Whether you call it the Oscars of fashion or the year’s most glamorous party, the Met Gala is, as my colleague Laird Borrelli-Persson once put it, “the hottest ticket in town.” This year, the star-studded event returns on the first Monday in May, and celebrities are already making their way to New York City for a night of dazzling fashion.

If you’re as excited as we are, you’re probably counting down the days until the exhibition Superfine: Tailoring Black Style opens on May 10. It will explore dandy fashion and how clothing has shaped Black identity across the Atlantic diaspora. Maybe you’ll be in town that weekend, hoping to catch a glimpse of the star-packed red carpet—where there’s always a surprise—before the fundraising gala kicks off. Or perhaps you’ve snagged an invite to one of the exclusive after-parties (lucky you!). For such an occasion, it only makes sense to stay where the stars do. Below, some of our favorite hotels with a celebrity clientele.

### The Surrey, a Corinthia Hotel
After a years-long closure, The Surrey has reopened under Corinthia Hotels, with interiors by Martin Brudnizki. This historic hotel first opened in 1926 and once hosted legends like John F. Kennedy and Bette Davis. Following its grand reopening in fall 2024—complete with the new restaurant and private club Casa Tua—it’s set to be a celebrity hotspot during Met Gala weekend. (Past attendees have included Hailey Bieber, Ashley Graham, and Serena Williams.) For a red-carpet-worthy experience, book the “Prestige Glow: Met Gala Rejuvenation Facial” at the Sisley Paris spa.

### The Mark
A little closer to the Met than The Carlyle, The Mark is a favorite for gala prep. Stars like Selena Gomez, Kendall Jenner, Kerry Washington, Emma Watson, and Gisele Bündchen have all been spotted here. It’s also a go-to for designer after-parties—Michael Kors in 2015, Donatella Versace in 2018, and Burberry in 2024 (with guests like Chloë Sevigny, Naomi Campbell, and Marc Jacobs). And who could forget Oprah and Pharrell Williams partying here at a 2010 after-hours bash?

### The Carlyle, a Rosewood Hotel
Open since 1930, The Carlyle has welcomed royalty, world leaders, and A-listers—from Princess Diana and JFK to Prince William, Kate Middleton, George Clooney, Leonardo DiCaprio, and Cardi B. With its Art Deco marble lobby and lavish suites (some featuring baby grand pianos), it’s the ultimate Upper East Side retreat. Last year, Jon Batiste performed at the hotel’s Met Gala after-party in the legendary Bemelmans Bar, entertaining guests like Sofia Coppola, Jude Law, Andrew Scott, and Jessica Biel.

### The Beekman, a Thompson Hotel
Since opening in 2016, The Beekman has been a magnet for the fashion crowd. It hosted Valentino’s Pre-Fall 2017 show and Billy Reid’s Fall 2017 menswear presentation—and even before becoming a hotel, it was the site of the Maison Martin Margiela x H&M launch party. The rooms blend velvet and leather for a cozy yet stylish vibe, while the rooftop terrace, draped in wisteria, offers one of the city’s most enchanting dining experiences.Here’s the rewritten text in clear, natural English:

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The Grande Room at the NoMad Hotel
Before you go, be sure to snap a photo of the stunning nine-story Victorian atrium—it was named a New York City landmark in 2024.

The Pierre, a Taj Hotel, New York
If you were on Fifth Avenue in 2019, you might remember Lady Gaga’s dramatic arrival in a flowing Brandon Maxwell cape dress, with an entourage carrying her 25-foot train. She chose The Pierre as her pre-gala spot, and she wasn’t alone. The hotel, overlooking Central Park, has hosted stars like Allison Williams, Meg Ryan, Gabrielle Union, Cynthia Erivo, and Barry Keoghan—just for the 2024 gala. Since opening in 1930, it’s been a favorite of fashion icons like Coco Chanel, Karl Lagerfeld, Yves Saint Laurent, and Hubert de Givenchy.

The New York Edition
Though Ian Schrager opened a second Edition hotel in Times Square, celebrities still prefer the original location near Madison Square Park for its quieter vibe. Rihanna threw a Fashion Week party here, and the hotel has hosted the ACE Awards and regular visits from Victoria Beckham. The rooms blend simplicity and elegance with bright white and cream tones, dark walnut furniture, and faux fur throws for a touch of luxury.

Four Seasons Hotel New York
The newly reopened Four Seasons is famous for the Ty Warner Penthouse—one of the most expensive suites in North America. Taking up the entire 52nd floor, it offers breathtaking views, four balconies, a private library, unlimited massages, a lavish onyx-and-crystal bathroom with an infinity tub, and even a chauffeured Rolls-Royce. Downtown, the Tribeca location attracts gala guests too (Walton Goggins recently stayed). The 82-story hotel partners with Moda Operandi, and its 2,400-square-foot Empire Suite—occupying half the top floor—is a celebrity favorite.

The Lowell Hotel
Tucked away on the Upper East Side, The Lowell has been a celebrity hotspot since the 1920s. Past guests include Stella McCartney, Pamela Anderson, and Ali MacGraw. With just 74 rooms and suites—many featuring wood-burning fireplaces and private terraces—it offers privacy, tradition, and refined luxury. (And it’s only a five-minute drive from The Met.)

The Bowery Hotel
The Bowery’s guest list reads like a who’s who of fame: Charli XCX, Bella Hadid, Charlotte Gainsbourg, Keith Richards, Jennifer Lopez, and more. It’s been both a pre-gala prep spot (like for Diane Kruger) and a sleek after-party venue. While the on-site Italian restaurant Gemma is a classic, nothing beats a cocktail in the lobby by the fireplace, surrounded by velvet curtains.

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Let me know if you’d like any further refinements!Aza New York

The Plaza is arguably New York City’s most iconic hotel—who could forget Carrie Bradshaw’s famous “your girl is lovely, Hubbell” moment in front of the same legendary facade where Barbra Streisand delivered the same line in 1973? For the 2024 “Garden of Time” Met Gala, this historic Midtown landmark hosted attendees like model Taylor Hill and designer Prabal Gurung’s stylish entourage, including Demi Lovato, Maria Sharapova, and Laufey.

Inside the Top of the Standard
Photo: Courtesy of the Standard, High Line

The Standard, High Line
Since 2010, the Standard’s 18th-floor lounge has been the after-party destination. Known as the Boom Boom Room, the Top of the Standard grabs attention with its gilded trumpet-shaped centerpiece bar and floor-to-ceiling windows offering breathtaking views of NYC and the Hudson River. (And let’s not forget Madonna’s over-the-top “Bitch I’m Madonna” music video, filmed here.) Last year, FKA Twigs took over as host, joining Camila Cabello and Lil Nas X in the DJ booth for an epic dance party—complete with a voguing competition, of course.

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