The return of NYC’s legacy hotels

While almost everyone would agree that New York City has definitively bounced back from the pandemic, some of its most treasured and legendary luxury hotels took their time to return, only reopening recently or in the near future. Of course, with time comes even greater grandeur, and these hotels – each of which have a storied place in the city’s landscape – are making a splash with their unveilings. Whether it’s a top-to-bottom renovation, a significant refresh, or even just a long-awaited return, NYC’s hotel scene is hotter than ever, thanks to these five legendary homecomings. 

Four Seasons Hotel New York 

When the flagship Four Seasons New York on 57th Street closed its doors in March 2020 along with all other city hotels, no one expected it to be closed for so long. Finally, in November 2024, one of the city’s most iconic luxury hotels reopened the doors to its iconic I.M. Pei building that stands out in Midtown’s skyline.  

Light refreshes and enhancements were made during the closure, and the Garden Restaurant and Bar and TY Bar each debuted new concepts under new executive chef Maria Tampakis. TY Bar’s revamped menu draws on the city’s rich cocktail history, with a menu that takes guests on a journey through the last century of New York City – from the Gilded Age’s cocktail inspirations to the swank supper clubs of the 40s and the cocktail renaissance of the 50s and 60s to the unapologetic excess of the 80s.  

The Surrey, A Corinthia Hotel 

First built in 1926, this property began as a residential hotel and soon rose to legendary status, hosting the likes of Claudette Colbert and Bette Davis until its untimely shuttering in 2020. Just shy of its 100th birthday, The Surrey reopened its doors at the end of 2024, as the first US property of the luxury Corinthia brand.  

Completely reimagined from top to bottom, the 16-storey building is home to 70 guest rooms, 30 suites, and 14 residences designed by Martin Brudnizki Design Studio. Rooms feature soft blue, spring green, and rich terracotta colour palettes. Details include luxurious silk-adorned walls with beautiful ribbon trim, blue granite in the bathroom, and geometric wood panelling in the foyer and closet. The hotel’s food and beverage program is by Casa Tua, which is also behind the new members-only club at the hotel hidden on the second floor. A gleaming jewel-box spa by Sisley Paris completes the picture. 

The St. Regis New York 

Another Midtown icon, The St. Regis New York celebrated its 120th anniversary in 2024 with a redesign led by renowned Champalimaud Design. Revamped public spaces include the lobby, the famous King Cole Bar, and two dining outlets. During the renovation, the reception area’s original, exterior-facing windows were discovered and restored, incorporating a stained-glass window based on the room’s original 1905 Tiffany window design. 

The lobby extends into a welcome area with deep aquamarine walls and hand-painted wallcoverings featuring peacocks (a nod to the original 1920s murals). Off to one side is the Drawing Room, now with a palette inspired by the King Cole Bar mural. For the first time ever, the original Astor Library’s private collection of books is on display, encased in new dark wood bookcases. The renovation also introduces La Maisonette, a new dining venue inspired by the hotel’s original breakfast room, serving breakfast daily and later transforming into an afternoon tea destination. 

The Peninsula New York 

A landmark of Fifth Avenue, The Peninsula New York, inside an historic 1904 building, debuted a property-wide refurbishment last autumn by Bill Rooney Studio that touched the lobby and reception area, palm court, rooftop lounge, and all 219 rooms. The palm court, the hotel’s central atrium, has been returned to its former Art Deco glory and now features a newly commissioned triptych by contemporary artist Ricardo Mazal that’s inspired by nature and the human energy of the city. 

Rooms and suites evoke a Manhattan apartment, featuring an elegant, light colour palette, accented with contemporary design elements and furnishings, including new etched glasswork and beds with moulded headboards clad in Quagliotti linens. Perhaps the biggest change is to the hotel’s beloved rooftop space, formerly Salon de Ning. Now called Pen Top, it sports a new louvered roof that allows for indoor-outdoor, year-round seating, with plenty of greenery and plush sofas. Finally, Gotham Lounge is currently closed for renovation and set to reopen in April as a piano bar. 

Waldorf Astoria New York 

Perhaps the most anticipated NYC hotel reopening, the famous Waldorf Astoria – the brand’s flagship and original location – closed in 2017 for a complete overhaul and has taken its sweet time in reopening. Now, the grand dame’s return is scheduled for this summer, but we got a sneak preview and, rest assured, it’s nothing short of spectacular. Significantly, the room count has gone down from 1,400 to just 375 rooms and 375 private residences, so all accommodations are spacious and sport an elegant design by Pierre-Yves Rochon.  

But the real showstopping moments are in the carefully restored public spaces, many of which are landmarked. The Park Avenue Lobby, Grand Ballroom, Jade Room, and Peacock Alley are all Art Deco masterpieces, with meticulously restored details like curvaceous female figure etchings, original painted frescoes, silver leaf accents, and wood-encased elevators with elaborate carvings on their doors. The new restaurant, Lex Yard, will be helmed by award-winning chef Michael Anthony (of Gramercy Tavern), and the revived Peacock Alley Lounge will have cocktails by Jeff Bell (of PDT). A 30,000-square-foot spa is also in the works.