New York City hotels are often just high-rise glass boxes or stuffy relics. But The Surrey is different. Honestly, it’s always been different. Since 1926, this 16-story beacon on East 76th Street has been the quiet, classy alternative to the Midtown madness. After a massive, multi-year transformation, The Surrey Hotel New York City (now officially The Surrey, A Corinthia Hotel) has finally reopened its doors, just in time for its 100th anniversary in 2026.
It’s not just a facelift. It’s a total reimagining.
Owned by the Reuben Brothers and managed by the ultra-luxury Corinthia group—their first-ever North American property—the "new" Surrey is less about being a hotel and more about feeling like a very, very expensive Upper East Side townhouse. If you've ever wanted to live like a billionaire with a penchant for Murano glass and Italian pasta, this is the place.
What Really Happened During the Renovation?
The Surrey didn't just close for a few months to swap out carpets. It shut down in 2020 and underwent a gut renovation that stripped the interiors back while preserving that iconic Beaux-Arts facade. The mission? To bring back the "Old Hollywood" glamour that once drew in guests like Bette Davis, Claudette Colbert, and even JFK.
Managed by the Corinthia Hotels group, the redesign was handed to Martin Brudnizki. You might know his work from The Beekman or Annabel’s in London. He’s a maximalist at heart, and it shows, but here he’s kept things surprisingly residential and cozy.
The Room Breakdown
The hotel is much more intimate now. We’re talking:
✨ Don't miss: Hotel Gigi San Diego: Why This New Gaslamp Spot Is Actually Different
- 70 guest rooms.
- 30 suites.
- 14 private residences (for those who never want to leave).
The color palettes are split into three main vibes: soft blue, spring green, and a rich, earthy terracotta. It sounds simple, but the textures are where it gets wild. Think silk seagrass wallpapers, leather-lined drawers in the minibars, and reeded-glass light fittings.
The Central Park Bridge Suites: A Masterstroke
Most hotels name their suites "Executive" or "Presidential." Boring. The Surrey decided to pay homage to its backyard: Central Park. There are four signature suites, each inspired by a specific park bridge:
- The Bethesda Grandeur Suite: Inspired by the iconic fountain and terrace. It feels like "lemon posset pudding" with its silky yellow walls and marble bathrooms.
- The Pine Bank Bridge Suite: Features floral motifs and deep neutrals that mimic the ornamental ironwork of the bridge.
- The Greywacke Heritage Suite: This one is geometric and grounded, using terracotta tones to match the Saracenic-style bridge it’s named after.
- The Surrey Suite: The flagship, honoring the Bow Bridge.
Every suite comes with a dedicated butler. Not the stuffy, white-glove type from 1920s movies, but a modern, "get-it-done" professional who handles everything from unpacking your bags to snagging a table at a booked-out restaurant.
Casa Tua: The Hottest Table in the Neighborhood
If you know Miami or Aspen, you know Casa Tua. The fact that Miky Grendene chose The Surrey for Casa Tua’s first New York outpost is a big deal. It’s basically the heartbeat of the hotel now.
The main restaurant is public-facing and serves upscale Italian and Mediterranean. We’re talking branzino al sale and those classic pastas that make you forget you’re in Manhattan. Then there’s The Lounge by Casa Tua, which is more of an all-day spot for a quick espresso or a late-night martini.
🔗 Read more: Wingate by Wyndham Columbia: What Most People Get Wrong
But the real "if you know, you know" spot is The Club. It’s a private members' area on the second floor. It keeps that "residential" feel alive by creating a space where the neighborhood's elite can hide away from the tourists.
Art, Wellness, and the "Hidden" Spa
You can't be on the Upper East Side and ignore the art scene. The Surrey is just blocks from The Met, The Guggenheim, and the Frick Collection. To keep up, the hotel partnered with Paris-based VISTO Gallery.
The collection is a mix of New York masters and fresh faces. You’ll find Robert Mapplethorpe photography and George Condo figures hanging near contemporary pieces by Brooklyn-based weaver Ethan Cook. It feels like a gallery, but without the "don't touch" vibe.
The Sisley Paris Spa
Deep in the basement is a 2,500-square-foot oasis. The Surrey partnered with Sisley Paris to create a spa that's small but high-tech.
- Two treatment rooms.
- A steam room and sauna.
- A salt relaxation room (a rare find in NYC).
- A gym designed by AMP.
They even have an exclusive treatment called the Black Rose Re-plumping Facial. If you’ve spent all day walking the High Line, this is the reset button. There’s even a tiny outdoor terrace for yoga classes when the weather isn't being typically New York.
💡 You might also like: Finding Your Way: The Sky Harbor Airport Map Terminal 3 Breakdown
Is It Worth the Hype?
Honestly, the Upper East Side has been dominated by "The Big Three" for decades: The Carlyle, The Mark, and The Pierre. The Surrey is the new kid that actually has the pedigree to compete.
While The Carlyle is the aging beauty and The Mark is the quirky, fashionable cousin, The Surrey feels like the contemporary, sophisticated home you wish you owned. It’s flashier than the old Surrey was, but it hasn't lost that "discreet" DNA that made it a celebrity favorite in the first place.
Practical Insights for Your Visit
- Location: 20 East 76th Street. You’re one block from Central Park and steps from Madison Avenue’s best shopping.
- Getting Around: The 6 train at 77th Street is your best bet for public transit, but let’s be real—you’re probably taking a car here.
- Dining Tip: Reservations for Casa Tua are notoriously hard to get. Book at least two weeks out if you're not staying at the hotel.
- The Best Room: If you can’t swing a bridge suite, aim for a Deluxe King with a park-facing view. The natural light through the vintage-inspired windows is unbeatable.
The Verdict on The Surrey Hotel New York City
This isn't just a hotel reopening; it's a statement. By bringing in the Reuben Brothers' capital, Corinthia’s management, and Brudnizki’s design, The Surrey has successfully jumped from a "faded icon" to "modern essential."
Whether you’re there for a Sisley facial or a bowl of pasta at Casa Tua, you’re participating in the next chapter of a 100-year-old story. It’s expensive, it’s exclusive, and it’s very, very New York.
Next Steps for Your Trip
To make the most of a stay at the new Surrey, your first move should be to contact the concierge specifically regarding a "Central Park Bridge Tour." Since the signature suites are built around these landmarks, the hotel can arrange a guided walk that connects the room's design to the physical architecture of the park. Also, ensure you request a reservation at The Lounge for the hour before your dinner at Casa Tua; the transition from the airy lobby art to the moody, velvet-drenched lounge is the best way to experience the building's architectural shift.