THE FACTS ABOUT GRAMERCY PARK HOTEL

USA New_York

Ian Schrager's year-long, $210-million renovation of the much-loved Gramercy Park has transformed it from a 500-room three-star hotel into a 185-room luxury retreat. He chose Julian Schnabel as design director and the New York art-world legend has installed an Art Basel-quality collection of Warhols, Hirsts, Twomblys and Basquiats, plus a few of his own works including custom-designed beds and penguin-shaped table lamps. The bedrooms are decorated with a small trove of original Magnum Agency photographs and dark-stained oak floors, enlivened (albeit, barely) by a rich palate of red, sapphire-blue or green. The rooms are large by Manhattan standards but poorly lit, while the bathrooms (a mélange of tile, wood and marble) sparkle. Plans for a restaurant by London-based restaurateur Alan Yau were dropped in February; Japanese-born chef, Yuji Wakiya, will provide his blend of traditional and creative Chinese food instead. Later this year, a 6,000sq ft Private Roof Club is due to open, along with a lofty, landscaped garden. Staff are well-trained and the hotel's Rose and Jade Bars attract a young, hip crowd. With Gramercy Park, it seems Schrager has created a masterful balance between art and commerce, service and style, hotel and hot spot. WHEN TO GO After Thanksgiving when mild winter weather is perfect for strolling. ROOM TO BOOK Until Schrager's apartment complex next door is open, ask for a rear-facing room. Upgrade to one of six Gramercy Suites if you can: they have separate living, dining and sleeping areas, as well as deep-soaking bathtubs. CONTACT 2 Lexington Avenue, New York, USA (00 1 212 920 3300; www.gramercyparkhotel.com). COST Doubles from $680; Gramercy Suites from $2,200