Hautels

Pleasures abound for those fortunate enough to take full advantage of all that the luxury lifestyle has to offer. Whether it be fueling up the private jet for a jaunt over to Vegas, taking time off to take in the pleasures afforded on a plush megayacht, delighting in the delectable treats offered at one of the city’s many top-rated restaurants, or relishing in some retail therapy at some of our favorite shopping venues, the benefits of affluence cannot be denied. With this in mind, we present the premiere of our “Hautels” section of Haute Living, showcasing some of New York’s most opulent hotels and resorts. With amenities for both jetsetters and local residents, these four hospitality centers are ready to tend to your every whim. From a stay at the only Forbes five-star hotel in NYC to an afternoon in the sun in the middle of the bustling city, there is no limit to the flights of fancy that await when visiting one of these luxury hotels in the Big Apple.

The Surrey
If you’re looking to escape from the bustling streets of New York City and experience a bit of nature’s bounty, head to The Surrey’s new private roof garden. Part of the hotel’s $60 million renovation, the garden is the luxe hotel’s newest installation.

Situated on the penthouse level, the roof garden reflects countryside ambiance while offering incomparable views of the Manhattan skyline, Central Park, and The Surrey’s Upper East Side neighborhood. The amenity, which was designed by Lauren Rottet and inspired by English gardens, was designed to portray the intimacy of a traditional Upper East Side family townhouse.

Rottet, a well-known interior and architectural designer, has incorporated vibrant manicured seasonal flora to the garden. The pristine aesthetic is slightly offset by the roof’s ivy and box trees growing throughout, which give the space a vintage feel and create a desirable, humbling atmosphere. Its ambiance accentuates the Upper East Side’s classic-meets-modern aesthetic.

Accessible by all hotel guests, the private roof garden is open daily from noon to 11 p.m. Seasonal beverage and dining menus are offered from noon until midnight, with a range of fare to seduce all palates. — Jessica Bryant

20 EAST 76TH ST.
212.288.3700
WWW.THESURREY.COM

Tribeca Grand

Are you looking for a personalized, concierge-type guide to navigate you through the streets of New York without looking like a complete tourist? There’s an app for that. Manhattan’s innovative Soho Grand and Tribeca Grand Hotels are setting the bar high with the release of GrandLife, the Hotels’ new iPhone application that helps the user discover the best of what New York has to offer.

Pulling material from GrandLifeNYC.com, a culturist and hipster’s best friend of a website that the hotels launched in 2006, the free app features art, film, fashion, music, dining, and nightlife recommendations. It even goes as far as providing guests the exact address, cross streets, and subway access to each locale. This type of convenience, whilst stuck in the bustling, congested stampede of New-Yorkers-on-a-mission, could not be more relieving.

Unsure of where to start your journey? The GrandLife app also includes a function that filters listings based on neighborhood, store type, atmosphere, cuisine, and price point. And if that weren’t enough, it’s also equipped with a currency converter, tip calculator, airport information, subway schedules, and a guide to top NYC landmarks, among other things.

There’s no denying that the Grand Life has just gotten a lot grander. Now, if we could only convince the app creators to add a “Pay For My Cab Fare” feature. — Jessica Bryant

2 AVENUE OF THE AMERICAS
212.519.6600
WWW.TRIBECAGRAND.COM

Hotel Plaza Athenee

The Hotel Plaza Athenee combines European grandeur with the intimacy and charm of a luxury boutique hotel, creating a home for sophisticated travelers from around the world for more than two decades. Located on Manhattan’s fashionable Upper East Side, one block from Central Park and close to Midtown, the hotel sits in the quiet elegance of this exclusive residential neighborhood and shopping district.

In 2010, the hotel completed a multi-million dollar renovation which included a selection of new guestrooms and suites, the addition of four premier luxury suites, a spacious fitness center, and the addition of a new spa. The hotel’s 142 guestrooms and suites have been individually designed to reflect a sumptuous, European townhouse décor. Many suites feature glass-enclosed atriums and outdoor balconies with breathtaking views of the Manhattan skyline. Opened in May 2010, The Plaza Athenee Spa features four Asian-themed private treatment suites offering hotel guests the latest in wellness therapies by Valmont and Babor. Arabelle Restaurant and sultry Bar Seine are popular spots for hotel guests as well as the discerning Manhattanite. Known for its personalized and attentive service in a luxurious, relaxed setting, the hotel continuously anticipates and exceeds the high expectations of its guests.

37 EAST 64TH ST.
212.734.9100
WWW.PLAZA-ATHENEE.COM

Trump International Hotel & Tower New York

As a haven for all things luxurious, the Trump International Hotel & Tower® New York is celebrated for its bold approach to design. As part of the property’s recent renovation process, the iconic 52-glass story tower recently underwent a $30 million renovation enhancing the hotel with amenities that allow for one of the most lavish experiences in the city. Sub-Zero appliances, fully equipped European-style kitchens, 55-inch flat-panel HDTV’s, and Schonbek crystal chandeliers are just some of the new stylish features that grace the majority of the rooms and suites. The hotel’s Two-Bedroom Park View Suite is the perfect choice for families heading to New York during the upcoming holiday season. The expansive suite encompasses 1,350 square feet, complete with a master bedroom, en-suite master bath, living room, and guest room. The most impressive aspect of this home-away-from-home: 10-foot-high, floor-to-ceiling windows look out over the incomparable Central Park. Not in need of the guest room but still covet the view? Opt for the 950-square-foot Executive Park View Suite. The basic Park View Suite, measuring in at 700 square feet, also provides the same stunning vista of New York City’s crown jewel. When the iconic Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade marches down Central Park West in November, guests of Trump New York will be eye level with the world-famous floats soaring above the streets, making for a memorable experience—and one that is in high-demand, so book now to take advantage of the hotel’s enviable perch. — Elena Chiriboga

1 CENTRAL PARK WEST
212.299.1000
WWW.TRUMPINTL.COM