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AS THE SURREY APPROACHES ITS 100TH ANNIVERSARY , OUR GOAL HAS BEEN TO RESTORE ITS GLAMOUR AND SOPHISTICATION WHILE SHAPING IT INTO AN ICON FOR THE FUTURE |
– PRADEEP RAMAN , MANAGING
DIRECTOR , THE SURREY , A
CORINTHIA HOTEL
of Managing Director Pradeep Raman , who was appointed to the position in summer 2023 after serving as GM of another one of New York ’ s most discriminating addresses , Baccarat Hotel & Residences .
“ As The Surrey approaches its 100th anniversary , our goal has been to restore its glamour and sophistication while shaping it into an icon for the future ," he said . “ We ’ ve carefully updated the hotel to infuse it with a fresh , contemporary vibe , all while honoring its rich history . The
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hotel now blends its storied past with a modern elegance that brings a new energy to the Upper East Side .”
MADISON AVENUE MAKEOVER The Surrey , A Corinthia Hotel features 70 guestrooms , 30 suites — including four inspired by the picturesque bridges of Central Park — and 14 private residences . With a spa , nightclub and restaurant Casa Tua , the fourth outpost of the Italian-inspired brand , the hotel is already one of Manhattan ’ s more endowed properties .
Maintaining the warm feel of the original property was a priority during construction , said Raman . Master architects Schwartz & Gross paid special attention to the hotel ’ s grand façade , the focal point of the Surrey and a showcase of the neighborhood ’ s history and architectural legacy , while BKSK Architects provided additional interior renovations to modernize the historic property without discarding its past .
While the four-year construction process — in full view of a curious , onlooking public — only heightened curiosity , renovating an entire hotel on one of the busiest blocks in Manhattan brought its own logistical difficulties .
The spa and fitness center , in particular , were simultaneously the most fun and the most challenging areas , said Raman . Through a partnership with Sisley Paris and MBDS to create “ an escape from city
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life ,” the Surrey Spa boasts two treatment rooms , a salt relaxation room , a steam room and sauna .
JAUNT THROUGH THE JAZZ AGE Inspired by the American Art Deco style of the hotel ’ s heyday , the MBDS team created a cozy , residential atmosphere that evokes the ambiance of an elegant Upper East Side home — and all that connotation implies .
Details like stylish crown molding , hand-crafted Murano chandeliers and bespoke furniture mix past and present . From the cabinets to the wall dressings , texture in particular is emphasized , creating the kind of experience that beckons to be felt by hand .
Adorning its stylish walls is an art collection of established and emerging New York City artists curated by Paris-based VISTO , all but obviating the need to make the short walk to the Guggenheim Museum .
The destination truly comes to life within the property ’ s four signature theme suites , all inspired by the bridges of Central Park , and are filled with design elements that symbolize their namesakes .
IN THE EVENING One of The Surrey ’ s most anticipated amenities is the arrival of Casa Tua and its founder Miky Grendene . The Miami Beach-based restaurant , hotel and private club is arriving in New York City with a restaurant and lounge , as well as The Club , a private member ’ s
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area and hotspot favored by celebrities .
" We are very excited to bring Casa Tua to New York and , most importantly , to establish a close relationship with Corinthia and the Reuben Brothers ,” said Grendene in a statement . “ We feel there is great synergy between us , and together our intention is to create one of the most glamorous and exciting spaces in the city .”
With a hot celebrity hangout , chic interior spaces and one of the most in-demand restaurants in town , the old hotel at last has its swagger back .
“ Striking that balance between 100 years of history and history that ’ s yet to be made was an important challenge for the team ,” said Raman . “ Through the design and a carefully curated art collection blending old and new , that balance has been achieved .”
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68 hotelsmag . com Oct / Nov 2024 |