The Mark Hotel New York’s regal penthouse palace

Meghan Markle had her extravagant baby shower here but does The Mark live up to the hype?

The Mark Hotel, New York.

Over the festive season, guests staying in the five-bedroom penthouse atop New York City’s The Mark Hotel have had access to a private ice rink on their 230 sqm terrace overlooking Central Park and the Metropolitan Museum of Art. This lavish, house-sized, multi-level suite, replete with a living room with 8m-high ceilings, a baby grand piano and a flourishing orange tree, is where Serena Williams hosted Meghan Markle’s baby shower in 2019. Readers of British investigative journalist Tom Bower’s Revenge will note Markle’s celebration was attended by scores of celebrities, including Amal Clooney and Oprah Winfrey’s close friend Gail King.

Ice skates and star-studded guest lists aside, there are other ways to amp up a stay in the penthouse, the largest in the US at more than 930 sqm of interior space, according to the hotel. For those who can afford the pre-tax $US75,000 ($112,000) a night rate, management can organise the New York Theatre Ballet to perform a rendition of The Nutcracker Suite or a recital by a Juilliard School-trained singer and pianist.

The Mark’s penthouse is said to be the largest in the US.

While my own accommodation at the 153-room hotel is more humble, I’m treated to a voyeuristic private tour of the 16th-floor penthouse, including its two master bedrooms. One has an ensuite with a showpiece bath tucked into a window recess overlooking city rooftops. Water pours dramatically from a spout in the ceiling then spills into a secondary chamber surrounding the tub. The second ensuite has a large steam shower.

Enjoy impressive views of Central Park from The Mark’s balconies.

But wait, there’s more – three further bedrooms, four additional bathrooms and two powder rooms, a quartet of fireplaces, a huge living room that can be converted into a ballroom, a conservatory, a well-stocked library with lounge seating, several wet bars and a dining room that seats 12. Guests can employ the services of a hotel chef in the fully equipped kitchen or bring their own. All furniture is custom designed by leading French designer Jacques Grange.

The Mark features furniture designed by French designer Jacques Grange.

On arrival at the hotel, which is housed in a landmark 1926 neo-Italian Renaissance building, guests are presented with bunches of freshly picked roses and gingerbread biscuits in the shape of New York’s famous yellow cabs and Time Out magazine covers. At turndown, there are offerings of Evian water and pistachio and coffee macarons from famed French bakery Laduree.

My Madison Queen room, with bed dressed in Italian linen, is compact and has a neutral palette enlivened by vibrant mustard drapes and lampshades. There’s a desk of sycamore wood and a small circular dining table. Temperature, curtains, lighting and entertainment are controlled from a touch screen. The marble-clad bathroom features the hotel’s monochrome striped motif in the flooring, twin vanities, a deep tub and separate shower. Fittings by British brand Lefroy Brooks are in polished nickel, and body lotions by luxury perfumer La Bottega.

Bathroom features polished nickel fittings and the hotel’s signature monochrome stripe. Picture: Mark Goldstein

Breakfast is served a la carte in The Mark Restaurant by Jean-Georges (Vongerichten). The offerings vary broadly from steel-cut oats and fresh berries to eggs served in myriad ways and superb bagels with Norwegian smoked salmon from New York brand Russ & Daughters. The all-day venue, with its striking wine wall of copper and glass, has an extensive menu featuring Maine lobster and plenty of other seafood options, 28-day aged ribeye for two, and a signature burger elevated with truffle dressing and brie.

The Mark Hotel’s main dining room, with its striking wine wall.

The hotel’s proximity to Central Park makes picnics a tempting proposition in warmer weather. The restaurant will prepare a $US475 hamper for guests that includes a shrimp cocktail, artisan cheese platter, osetra caviar blinis, chocolate, and a bottle of NV Billecart-Salmon Champagne.

Part of the Mark’s charm is its central New York location.

It’s not only human guests being pampered. The discerning tastes of their four-legged travel companions are also catered to. There are specially prepared dog meals and desserts, and gift packs such as The Mark “woof woof” set, which includes a leash, collar, waste bags and a silicone collapsible bowl.

The hotel’s bar is a neighbourhood favourite.

Outside the hotel is a smart black cart displaying posies and another selling delicious hot dogs. New Yorkers pop by to have a tipple at the hotel bar, perched on groovy cow-print couches; as a neighbourhood favourite, it’s open all day. One local swings past daily so his pooch can get his cookie from the doorman. It seems you don’t have to be a royal – even a former one – to get the special treatment here.

Lisa Allen was a guest of The Mark.

In the know

The Mark is at the corner of 77th St and Madison Ave, Manhattan, New York. Madison Queen rooms from $US1375 a night, not including breakfast. A complimentary town car is available on a first-come, first-served basis to ferry guests up to 20 blocks from the hotel until 7pm.