VIBE

Leaving far, far behind his history as the godfather of the chilly minimalist boutique hotel, in 2006 Ian Schrager (with the help of filmmaker and artist Julien Schnabel) reinvented the historic Gramercy Hotel as a theatrically opulent boudoir-meets-gothic, chateau-meets-MoMA concept that’s ever so trendy. Though Schrager has since “left the building”, the “haute bohemian” look still pulls together an eclectic array of textures and curios, as he intended: take, for instance, the lobby, where creaking leather wing chairs are matched with imported Moroccan tile floors, a towering fireplace, lush brocade curtains, and contemporary canvases by Andy Warhol and Damien Hirst. The hotel has long been a historical celeb hotspot–Bogart got married here, and Babe Ruth used to prop up the bar–and Schrager’s revamp has renewed this tradition, with famous faces being yet another over-the-top addition to the decadent ambiance.

GO HERE WITH

Significant other; friends

WHY WE LIKE IT

Gorgeous, sexy, sumptuous…we totally dig the “antithesis of minimalism” vibe. It oozes character and buzzes with the in-crowd. We also love the generously proportioned guest rooms and bathrooms–such a treat in space-squeezed NYC. Guest-only goodies like access to the Gramercy Terrace and Gramercy Park make us feel deliciously spoiled, too.

AMENITY WE LOVE

Keys to private Gramercy Park have to top the list, though the “best of” collection of bath amenities sourced by the editor of Allure is pretty cool too. Also love the gym, whose views into Gramercy Park make it a tranquil place to break a sweat indoors.

WHAT WE WOULD CHANGE

Having guest lists for all the bars is a bit over the top…would be nice if there were at least one watering hole that wasn’t velvet roped. Also, the “atmospheric” lighting in the halls is bring-a-flashlight dim.

GOOD TO KNOW

The sensory overload that the hotel induces is not just the result of the incredible visuals: the lobby is perfumed with a custom candle scent by Le Labo. If you dig art, check out the rotating contemporary exhibitions running in the lobby. Parents, don’t let the trendiness put you off: children are definitely welcome here, with services like 24-hour babysitting and kid-sized beds (cribs and twins) at the ready, and Gramercy Park as the ultimate playground. Nuggets for the history buffs: the hotel is built on the site of Edith Wharton’s former townhouse; the Kennedy clan moved in for a few months when the hotel was newly opened; and former owner Ian Schrager once famously tossed Paris Hilton and her posse out of the bar.

CLOSEST COMPS

Soho Grand (New York); Baglioni Hotel (London)

Click here for our full-form mobile travel guide, The Purple Passport to New York City.