On Manhattan’s Upper East Side, just off Maddison Avenue, exists one of a rare breed of hotels – a well known hidden gem. An oxymoronic attempt at conveying the aura of this hotel I know, but it really is ‘home’ to an elite of well travelled individuals. It doesn’t lack in status, but doesn’t boast either. This landmark hotel is as sexy and elegant a property you’re likely to find in Manhattan – bursting with character and a unique identity.
Benefiting from its characterful, dashing appointment inside and its location equally – it’s the combination of the two that afford this place its unique charisma. From the lobby up the Mark is an intuitive place, it knows what you want and delivers without a fuss. The Mark is situated in reassuring proximity to Central Park, the theatres and the shopping of Maddison Ave, but manages to retain a distinct neighbourhood intimacy.
If you travel a lot, luxury on its own won’t cut it. There’s a time when the familiarity of your preferred hotel brand is welcome, offering a sense of home from home where ever you are. But there’s always the risk of having ‘seen it before’. When you’re in Manhattan you’ll need a unique hotel. Otherwise it’s a comedown when you get in. The Mark is perfect for this, it’s rewarding and exciting to be inside a place with this kind of style.
The lobby is memorable, you feel like you’ve arrived somewhere exciting when get there. Even for the second time in a day, it’s an arresting space.
There’s a distinct Upper East Side chic to the way it has been arranged and appointed, a tempting and heady mix of Art Deco and designer Jacques Grange’s artistic point of view. Lots of hotels have custom made pieces, but here you’re very aware that the objects d’art, the beds and the signature toiletries belong to the Mark. It’s not zealous or wilfully hip, it’s bold and playful – self conscious in a nice way.
If you’ve grown tired of the affected quirkiness that seems to hang around a certain type of boutique, you’ll find The Mark refreshingly candid. Jacques Grange’s personality and dexterity abound, with the iconic Frenchman making a big deal out of striped black and white marble. The same is true of Parisian design gallerist Pierre Passebon, whose artistic interjections compliment Grange’s bold vision nicely.
The rooms are fine. They’re large with custom made beds, quagliotti linens, touch screen controls for climate, Bang & Olufson audio and bathrooms with a clinical, spa quality you can put your trust in.
The benefits of staying here will follow you as you plan your day out in Manhattan. You won’t struggle to get a reservation at Jean Jorges, for example.
People live here too, since its rennovation, a third of The Mark has been made into apartments. This type of arrangement often gives a new depth to the mood of a hotel. Not everyone in the lobby or the bar is transient, so you’ll get a more solid feel for the place and the neighbourhood, which is always a good thing.
The combination of wit and robustly executed stylistics give The Mark a distinct edge in a very competitive area of town. Service is typical of what you can expect in an expensive Manhattan address.
Rooms – Queen – $670, Studio – $770, Premier Two Bed Suite – $4240