Why The Surrey is the Best Hotel in NYC

Patrick Clarke
by Patrick Clarke
Last updated: 12:00 PM ET, Wed October 21, 2015

Conde Nast Traveler readers have spoken, naming The Surrey the best hotel in New York City with a score of 94.6 based on the results of the publication's 28th annual Readers' Choice Awards.

In a statement, the property's general manager Troy Pade described the recognition as an "immense honor," crediting the hotel's staff and singular vision.

But what exactly separates The Surrey from the rest of the Big Apple's boutique hotels?

Take a look.

Location

Located in Manhattan's Upper East Side, The Surrey is within a short distance of many of New York's top attractions, including Central Park and the Metropolitan Museum of Art.

But guests won't have to go much farther to visit other popular art galleries and museums, including the Museum Mile and the William Secord Gallery.

However if art isn't your passion, there's shopping, walking tours and plenty of restaurants nearby.

Keep in mind travelers flying into either one of New York's three major airports won't have far to go to reach the hotel.

Premium Amenities

Luxury mattresses with custom Sferra bedding, Italian robes by Pratesi and diptyque bath products highlight the premium amenities offered to guests staying at The Surrey.

But whatever soft loveliness you decide to wrap yourself in or lie out on, don't leave without visiting the Cornelia Spa, where guests are able to choose from different spa packages to personalize their experience. In addition to aromatherapy and massage, high-tech meditation is available at the spa via Somadome, where guests are invited into the pod for a 20-minute relaxation session.

Once you've gotten rid of your unwanted stress, head up to the private roof garden (depending on the season) for stellar views of the Upper East Side and Central Park.

Of course, Wi-Fi access and room service are available as well.

Art and Culture

Not only is The Surrey within walking distance of the Met and other art galleries, it also boasts its very own modern and contemporary art collection. Undoubtedly an art lover's dream stay, the hotel's impressive collection is valued at a hefty $31 million dollars.

Chuck Close's tapestry of model Kate Moss is one of the many highlights of The Surrey's gallery. But over the course of their stay, guests will find a plethora of original works throughout the building.

The Surrey's impressive collection,which features work from Jimmie Martin, Jenny Holzer and Claus Oldenburg, among others, is still evolving thanks to Art Expert in Residence Natasha Schlesinger.

Food and Drink

There's no shortage of Michelin stars here, even if you don't want to leave your room.

Grand Chef Daniel Boulud's Cafe Boulud has received a Michelin star and a three-star rating from the New York Times. The restaurant, specializing in French cuisine enhanced with seasonal ingredients, also delivers to guests' rooms.

If you're up for trading in your robe for some clothes, the restaurant is open for breakfast, lunch, brunch and dinner.

But if it's a cocktail you're after, head next door to Bar Pleiades for one of bartender Darryl Chan's signature drinks. Specialty drinks like Chan's Cranberry Granita Champagne Cocktail pair well with the fashionable lounge's unique atmosphere.


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Patrick Clarke

Patrick Clarke

Senior Editor

A Maryland native and wanderer who has lived across the U.S. from North Carolina to SoCal, Patrick Clarke graduated from Towson University with a B.S. in journalism. He previously worked for Bleacher

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