PHOTO: Gramercy Park Hotel

Fodor's Expert Review Gramercy Park Hotel

Name: Gramercy Park Hotel
Address: 2 Lexington Ave., at Gramercy Park, New York, New York, 10010, USA
Telephone: 212-920–3300
Price range: $$$$

2 Lexington Ave., at Gramercy Park, New York, New York 10010, USA See on Map

Jessica Colley Clarke

A completely over the top, bold design and an impressive art collection make this luxury property from boutique hotelier Ian Schrager really stand out. The building has a storied history—famous guests have ranged from John F. Kennedy to the Rolling Stones—and the celebrity allure remains today, probably because of how downright fabulous this place is.

Gramercy Park is a private, gated park but hotel guests are granted access; ask an employee for details.

Photo: Gramercy Park Hotel

room

With velvet accents, studded leather, and some very red drapes, rooms are bursting with pure decadence. Colors are bold and comfort is a priority in these luxurious spaces.

Photo: Gramercy Park Hotel

bathroom

Generous in size, with marble countertops, bathrooms have big walk-in showers and many have soaking tubs.

lobby

This lobby is downright dramatic--and it is excellent. The design is loud and the space is elaborate, with a large chandelier and a fireplace. The lobby is known for its incredible art collection, which has included contemporary works by the likes of Andy Warhol and Jean-Michel Basquiat.

Photo: @prestigehomestyling

dining

Maialino, Danny Meyer’s Roman trattoria, has always been extremely popular and with good reason--it's definitely worth the hype.

Photo: @prestigehomestyling

Photo: Gramercy Park Hotel

drinking

The hotel has a pair of exclusive watering holes—the Rose Bar and the Jade Bar—that are favored by a stylish (and occasionally famous) set of patrons.

YOU SHOULD KNOW Drinks and cocktails are pricey. This much flash isn't cheap, folks.

Photo: Gramercy Park Hotel

LOCATION

Getting Around

Located in a quiet, residential neighborhood next to Gramercy Park, this hotel offers easy access to Union Square and the east side on foot. Subway access is available at 23^rd Street (6 train) or at Union Square (4, 5, 6, L, N, Q, R, W trains).

Restaurants

Since Danny Meyer first opened Gramercy Tavern (4-minute walk) in 1994, it has been one of New York’s most consistently praised dining experiences. Reserve a table in the dining room or take advantage of the space set aside for walk-ins at the tavern (try for a seat at the bar). Spanish food is served from an open kitchen at Casa Mono (4-minute walk), a tight-on-space but big-on-flavor restaurant from chef Mario Batali. For a casual plate of quality pasta (and maybe some oysters to start) grab a table at Tarallucci e Vino (8-minute walk) near Union Square.

Bars

Pete’s Tavern (5-minute walk) has been around since the 1860s, and is a great place to grab drinks with friends. If you’re craving cocktails instead of craft beers, sample the signature drinks at Dear Irving (5-minute walk), a cocktail parlor with intimate nooks for small groups.

WHY WE LIKE IT

This property has a distinct perspective on what a luxury hotel should be: ridiculously decadent and very different from home. We love the bold design, the velvet accents, and the genuinely captivating art collection. Plus, the dining is fabulous from early morning cappuccino to late night bites at Maialino.