A Taste of Manhattan Pied-à-Terre Living at The Surrey Hotel

The Surrey in New York City opened in 1926 as a residence hotel, and during its 2012 makeover, the renovation team maintained this history and sense of privacy while modernizing the structure from top to tail. Since then, this luxe Upper East Side hideaway has become one of the most sought-after addresses for New York visitors, on what is still a residential street away from the tourist masses. In addition to its central location for city sightseeing, The Surrey offers fabulous art and design, bespoke service and a wonderfully intimate feel. 

Family-Friendly Review and Highlights of The Surrey, New York City

Accommodations

The Surrey offers a number of room options that work well for families, from connecting rooms to suites that have a sofa bed plus space for a rollaway. For the ultimate splurge, book one of the hotel’s one- to three-bedroom units with kitchens. All rooms have Duxiana beds and luxurious linens that ensure a wonderful night’s sleep. The toiletries, made especially for The Surrey by Dyptique Paris, are a highlight.

We stayed in a two-queen Deluxe Salon Room with a courtyard view. Our room was extremely quiet, which is unusual for a Manhattan hotel.

TIP: The accessible Deluxe Salon Rooms are larger than the regular Deluxe Salon Rooms, which have two doubles instead of two queens.

Dining

The onsite Cafe Boulud, owned by renowned Michelin-starred chef Daniel Boulud, received a 3-star review from the New York Times. The restaurant is a bit formal for children at dinner, but babysitting can be arranged if Mom and Dad want a date night. Breakfast, whether enjoyed in the dining room or through room service, is lovely. If the weather is nice, eat at one of the sidewalk tables — reminiscent of a French cafe in Paris.

Amenities

Guests can unwind after a day of shopping and sightseeing at the seasonal private rooftop garden. It wasn’t open during our stay, but we will definitely return in the spring to experience this — private outdoor space is very unusual in New York City. Cornelia Spa offers parents a place to decompress and the fitness center is open 24 hours. 

Bar Pleiades has live jazz music on Friday evening, and kids are allowed in the rear seating area. Even so, if you have young kids, ask the concierge to arrange a sitter so you can have an evening alone (older kids can stay in the room and enjoy a movie).

Near the Hotel

The Surrey is located on the renowned Museum Mile, just a few blocks from the Metropolitan Museum of Art, the Guggenheim and the recently opened Metropolitan Breuer, housed in the former Whitney Museum. Context Travel, one of our favorite tour guide partners at Ciao Bambino, offers an art tour that begins at the hotel, and guests can also enjoy the extensive private art collection onsite.

The Surrey is also just steps from Central Park, and there is a playground at the park’s 76th Street entrance — great for burning off some energy. The Alice in Wonderland statue nearby is a wonderful spot to take photos with the kids. If the weather cooperates, pick up picnic supplies at Butterfield Gourmet Market or have the concierge arrange a picnic for you.  

Relevant Links:

Browse all family-friendly accommodations and activities in New York City on Ciao Bambino

Why choose the New York CityPASS for a vacation with kids

Best kid-friendly restaurants in New York City

10 insider spots in New York City with kids

EmptyMet: A unique way to see New York’s Metropolitan Museum without the crowds

Editor’s Note: Sandy was hosted by The Surrey in order to review the property for families. As always, all opinions are our own on Ciao Bambino. Photos by Sandy Pappas except where noted.