As the Mark Hotel rings in its centennial this year, the landmark—conceived as a Parisian salon and better known as the Met Gala’s unofficial HQ—is unveiling a refresh befitting of its formidable guest list. With each room and suite undergoing an extensive restoration, the hotel’s signature Franco-American glamour (and star-readiness) is preserved, while a few new luxuries that honor its decades of indulgence are newly introduced.
A guest book boasting the pedigree of designers Yves Saint Laurent, Valentino Garavani, and Princess Caroline of Monaco demands interiors to match. The legacy of these exceptionally well-heeled patrons finds expression in custom furnishings, sumptuous drapery, new artwork commissions, and an eye for the unexpected. Working in tandem, Parisian gallerist Pierre Passebon and interior designer Jacques Grange assembled a roster of works by celebrated artists and designers including Ron Arad, Vladimir Kagan, Mattia Bonetti, Paul Mathieu, and Eric Schmitt to fill out the hotel’s spaces.
Of course, the Mark’s cultural cachet extends well beyond its gilded walls. Each May, the hotel becomes the fashion world’s fitting room, with a revolving cast of A-listers (and their fans) descending on East 77th Street to prepare for the Met Gala before making the short trip to the Metropolitan Museum of Art. On less feverish days, guests can enjoy Museum Mile at their own pace or retreat to the hotel’s palatial penthouse, where updates include a private Technogym, steam shower, and outdoor cold plunge for those in need of a post-gala detox.
Speaking of recovery, the hotel’s rejuvenation will also welcome its first spa, developed with Augustinus Bader. Expect science-led longevity treatments alongside the property’s existing wellness offerings, including in-room massages and a salon by celebrity hairstylist Frédéric Fekkai. It’s a decidedly New York interpretation of luxury, with a martini glass’ worth of French refinement, a serious wellness commitment, and the possibility of spotting a rogue Jenner or film star on the way out. Some things, thankfully, never lose their thrill.
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