MOST READ STYLE
There are plenty of reasons to book luxury hotel suites. They’re spacious, have lots of bonus amenities, and tend to have some incredible views. But you’ll want to stay in one New York City suite for one unique detail: the lavish bathroom.
The historic Knickerbocker in Times Square has several custom suites designed by the famed Gabellini Sheppard Associates. Each one was inspired by a legendary regular, including celebrated playwright George Cohan, artist Maxfield Parrish, and Martini Di Arma Di Taggia, the hotel’s bartender credited for inventing the Martini. While each features bespoke furnishings and decor to emulate the essence of its namesake, it is the suite named after world-famous tenor Enrico Caruso that has the palatial potty.
The Caruso Suite, located on the top floor, features one bedroom and one bathroom (with the option of to expand to a two-bed, two-bath), custom oak veneer millwork, and multiple living areas. In the primary bathroom you’ll find the most dramatic design element as they’re covered it in Breccia Capraia marble—13 slabs to be exact, weighing in at an astounding 4,000 pounds. An additional 7 slabs weighing 2,000 pounds were used in the bathroom of the Premier King room which can be combined with the suite.
The Italian marble is known for its unique violet veining making it rare and treasured. “We are known for using truly unique natural materials and had found this some time ago though had been waiting for the perfect opportunity to use it. It’s extremely special and needed an interior of significance to be appreciated in its full splendor,” Sheppard told Departures. “We decided to use the extravagant stone during the design of the suites as the Caruso suite required a ‘show-stopper’ of a stone.” He added, “It’s so special that we haven’t used it again.”
The team used veiled glass and softly illuminated mirrors to enhance the contrast of the milky white base and rich amethyst veining. Accents of antique bronze tones and white gold leaf add a further elegant yet flamboyant language to the suite.
Meanwhile, the remaining suites have stunning features of their own. The Cohan Suite has silver linen wall covering; The Martini Suite features high gloss wood columns, and The Parrish Suite boasts polychromatic mural lining the headboard wall. But only the Caruso Suite has this exquisite bathroom.
