New York is a city that is known for its many fine
hotels, but there are some that are in a class of their own. These are hotels
that are known as landmarks because of their history – most date back to the
early 1900s and have stood the test of time ever since – as well as their
luxurious accommodations, great locations and the famous clientele they
attract. Some are designated as official landmarks, whereas others lay claim to
the title by right. Here are some of the true landmark hotels in New York.
The St. Regis Hotel was opened in 1904, and offers all of the conveniences modern travelers
expect, together with a true taste of New York’s past. The service is gracious,
and the atmosphere is refined, creating a haven in the heart of Manhattan for
visitors. The hotel is a perfect example of Beaux-Arts style, pampering its
guests in lavishly decorated rooms and suites that are tastefully decorated
with antique furniture and silk wall coverings. The hotel underwent a tasteful $100
million restoration back in 2006, which has only added to its luxury and charm.
Before Dick Clark and Ryan Seacrest, the New Year in
New York was welcomed in by Guy Lombardo and the Royal Canadians, with the
strains of Auld Lang Syne playing over the radio to millions. Lombardo
broadcasted from the Roosevelt Grill, located in the Roosevelt Hotel at the corner
of Madison Avenue and 45th Street in midtown Manhattan. This is one of New
York’s grand old hotels, which opened in 1924 and was extensively renovated in
1997. Conrad Hilton – of Hilton Hotels fame – bought the property in 1943, and
made the hotel’s Presidential Suite his home. Around the same time, Gov. Thomas
E. Dewey ran his business affairs out of the hotel –this was where Dewey, his
family and staff listened in disbelief as he lost the 1948 presidential
election to Harry Truman in one of the greatest upsets in American political
history. The hotel has also been the backdrop to several major motion pictures,
including The French Connection, Wall Street, and the Taking of Pelham 123. Guests
today can book at the hotel directly, or through Royal
Holiday Club Resorts.
Finally, no list of true New York landmark hotels
would be complete without the Waldorf Astoria. This Art Deco masterpiece was built in 1931, and has played host to celebrities, titans of
industry and prominent public figures ever since. In fact, every US president
since Herbert Hoover has stayed at the hotel. Interestingly, the current 1931
building was not the first location for the hotel – the original was opened on
Fifth Avenue in 1893, and was subsequently demolished to make way for the
Empire State building. Some of the other famous – and infamous – long-term residents
of the hotel included Douglas MacArthur, gangster Bugsy Siegel, Cole Porter,
Marilyn Monroe, inventor Nikolai Tesla and Bertie Charles Forbes – founder of
Forbes magazine. It was also home to Guy Lombardo’s New Year’s celebrations –
he relocated there from the Roosevelt in 1960 and continued to broadcast from
the Grand Ballroom until 1978.
The wonderful history that you find in New York City never seems to amaze me! What is your favorite landmark New York City hotel? Do tell ........
4 comments
Happy New Year! Wishing you and your Mum good health and happiness in 2014. I love to learn more about these great traditional hotels and the people who stayed there.
Thank you Miss b Hope you had a great holiday! These hotels are pretty awesome for sure, so glad they are kept in good shape and in working condition for all of us to enjoy!!
We have strayed at the Waldorf Astoria which has a fabulous location. Walking distance to most sights in NYC. But I found the lobby and reception area quite dark. I would like to stay at the St. Regis one day.
I agree about the lobby at the Waldorf but that is a fabulous location! I have had tea at the St Regis and that was amazing. You will have to plan a trip to the city in 2014!!
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