels, scents to the latest designer collections, and more.

From $75,000 per night. Contact Isabelle Hogan, concierge, reservations@themarkhotel.com, +1 212 744 4300, themarkhotel.com

Photos Francesco Tonelli