An Eye for Style
Destinations for the aesthetic traveler
Signature black-and-white striped floors are synonymous with the hotel’s style.
EAST SIDE STORY
For more than a century, The Mark has defined NYC chic
By Caitlin White
In a city where hundreds of hotels vie for the chance to host luminaries for a night, this New York City landmark has welcomed celebrity guests for nearly a century, since it opened in 1927. One block off Central Park, THE MARK is steeped in the elegance of the Upper East Side and frequently touted as the unofficial fashion headquarters for the annual Met Gala at the nearby Metropolitan Museum of Art. In 2005 the hotel underwent a complete renovation helmed by French designer Jacques Grange, who designed the signature black-and-white striped floors; the property also showcases work by Ron Arad, Vladimir Kagan, Mattia Bonetti, and Karl Lagerfeld, among other artists and artisans. The luxurious 106 rooms, 44 suites, and three penthouses feature heated towel racks, fine Italian linens, and Crestron panels that control temperature, lighting, and entertainment. A spa is slated to be added for summer 2026, and a recent coffee table book, The
Mark (Assouline, $120) captures the exclusive hostelry in all its glory. The Mark Restaurant by Chef Jean-Georges serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner and also offers 24/7 in-room dining. themarkhotel.com
“In 2005 the hotel underwent a complete renovation helmed by designer Jacques Grange.”
Lowcountry Highlight
John Derian designed the Derian suite at The Dewberry
Coastal setting, historic architecture, and the eternal appeal of Lowcountry cuisine make Charleston, South Carolina, a prime destination. John Dewberry’s namesake luxury hotel, THE DEWBERRY CHARLESTON, has consistently been recognized as one of the best in the region. “The Dewberry honors Charleston’s historic architecture and culture through a disciplined, contemporary lens,” he says. “I assembled a team of architects and designers, and together we were able to combine locally sourced materials, custom craftsmanship, and enduring finishes to create a setting that’s warm, refined, and distinctly Charleston. Every detail reflects intentional design, functional luxury, and a modern interpretation of Southern hospitality.” Furnishings have been sourced at auctions worldwide, and custom Stickley-style armoires and Vermont Danby marble bathrooms impart glamor to the 153 guest rooms. thedewberrycharleston.com
Photography by Andrew Cebulka
DESERT DREAMING
The landscaping on this vast estate has been updated to feature a local drought-tolerant plants
Celebrating its 100th birthday this year, the status of LA QUINTA RESORT AND CLUB as a stylish escape in the California desert has only become more established with time. An extensive renovation, led by architectural firm Leo A Daly, was completed last year to update and refresh the structures with contemporary comforts. Contrasting with the cream-colored stucco of the architecture are plentiful fuchsia bougainvillea, and the 45 acres of this desert oasis are planted with citrus groves, cypress trees, and cacti. As for amenities, the resort boasts 5 golf courses, 42 pools (some at private villas), 21 tennis courts, and 6 restaurants. Body renewal treatments, massages, and facials are available at the 23,000-square-foot Spa La Quinta, and a new adults-only plunge pool is another recent update. On-site dining options are a highlight, particularly at the Adobe Grill, a Oaxaca-style Mexican restaurant with award-winning tamales and free-flowing margaritas. At Morgan’s in the Desert, the iconic steakhouse atmosphere serves as a reminder of why this hotel became a Hollywood retreat in the first place. laquintaresort.com
Must Do
From the legendary $50 martini to the Warhol painting on the wall, Bar Cecil continues to surprise and delight Palm Springs with its endless cachet, impeccable service, and showstopping cocktails. If you can get a spot, there’s no better place for a drink, dinner, and fascinating people watching—except maybe its brand-new sister bar next door, Beaton’s. barcecil.com
