Sailing And Super-Suites: New York's The Mark Is One Of A Kind

Back in 2009, legendary designer Jacques Grange put his spin on The Mark, one of New York’s most iconic hotels since 1927. His haute-pop fusion style means the property has the brightest, stand-out lobby you’ll ever come across. Its bold, zebra-striped black-and-white floor, Paul Mathieu orange velvet sofas and a Ron Arad low-hanging sphere chandelier is the reason – apart from vanity – that the hotel's loyal, well-heeled crowd always wear shades to check in.

As host to many a celebrity gathering, including the place to hang out after the Met Gala (not to mention the pre-party – this year Kendall Jenner, Kate Hudson and J.Lo all glammed up there) – the hotel is not short of a collaboration or two. It is famous for pairing up with hip brands – from the bespoke bicycles by Republic (complete with monogrammed bells, baskets and MARK1 license plates) to the complimentary shoeshine kiosk by John Lobb.

There’s also a Frédérick Fekkai hair salon, and a fitness centre, which offers personal training by celebrated martial arts experts Punch. Most impressive of all, perhaps, is the Bergdorf Goodman partnership, which offers guests exclusive round-the-clock access to the store (make sure you take one of the hotel’s cute, striped pedicabs to get there).

If your needs are more urgent, don’t worry: there’s a special delivery service on offer, which operates prior to store opening. Guests also have access to after-hours personal shopping appointments to accommodate last-minute needs. What’s more, the concierge has a private line to the head of personal shopping for any of those ‘oh my gosh, I NEED to buy…’ moments (which, let's face it, only the uber-rich really ever have).

Talking of which, if you are one of the wealthy few – The Mark has just the spot for you. Two years ago, it made waves with the opening of its outlandish five-bedroom penthouse suite, cementing its status as the starriest hotel in New York. It remains the largest suite in the whole of the USA, and the most expensive at $75,000 a night. The 12,000 square-foot space includes five bedrooms, six bathrooms, a steam room, walk-in wardrobes, a chef’s kitchen, dining room, library lounge and conservatory and an expansive private roof terrace, with jaw-dropping views across Manhattan. Like the rest of the hotel, the penthouse's aesthetic was conceived by Jacques Grange, who also designed every piece of furniture himself. He describes it as: “a castle in the sky”. 

Have a one-of-a-kind experience at @TheMarkHotelNY - it's luxury re-imagined.

This year, he has returned, with buckets of panache, to create another two opulent suites, which will cater to a seemingly rising demand from guests who are after a private, luxury experience (the original penthouse has been fully-booked since it opened, despite its staggering price point).

Both suites (one has three bedrooms, the other has five) feature naturally airy interiors punctuated by rich jewel-toned accents. The large windows are a bonus – giving sweeping views of Central Park and Madison Avenue – while their spacious terraces are a godsend in the summer for that much-needed breathing space away from the urban heat.

If your budget doesn’t stretch quite so far (note that the three-bedroom suite starts at $25,000 a night), there are plenty of more-affordable guest bedrooms which do not scrimp on the glam factor. In contrast to the maximalist approach in the public areas, these are refined and elegant.

White-marble and sea-green bathrooms are fashioned on the hotel’s Art Deco heritage, deep carpets and dove-grey velvet armchairs are wonderfully cosy, while the oversized beds, with crisp Italian bed-linen, paired with the room’s cool colour palette, soothes the soul. Attention to detail is second-to-none and so you’ll find joyous little treats, such as individually-boxed Ladurée macaroons by the bed, whimsically-illustrated toiletries in the bathroom and fresh roses in your room.

The Mark is essentially a people-watching paradise, especially in the neon-hued The Mark Bar. Stop for a cocktail, flirt from the cow-hide sofa, but make sure to move on to Jean-George Vongerichten’s The Mark Restaurant, for this is where the scene really comes into its own. Serving his take on French-American classics – such as the signature black truffle pizza, roasted Maine lobster and cheeseburger with brie and black truffle dressing – the cuisine is among the most delicious you’ll find in the city. If you can tear your eyes away from your plate for a while, take a moment to digest the buzz around you – this is New York at its finest.

But The Mark doesn't stand still for long. Keeping ahead of the curve – and furthering its name as the most lavish hotel in town –  is its newest development. The Mark Sailboat is the first of its kind for a NYC hotel, and offers guests the ultimate luxury experience in a city landscape. The bespoke 70-foot Herreshoff-designed vessel – complete with The Mark’s trademark monochrome interiors – will set sail from Tribeca’s North Cove Marina for a three-hour journey southward into the iconic New York Harbor, with guests being able to practically touch the Statue of Liberty.

Meanwhile, back on dry land, there’s a hubbub of activity going on in the lobby. Is it an A-lister checking in or perhaps a Park Avenue Princess kicking up a storm? I spot him and then realise why there’s a cluster of chic ladies ooh-ing and aah-ing. He’s tiny and adorable, and, look, he's wearing a jaunty neck-scarf. Yes, it’s Tibet, the hotel's infamous Shih Tzu, and loyal sidekick of the impeccably turned-out GM Olivier Lordonnois. Their appearance creates a daily stir in the lobby. But then this is New York. This is The Mark. You wouldn’t expect anything less.

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Carrier (0161 492 1356, carrier.co.uk) offers three nights from £1,790 per person based on two adults sharing a Superior Courtyard King Room on a room only basis, including return flights from London Gatwick with British Airways and private transfers.