St. Regis New York Unveils Renovations for 120th Anniversary
by Briana Bonfiglio /
St. Regis New York King Cole Bar. Photo: Marriott
St. Regis New York, the very-first St. Regis hotel and iconic Manhattan meeting place, has unveiled major renovations of its public spaces.
The global flagship property, part of Marriott International, celebrates 120 years this fall with fresh updates to the the lobby and King Cole Bar, plus the addition of two new restaurants.
“This anniversary reflects our enduring legacy of luxury, personalized service, and contemporary elegance that has captivated guests around the world,” said Jenni Benzaquen, senior vice president of The Ritz-Carlton, St. Regis, and Bvlgari Hotels & Resorts. “As we honor our rich heritage, we remain deeply attuned to the desires of both our loyal guests and the next generation of luxury travelers, ensuring that every experience we offer is as extraordinary and bespoke as it is timeless.”
Design firm Champalimaud Design has incorporated original elements, such as its crown moldings and Tiffany & Co. Chandelier, with contemporary touches and new furniture. The lobby has been expanded with an open floor plan, and the iconic King Cole Bar freshened up.
Notably, the hotel now has two lobby-level restaurants. There’s the reimagined Drawing Room restaurant and lounge. Then there’s the brand-new La Maisonette, serving breakfast, lunch, and afternoon tea, a ritual at St. Regis since its beginnings. The new eatery uses design features from the hotel’s original French-inspired breakfast room.
From its inception in the early 20th century, St. Regis New York founder John Jacob Astor IV aimed to rival the most glamourous hotels in Europe. The property now boasts a rich history, from attracting rich and famous guests like Salvador Dali and Marilyn Monroe to being the site of cultural moments such as the birth of the Bloody Mary and iconic jazz performances on its rooftop.
“We have created spaces with energy and splendor, layering the classic architecture with contemporary elements, reinvigorating the hotel with magic, as the Astors had done when the hotel first opened,” Alexandra Champalimaud said. “The public spaces will have a sense of openness and a palette featuring emerald greens and red rose tones that evoke the grandeur of the Astors’ legacy.”
