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The Surrey

New York, New York

About your stay

By Farryn Weiner, Jetsetter Correspondent

This hotel is Jetsetter verified

Our editors have been here and it has met our standards.

98%

Recommended by 98% of 350 members.

Read 191 member reviews

Set on a posh, tree-lined block just east of Central Park between Madison and Fifth Avenue, The Surrey’s high credibility and low visibility make it a desirable location for those who like to stay under the radar. Guests can rub elbows with power players at the famed Café Boulud, the Parisian Bar Pleiades or at the new 17th floor roof garden. Taking inspiration from the quintessential Manhattan townhouse, The Surrey invites guests to experience New York as an Upper Eastsider.

The Surrey

Jetsetter review

After a recent major renovation, the historic Surrey, on New York's Upper East Side, has brought its mix of Beaux-Arts architecture and Deco furnishings back to life. Jazz music plays softly in the background as the Les Clefs d’Or concierge escorts guests across the mosaic floor to the elevator. Star-shaped lights draw attention to a Jimmie Martin original armoire, covered in silver paint and scribbled black words. The Surrey blends spontaneous elements with a staid East Side design in a way that feels traditional yet playful at the same time.


Just steps from the hotel, Central Park is the perfect place to picnic and unwind in the summer.Bar Pleiades, the in-house hideaway managed by Café Boulud, is like the set of a noir film. The Chanel-inspired décor evokes Jacqueline Kennedy sitting in a quilted booth as an auction house crowd debates Warhol’s work. There's an unexpected trendiness to this uptown locale. And with a new-this-summer 2,200-square-foot private roof garden, the scene can even extend outdoors. The space is open from 7 am to 11 pm, so guests can enjoy meals throughout the day and sunset cocktails al fresco.

The Surrey's salon rooms have an apartment-style feel. The furniture is residential, with clever design references like a 1920’s Art Deco walnut inlay bar or the 1930’s European lamp. Best of all, there’s an in-room bar with full size bottles and garnishes — no $15 minis here.

A perk of being at The Surrey is the award-winning food by executive chef Daniel Boulud (available in-room 24/7); the downstairs Café Boulud is known for some of the best French food in New York. The vest-and-tie-clad waiters serve with precision. The Café’s elegance, fine cuisine and high level of service are to be expected — and yet despite the Michelin star, it still feels like a neighborhood treasure that's meant for locals.

Leaving the hotel, I pass two Upper East Side moms pushing strollers in 4-inch heels. I decide to skip the Michael Kors and Christian Louboutin boutiques on the block and opt for some window-shopping of the artful kind instead. At the Gagosian Gallery, I peruse a Jean Prouve book and an exhibition of photos by Ken Hyman and discover film for my Japanese Polaroid camera (which I haven’t been able to find anywhere outside of Tokyo). Excited by my find, I stroll past Ursus Rare Books before grabbing a coffee to go at Sant Ambroeus. I enter Central Park on 76th Street, sipping my cappuccino and enjoying a real New York moment.

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What to do

  • Dine. Eat till your hearts content at Via Quadronno, a casual yet highbrow Italian eatery. Order the Panini La Madunina and a Caffè Doppiot.
  • Taste. After sampling the art at MOMA, behold the bold French-American cooking going on at The Modern. Something quicker, more casual? The museum’s other two restaurants have some of the city’s best salads, panini, and people watching.
  • Praise - The grand Romanesque church on Park and 50th Street, has its own somewhat secret restaurant. In warm weather, join the post-work crowd on the terrace for wine and wood-fired pizza at Inside Park at St. Bart’s.
  • Craft. Madison and Fifth have all the big-name shops, but locals swear by the Mom ‘n Pop boutiques hidden on Lexington Avenue. The Pan American Phoenix stocks top-quality Mexican crafts, from silver cuff bracelets to William Spratling-designed butter dishes.
  • Smoke. Peruse the manly goods—from humidors to ebony-handled razors—at Cigar-Inn, then flake out in front of a Yankees game.

All tips and reviews are available to members.

Member Reviews (191)

First-hand knowledge from members who’ve been here on a Jetsetter trip.

  • What I liked

    The location was perfect. Very close to Central Park, shopping and the museums but far enough away from the chaos of Midtown to get a good night's sleep. The service was amazing and the hotel and rooms are elegantly decorated and furnished.

    What I disliked

    Not having a coffee maker in the room. I like to caffeinate BEFORE I shower or socialize, so having to traipse down to the lobby or out to breakfast every morning to get my first cup was a HUGE irritation. Enormous.

    Shannon R     29 days ago
    This was helpful

  • What I liked

    Great customer service. When we checked in the person at the desk actually took us to our room. The concierge hooked us with reservations at a great restaurant- Quality Meats. The service @ this hotel is amazing!

    What I disliked

    The only thing is they don't have ice machines. If you want ice you have to call down to the front desk. A little inconvienient.

    Laurel O     2 years ago
    This was helpful

  • What I liked

    Concierge was the biggest help. 2 for 2 on where to eat breakfast and dinner! They made our reservations for my wife's Birthday dinner and gave us a map on how to get there. Bella Blu! We will definitely be back!

    What I disliked

    Nothing!

    Adam S     1 year ago
    This was helpful

  • What I liked

    Champagne at check-in, the showers, THE BED!!!! Brunch at Cafe Boulud... pretty much EVERYTHING!!!

    What I disliked

    That I could only afford to stay one night... it was soooooooo nice there!!

    Jen K     2 years ago
    This was helpful

  • What I liked

    The hotel room was beautiful, clean, very comfortable. It had all the amenities that make a stay special. The staff was helpful, the bar was romantic, the concierge knowledgable.

    What I disliked

    Nothing

    Bonnie W     1 year ago
    This was helpful

  • What I liked

    beautiful, friendly staff, perfect location, wonderful restaurant in hotel (cafe bouloud), large and well-annointed rooms

    What I disliked

    nothing

    Pam S     2 years ago
    This was helpful

  • What I liked

    The hotel was fantastic~ the room was wonderful, we loved the bed and the bathroom. The staff made it the best! We had a terrific time and the staff made us feel welcome and at home!

    What I disliked

    I think the idea of the rooftop restaurant for hotel guests only is nice, however the menu was limited and expensive for the quality of food. But, that being said, there need not be any changes made to the hotel!

    Kerry P     2 years ago
    This was helpful

  • What I liked

    Service, room, ameneties, location.

    What I disliked

    coffee maker in room was awful...

    p r     2 years ago
    This was helpful

  • What I liked

    great staff gorgeous room, excellent service....

    jonathan m     11 months ago
    This was helpful

  • What I liked

    Pleasant Staff, Very clean, Great bed

    What I disliked

    The location was a bit far away from the majority of the city. Perfect however for museum seekers and the opera.

    colin l     1 year ago
    This was helpful

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