Why did this hotel catch your attention? What's the vibe?
On a sweltering summer afternoon, my wife and I arrived at The Mark Hotel, on a quiet block of East 77th, between Madison Avenue and Central Park. The Mark's lobby was an oasis of cool. The first thing that grabs you is the graphics—the crisp, black-and-white-striped marble floor, vividly hued artwork, an enormous bouquet of exuberant, pink lilies. It's sleek and sophisticated, and at the same time, playful. Luxury wrapped in fun. There was something else: a beguiling fragrance—sweet, sultry, and somehow primordial. Inquiring at reception—our room was ready in spite of a somewhat early arrival—we were told it was Jurassic Flower, created specifically for The Mark by Editions de Parfums Frédéric Malle. The key aromatic ingredient: magnolia.
What's the backstory?
Housed in a 1927 landmark building, The Mark Hotel was developed by the New York-based Alexico Group, whose portfolio also includes The Laurel, 165 Charles Street by Richard Meier, Grand Beekman, 353 Central Park West, and The Elektra. Alexico Group's president Izak Senbahar hired the renowned French designer Jacques Grange to create the hotel's distinctive look, and commissioned artists including Ron Arad, Vladimir Kagan, and Mattia Bonetti to create one-of-a-kind furnishings and artworks. Senbahar is deeply involved in the hotel's day-to-day operation, and if you happen to be lounging in The Mark Bar on a Tuesday afternoon, you're likely to spot him making a beeline for the restaurant, a sheaf of documents under his arm, for his regular, weekly check-in.
The Mark's 10,000 square foot, five-bedroom, six-bathroom penthouse, which goes for $75,000 a night, attracts its share of A-list celebrities whose details the hotel's staff do not divulge, beyond an allusion to "musicians and entertainers," although somehow word got out that the massive, 16th-floor suite served as a high-security hideaway for Meghan Markle's baby shower. This is to say nothing of the Met Gala after-party.
Tell us all about the accommodations. Any tips on what to book?
The Mark upgraded us to one of the hotel's Manhattan Suites, on the 12th floor, overlooking the townhouses across the way on East 78th. Nearly 900 square feet, it was laid out and furnished in a way that felt less luxury hotel, more Upper East Side pied-à-terre of your dreams. The roomy foyer leads to a proper kitchen outfitted with a full-size Sub-Zero fridge packed with drinkables (from Orangina to single-origin cold brew to a Ruinart Blanc de Blancs); a Gaggenau range and Miele oven. Long story short, it made me want to cook, although it'd be hard to outdo the restaurant (more on that later).
The living room had a kind of just right, Goldilocks quality—intimate enough for two, but big enough to entertain six of our best friends on the spur of the moment, for which a nicely chilled bottle of Taittinger—a gift from The Mark—came in handy. Everyone's favorite piece of furniture: The velvet sofa from Fendi Casa.
The bedroom was a similar blend of cozy and roomy—not supersized, but with plenty of space to move around the king bed. The all-marble master bath was huge—its floor decorated a variation of the black-and-white motif from The Mark's lobby. Outfitted with a high-ceilinged, glassed-in shower, a bathtub big enough to float a destroyer, and hers and his (or theirs and theirs) sinks, all with Lefroy Brooks fixtures, it's the kind of environment that encourages lingering over one's bathing and beauty rituals. Even the toiletries bear the idiosyncratic mark of The Mark: their little bottles decorated with illustrations by the French artist Jean-Philippe Delhomme, whose clever line drawings and paintings grace everything from the stationery on the writing desk to the plates in the kitchen.
Is there a charge for Wi-Fi?
Wi-Fi is included at no charge and the speed and quality of the connection are excellent.
Drinking and dining—what are we looking at?
The food and drink at The Mark are top notch, and The Mark Bar is a natural point of entry. An intimate space off the hotel's lobby, its decor is sort of retro-futuristic, with a playful mood set by the cozy, cowhide-patterned couches and chairs that hug the perimeter. The cocktails are thoughtfully constructed, good-looking and delicious; the cucumber-mint gin martini made a particular impression. The bar snacks are similarly well-executed, among them the chips and guacamole, the latter elevated with the addition of English peas and toasted sunflower seeds. And for an ultra-luxe experience, visit recently opened Caviar Kaspia for a medley of show-stopping plates.
From the bar, it's just a few steps to The Mark Restaurant by Jean-Georges, one of chef Jean-Georges Vongerichten's 15 New York establishments. While the food might not reach the heights of Vongerichten's two-Michelin-star Jean-Georges at 1 Central Park West, the quality of the ingredients is evident, and the presentations and seasonings are spot-on, as in a chilled artichoke with a lusciously tangy mustard dipping sauce; a dish of fresh fettuccine with Meyer lemon, Parmigiano and black pepper that put a deliciously light and citrusy spin on cacio e pepe; and a perfectly baked fillet of halibut garnished simply with peas and fingerling potatoes, washed down with a vibrant vermentino from the Sardinian winery Mora&Memo.
On our last morning, we had breakfast (the cost of which is not included in the stay) delivered to the suite. The room service receptionist was attentive and thorough, and went over every dish, and every possible substitution, in detail to ensure that everything was just right. Expectations were high after the previous days' lunches and dinners at The Mark Restaurant, and breakfast measured up: Case in point, a perfectly tender Gruyere and spinach omelet delivered nice and warm and right on time. The coffee was good and hot, the fresh-squeezed orange juice sweet and cold, and the service was friendly, swift, and discreet.
And the service? The service was seamless, the check-in and check-out quick and uncomplicated. A big thanks to the concierge, Gabriela Popeti, whose advice on a rush hour cab ride got us to Le Bernardin right on time. If time is less of an issue, the concierge can set you up with a lift in one of the hotel's pedicabs. They can also arrange an ultra-luxe picnic in Central Park, replete with Champagne on ice, a deluxe picnic basket packed with scrumptious salads, sandwiches, chips, and cookies, The Mark-themed, black-and-white-striped easy chairs, a great big umbrella, and a bocce set.
What type of travelers will you find here?
While I struggle to name their type, the guests at The Mark struck me as well-traveled, sophisticated, and discreet; as at home at The Mark as they are in the world.
What about the neighborhood? Does the hotel fit in, make itself part of the scene?
The neighborhood is upscale and low-key. The Mark is so neatly tucked away, if it weren't for the black-and-white-striped awning, it'd be easy to miss as you walk up Madison Ave. In terms of shopping, the ground floor of the hotel is home to an outpost of Assouline, a luxury book publisher and purveyor of gifts for the bibliophile. You're just off Madison Ave, within striking distance of Hermès' flagship, Zadig&Voltaire, Tory Burch, Kate Spade, and dozens of others. If The Mark's Jurassic Flower sparks your curiosity, you can hunt for your own fragrance at Editions de Parfums Frédéric Malle on Madison, between 72nd and 73rd.
Is there anything you'd change?
Yes. The length of our stay. Longer.
Any other hotel features worth noting?
A tidbit: The Mark's complimentary shoe shine service is outstanding.
Bottom line: Worth it? Why?
Yes. Well worth it. The Mark has a great personality and sense of style, and does luxury in a way that feels refreshingly fun and welcoming.
25 E 77th St, New York City, New York 10075
United States
https://www.themarkhotel.com/?utm_source=gmb&utm_medium=organic
(212) 744-4300