New Opening: Hard Rock Hotel New York, the Big Apple’s Newest Hotel
by Daniel McCarthy
The hotel's lobby. Photo: Hard Rock Hotel
This week, Hard Rock debuted its newest property, the Hard Rock Hotel New York, which opened its doors on West 48th Street on Monday to welcome its first guests.
The hotel is just a short walk away from some New York icons, including Radio City Music Hall and Rockefeller Center, and pays homage to the city’s storied music history, with live music across all public spaces inside and tributes to the city’s recording studios and music stores that once lined 48th street.
In total, it features 446 rooms and specialty suites highlighted by the Rock Star Suite on the hotel’s 34th floor, a bi-level glass-enclosed penthouse suite with massive city views, music memorabilia, and one of the largest terraces in New York City.
“New York City is one of the greatest cities in the world and we are honored to open our doors to locals and travelers looking for a best in class hotel, dining, and entertainment experience,” said Jim Allen, Chairman of Hard Rock International. “Hard Rock has had a presence for decades in the City, but this location will deliver an entirely new experience from the brand that’s been synonymous with music and entertainment for over 50 years.”
For dining, guests can check out NYY Steak, a concept built in partnership with the New York Yankees that offers some heritage-source steaks, local seafood, and some “approachable” main dishes with Yankee autographs adorning the walls and player numbers inscribing the china.
Elsewhere on the property, RT60 Rooftop Bat slings cocktails and great city views with some DJ accompaniment, and the three-story atrium and open-air terrace at the Sessions Restaurant & Bar combines dining with some live music, a combination that Hard Rock is so well known for.
Other Hard Rock touches include The Unleased pet program, which allows pets to stay with their owners, and Soundtracks interactive guides specially curated by Hard Rock and artists to showcase the best of New York.
The “show-stopping feature,” according to Hard Rock, is The Venue at Music Row, a flexible entertainment space that can fit up to 400 guests, perfect for fashion shows, after-parties, and gala dinners.
Other features include Hard Rock’s Rock Om yoga program, Sound of Your Stay curated playlists, Crosley record players available on request, and more.
