The Gramercy Park Hotel, situated just off New York’s exclusive private park, is fancy.  It is evident in every detail in every facet of the hotel that it was created by an art lover. And it was- hotelier Ian Schrager, already known for his epic love for design, hired Julian Schnabel to oversee the décor. Schnabel also designed all of the furniture in the hotel and bars, and curated the photographs in the guest rooms.The rooftop, Rose and Jade bars are amazing, with hundreds of Edison light bulbs, you feel like you’re sitting in a Jeff Wall photo.  The hotel also has a vast art collection that is displayed around-including Basquiats, Warhols, Hirsts, Harings, Twomblys and Princes.


The hotel was built in the late 1920s. Humphrey Bogart was married there, a young JFK lived there for a few months, Babe Ruth drank there, Bob Marley, Bob Dylan, Madonna, and Blondie all stayed there.


Where else can you cozy up around a fireplace under a Picasso? I guess unless you are rich. As expected..expect to pay $20 a drink…

But do treat yourself, and go see my friend Brian Newman bring his old time glamor to the Rose Bar, sip some champers and enjoy is old timey jazz charm.

What: The Gramercy Park Hotel

Where: 2 Lexington Avenue