manhattan hotel

The Surrey Hotel Plans Grand Re-Opening

One of Manhattan's hotels has gotten a refresh. The Surrey is scheduled to open on November 1 after an over $60 million gut renovation by architect and interior designer Lauren Rottet. Rottet has custom designed every furnishing in the hotel from Art0Deco-recalling drawer knobs to mosaic tile floors. The result is a hotel that is meant to give the guests the feeling of staying in a Beaux-Arts-designed residential townhouse, refined for modern times. The Art Deco-inspired elements like Bardiglio gray marble floors, French limestone walls and archways, and a faux skylight in the lobby are juxtaposed with modern twists like the lobby's Oriental rug rendered in mosaic tile and a front desk made of polished nickel and hand-tooled leather. Contemporary art including photographs by Jenny Holzer, a collage by Gabi Trinkaus and an interactive video by William Kentridge add to the classic-meets-modern feel.

There are 190 rooms with 30 suites, including a Presidential and a Penthouse Suite. Amenities include 32" LCD TVs, Denon iPod docking stations, Duxiana beds, Pratesi robes, Sferra bedding and Laura Tonnato bath amenities. The 1,150-square-foot penthouse has a wrap-around terrace with outdoor living space and direct access to the private rooftop garden while the 4,500-square-foot Presidential suite has a piano, formal dining area, sauna, fireplace and claw-foot tub in a mosaic-tiled niche.

The hotel's new lobby bar, Bar Pleiades, named in homage of the original French restaurant frequented by the art world's elite from 1971-1992. will offer signature cocktails by mixologist Cameron Bogue. Rottet's inspiration for the lobby bar and lounge area was drawn from Coco Chanel. A black lacquered wood box with white lacquer inlay surrounds the bar echoing the look of a Chanel makeup compact. In the lounge an L-shaped banquette is surrounded by white quilted, Chanel handbag-inspired walls.

Rates start at $499 and The Surrey is is offering a grand opening special of a third night for free when you reserve two or more nights.

Gallery: The Surrey Hotel