New York, the Upper East Side and I go way back.
I first took myself to the big apple in my early 20’s. A curious girl who couldn’t wait to see the bright lights and escape what was then a sleepy Sydney for the city that never sleeps. Everything was different back then and an overseas adventure to a New York that I had imagined and dreamed about was the height of excitement.
Australians have always been travellers, something to do with where we live in the world and a penchant for the unknown. I wasn’t unique in my love of travel; I had grown up with a family and a nation of world-class wanderers.
Manhattan and I have become friends over the decades and that grand city has seen as many changes as I have. We don’t look the same and yet we are still very much the same.
Traditionally, I stayed on the Upper East Side or Mid Town. Going downtown was easy, the traffic was less frenetic and it was a painless trip down Park Avenue.
Soho and Tribeca were without Prada and Chanel, the Meat Packing district was still that and Wall Street and beyond were far from residential. I don’t remember Nolita and Brooklyn was not the destination du jour.
I can’t remember when staying on the Upper East Side was switched with spending time Downtown, but somehow without a conscious change that is what happened.
Until my last trip.
The Mark Hotel on the Upper East Side generously invited me to stay.
Apart from the glamorous interiors from French designer Jacques Grange and the supreme comfort of being a guest in such an establishment, I fell totally head over heels in love with the Upper East Side.
Again.
Yes, it was April and the white blossoms were showing off. Rightly so.
Central Park has never looked so beautiful and the sunshine made even the most cynical of New Yorkers smile.
I walked the park for hours on my first morning, incredulous that nature can thrive in such a metropolis. I was up at an ungodly hour but never alone as I followed the squirrels about their business and listened to a symphony of birdsong. West Side or East Side of the park, I know locals are passionate about one or the other, for me it was staggeringly beautiful wherever I looked.
And Manhattan is all about looking up.
Reconnecting with an area of Manhattan, once so familiar, was like meeting up with a long lost friend. So much in common and so much to catch up on.
I had forgotten the ’70’s and I am not talking flares and fringe; I had neglected the 80’s. Streets that are well worth a wander. The Upper Eastside town houses and their unique style, the dogwalkers and their pooches not to mention the Park Avenue doorman.
I loved the contrasts in this neighbourhood.
The grandeur of The Met and the intimacy of the Frick. The hot dog stands on 5th in pride of place opposite the most prestigious apartment buildings. The mega designer stores blending in with the delis and the one-off boutique.
And the people watching.
My first celebrity spotting on the Upper East Side was Tom Wolfe around the time Bonfire of The Vanities was released. Followed by a glimpse of Albert Hadley, the other half of the renowned Parish Hadley Interior design team. Thrilled would be the word to describe the way I felt that day.
This trip my first evening was marked with a lovely moment. A long tme admirer of French photographer Patrick Demarchelier, he was enjoying a solo dinner in the same restaurant. My breakfast the next morning was almost shared with Amal Clooney; Yes, she looks totally fabulous. As someone who never sees a famous soul in London I was impressed with the star roll call on the Upper East Side.
Silly really, how the sight of someone famous can give that little kick.
Saving the best until last, The Mark.
I think the Mark must have the most fabulous bathroom I have ever had the pleasure to enjoy; definitely my favourite bathtub. If you follow me on Instagram you will see that I really poured myself some bubbles during my stay.
The Mark is the perfect location to explore the Upper East Side or if you are feeling lazy and jet lagged to stay inside and savour the delights of hotel life, either way I cannot wait to go back.
Upper East Side Manhattan, thank you for having me… xv
New York, New York
new york soho meatpacking // aedes de venustas // blue beautiful and burberry // new york fifty shades of grey
images of the mark hotel, the upper east side and central park, vicki archer
