THE FACTS ABOUT THE MARK

USA New_York

The Mark has the same owner-managers as the Mandarin Oriental New York, the glitzy new arrival in the Time Warner Center on which millions have been spent. The Mark has a better address on the Upper East Side, near The Metropolitan, Guggenheim, Whitney and Frick museums. It is also more attractive: a charming European-style hotel in a beautiful 1926 building with views across to Central Park. It commands loyalty from its regulars, in spite of losing its well-liked general manager, Raymond Bickson, last year. But unless the owners hurry along with the refurbishment - due to begin next year - the faithful may not stick around. Some of the suites are great, among them junior suite 1623 and deluxe suite 1518. Our black-and-white tiled bathroom was fabulous, but the room, a deluxe double, was noisy and the finish looked tired. The designer brought in for the refurbishment, Frank Nicholson, will retain the spirit of the current decor, a soft, neo-classical English-Italian look inspired by 18th-century English architect Sir John Soane. 'We need to be very careful not to alienate the local clientele with the renovation. They are very vocal,' says the general manager, Alain Negueloua. The guests seem to be a little older than at The Carlyle - and fond of the tiny bar, wine-tasting dinners, Sunday brunches and weekend afternoon teas ($23 a head). With its large number of interconnecting rooms, The Mark is popular with families; and the extra roll-away beds (only $30, and with no maximum age on occupants) help keep costs down. And while the dining room was relaxed and buzzing from lunch until tea, the piped music struck an off note. That said, this is one old-fashioned hotel restaurant that doesn't require men to wear a jacket and tie. And that relaxed attitude is very welcome when you step in cold and tired from another New York blizzard. CONTACT The Mark, Madison Avenue at East 77th Street (00 1 212 744 4300; fax: 744 2749; www.mandarinoriental.com). Doubles from $600; suites from $801