Words: Gentleman's Journal
The Mark first made its indelible proverbial on New York City in 1927. And it was a mark of the utmost luxury — fifteen red-brick storeys of erstwhile French style where venerable guests from across the globe would jostle for the highest room. Today, The Mark remains as such; a benchmark against which the discerning jet-setter can measure all other high-end hideaways, and against which all Manhattan hotels should be judged.
Gentleman’s Journal took to the Upper East Side to experience everything the iconic hotel — which was extensively refurbished in 2009 — has to offer as it approaches its centenary. And there’s much to celebrate. Inside its well-appointed walls, guests will find a salon from French celebrity hairstylist, Frédéric Fekkai, unique illustrations by Jean-Philippe Delhomme, and even a John Lobb shoe care station — bringing a touch of Britishness to the Parisian ambience. But the flavour, predominantly, is that of the refined French capital — with the hotel also housing the New York location of Paris institution, Caviar Kaspia.
What is The Mark known for?
Manhattan isn’t short of iconic hotels. And yet, The Mark continues to stand out decade after decadent decade. But why? Perhaps it’s because too much is never enough for the institution, and standards keep being set higher and higher — often literally. The Mark Penthouse, for instance, was unveiled in 2015, and has opulent amenities including a library, four fireplaces, a gourmet kitchen, and in winter, a bespoke private ice-skating rink. In 2019, Meghan Markle even held her baby shower there.
But it’s not all high-flying, sky-scraping luxury. Downstairs, in the lobby, a “haute-dog” cart, a custom pedicab, a flower cart, and Mercedes Benz-branded e-bikes don’t so much keep things grounded, as elevate the everyday. Celebrities flock to the hotel for these elegant twists on traditional facilities, most notably during the flurry of excitement that surrounds the annual Met Gala. This year, Anna Wintour, Zendaya, and Jennifer Lopez will be hosting the event’s lavish afterparty on-site — and the entryway will once again become the most star-studded hotel lobby in the world.
But the hotel’s surprises are not all to be found on-site. From 24th May, The Mark’s 70-foot Herreshoff sailboat will offer guests an extraordinary way to spend their evenings in the city. The vessel casts off from Tribeca’s North Cove Marina, and treats visitors to a two-hour southbound journey through the New York Harbour. Charter prices begin at $7,000 for a two-hour sail.
What can you expect from 22 types of rooms and suites?
The hotel’s designer, Jacques Grange, has also made a definitive mark on New York City. Not only has the French interior designer previously brought to life Paloma Picasso’s jewellery shop and the renovated Barbizon Hotel (also originally opened in 1927), but he has also applied his same bold vision and exacting eye for detail to The Mark, albeit in a quieter, more private way.
There are almost two-dozen types of room and suites, and Gentleman’s Journal sampled a Superior Courtyard King — endlessly comfortable if not hugely expansive, but equipped with everything a guest really needs for a stay in the city. For The Mark, unlike some other hotels in Manhattan, understands what guests actually require from lodgings on the Upper East Side.
Your minibar doesn’t need to be stocked seven rows of spirits deep, as there are hundreds of real, world-beating bars within a ten-minute radius. Your television needn’t be bigger than a cinema screen, as the historic Film Forum theatre is a mere half-hour trip downtown on the 6 Train. And, if you want a sumptuous spa experience from your bathroom, just throw on your robe and head to the hotel’s Wellness Center. We recommend a facial by Dr. Barbara Sturm, or, if you’ve sunk a few too many martinis at The Penrose the night before, a rejuvenative IV drip treatment.
Just how good are the dishes and drinks on site?
Exceedingly. The Mark’s signature restaurant, Jean-Georges, has already become a firm neighbourhood favourite, but last year the hotel also welcomed the aforementioned Caviar Kaspia — which recently saw the fan-demanded return of the famous ‘Caviar Bagel,’ an indulgent poppy seed bagel slathered with cream cheese and topped with 15 grams of fine Baeri caviar. You can pick one up for $35 well-spent dollars.
From 22nd April this year, The Mark will also be welcoming Jean-Georges' cult eatery, abcV, to its outdoor pop-up space (formerly known as The Mark Chalet) on 77th and Madison Avenue. It will be the city's third abcV location, offering a plant-focused menu with plenty of vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free options with delicious and high-vibrational organic food, tonics, and cocktails.
Which, speaking of stiffer, stronger drinks, brings us to The Mark Bar. It’s the haunt-iest hole in the hotel, but also one of the best bars on the Upper East Side. Our recommendations, after a bracing evening stroll through Central Park, or a day meditating over masterpieces at the Guggenheim, would be either the Basil Margarita or the Sour Cherry Old Fashioned. Or, to sample the very spirit of the hotel itself — blended with that of the extraordinary city itself, order The MARK Manhattan — and raise your glass to another century of luxury!
Rooms start from $1,295 per night plus tax
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