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Whether you know it as the Oscars of fashion or the biggest party of the year, the Met Gala is, as my colleague Laird Borrelli-Persson has previously written, the “hottest ticket in town.” This year, the starry event is back on the first Monday in May, and celebrities are beginning to turn towards New York City for the evening of mesmerizing fashion.
If you’re anything like us, you’re probably champing at the bit for the exhibition, “Superfine: Tailoring Black Style” to open on May 10, which will examine dandy style and the exchange between clothing and the formation of Black identities in the Atlantic diaspora. Perhaps you’ll happen to be in town the weekend leading up to the fête, hoping to catch a glimpse of the star-studded red carpet—where there’s always inevitably some sort of surprise—before the fundraising event begins that evening. Or maybe you've secured a much-coveted invite to an after-party at a glittering locale (cheers to that!). For such an endeavor, it only seems apropos to stay where luminaries have made their way in and out for the occasion. Below, some of our favorite hotels with an impressive client list.
The Surrey, a Corinthia Hotel
After a multi-year closure, The Surrey is back in action under the Corinthia Hotels umbrella, with interiors by Martin Brudnizki. This historic grand dame property originally opened in 1926 and during its early days boasted illustrious clientele such as John F. Kennedy and Bette Davis. After a splashy reopening in fall 2024, which includes the newly-instituted restaurant and private club, Casa Tua, the hotel is poised to become a celebrity hotspot throughout the Met Gala weekend. (Previous Met Gala celebrity guests have included Hailey Bieber, Ashley Graham, and Serena Williams.) For those in search of a red-carpet-ready experience, head for The Surrey’s Sisley Paris spa to indulge in their “Prestige Glow: Met Gala Rejuvenation Facial.”
The Mark
A smidge closer to the Met than the Carlyle, many gala attendees get ready at the Mark. Selena Gomez, Kendall Jenner, Kerry Washington, Emma Watson, and Gisele Bündchen are just a few names that have been spotted stepping through the hotel’s doors. It’s also where many designers have held their after-parties, including Michael Kors in 2015, Donatella Versace in 2018, and Burberry in 2024 (attended by Chloë Sevigny, Naomi Campbell, and Marc Jacobs no less!) But to really throw it back, it’s where Oprah and Pharrell Williams were partying it up at one of the 2010 after-hours soirees.
The Carlyle, a Rosewood Hotel
Open since 1930, The Carlyle has a rich history and has seen its fair share of royals, heads of state, and A-listers, including the likes of Princess Diana, President John F. Kennedy, Prince William and Kate Middleton, George Clooney, Leonardo DiCaprio, and Cardi B. From the black and white–marbled lobby with Art Deco motifs to the luscious suites (several of which are outfitted with baby grand pianos), The Carlyle is what you want out of an Upper East Side hideaway. Last year at The Carlyle's Met Gala after-party (held in none other than the property's iconic Bemelmans Bar), Jon Batiste delighted attendees including Sofia Coppola, Jude Law, Andrew Scott, and Jessica Biel with a musical performance.
The Beekman, a Thompson Hotel
Since its opening in August 2016, the fashion set have been flocking to the Beekman. Not only was it the location for Valentino’s Pre-Fall 2017 show and Billy Reid’s Fall 2017 Menswear collection, but even before the hotel’s arrival, it was also where the Maison Martin Margiela x H&M launch party was thrown. Here, comfortable rooms are characterized by velvet and leather furnishings and the rooftop dining experience on a wisteria-adorned terrace has turned into one of the most sought-after reservations downtown. But before you leave, don’t forget to capture a photo of the nine-story Victorian atrium (which was declared a New York landmark in 2024).
The Pierre, a Taj Hotel, New York
If you were one of the bystanders on 5th Avenue in 2019, you’ll likely recall Lady Gaga’s grand entrance by foot in her flowy Brandon Maxwell cape dress with a full entourage that helped carry her 25-foot train. The award-winning singer and actor chose the Pierre as her spot to prep for the night, and she wasn’t alone. The hotel overlooking Central Park also welcomed guests like Allison Williams, Meg Ryan, Gabrielle Union, Cynthia Erivo, and Barry Keoghan—all for 2024's gala alone. And it’s no wonder that so many would choose the five-star property as a place to call their temporary home. Having been around since 1930, fashion legends such as Coco Chanel, Karl Lagerfeld, Yves Saint Laurent, and Hubert de Givenchy have all graced the Pierre’s hallways.
The New York Edition
While Ian Schrager also opened his second New York City Edition hotel in Times Square, bringing out a drove of models for the opening party, it’s unlikely celebrities will be willing to give up the first property’s less crowded corner of Madison Square Park for the hustle and bustle of 47th Street. In addition to being the site for Rihanna’s Fashion Week party, and the 2016 ACE Awards, Victoria Beckham has also been seen leaving the chic hotel for a few years now. Simple, but elegant, the bright white and cream–color rooms are contrasted by dark walnut headboards and nightstands, while the faux fur throw strewn over the bed adds a hint of lavishness. It’s no wonder Posh Spice has made the New York Edition her stomping grounds.
Four Seasons Hotel New York
The newly-reopened Four Seasons is a must for the Ty Warner Penthouse, one of the most expensive hotel suites in North America. Occupying the entire 52nd floor, 700 feet above street level with impressive views, amenities include four balconies, a fully outfitted library, an infinity soak tub in the onyx and rock crystal–clad master bathroom, and a chauffeured Bentley to top it all off. The Four Seasons New York Downtown property is also likely to lure in gala guests who prefer a stay in the heart of Tribeca. (The one and only Walton Goggins recently paid a visit, for The White Lotus fans in the house.) This 82-story property has a virtual styling partnership with Moda Operandi and the 2,400-square-foot Empire Suite is beloved by celebrity guests, which is not all that surprising considering it takes up half of the top floor of the hotel.
The Lowell Hotel
Discreetly tucked away on New York’s iconic Upper East Side, The Lowell Hotel has attracted celebrity clientele since its opening in the 1920s. (A few fashionable previous guests include Stella McCartney, Pamela Anderson, and Ali MacGraw.) There are just 74 rooms and suites at this family-run independently owned hotel, many with covetable wood-burning fireplaces and private terraces. Privacy? Check. Tradition? Check. Refined luxury? Check! (Did we mention it's a five-minute drive from The Met?)
The Bowery Hotel
The Bowery Hotel’s guest book is peppered with eye-popping names across the celebrity spectrum (Charli xcx, Bella Hadid, Charlotte Gainsbourg, Keith Richards, Jennifer Lopez…we could go on and on). The hotel has served as both a stylish prep location for Met Gala attendees (such as Diane Kruger), and a sleek and discreet after-party locale. While the on-property Italian restaurant Gemma is a classic, nothing quite beats an evening cocktail in the lobby with its crackling fireplace and thick velvet curtains.
The Plaza New York
The Plaza is arguably the most iconic hotel in all of New York City (honestly, who can forget Carrie Bradshaw’s memorable “your girl is lovely, Hubbell” in front of the same legendary address Barbara Streisand said the same line in 1973). For 2024’s “Garden of Time,” this historic Midtown property hosted Met Gala attendees such as model Taylor Hill as well as designer Prabal Gurung’s fashionable assemblage of celebs he dressed (including Demi Lovato, Maria Sharapova, and Laufey).
The Standard, High Line
Since 2010, the Standard’s lounge on the 18th floor has been the after-party spot. The Top of the Standard (known colloquially as the Boom Boom Room) instantly commands your attention with the bar’s gilded centerpiece, reminiscent of a trumpet flute, and its floor-to-ceiling windows that provide incredible panoramic views of New York City and the Hudson River. (Plus, remember when Madonna made this hotel the set for her electrifyingly OTT “Bitch I’m Madonna” music video?) Last year's host was FKA Twigs, who joined the DJ booth alongside Camila Cabello and Lil Nas X teeing up a dance party of epic proportions (vogueing competition included, obviously).
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