Summary of Historic Hotels in New York City
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One of the best perks of visiting New York City, apart from the iconic bagels, is immersing yourself in the rich history of the metropolis. Fortunately, you can experience much of this history without leaving your hotel room.
The Big Apple is renowned for its historic hotels—many of which exude luxury—that have been around for over a century, featuring intriguing tales of celebrities, royalty, hidden passages, and captivating events.
For instance, staying at The Carlyle means not just luxurious accommodations but also the chance to experience the hotel that is rumored to have secret tunnels used by JFK to sneak Marilyn Monroe into his suite after his 1961 inauguration. Similarly, enjoying a drink at the Gramercy Park Hotel connects you with the legacy of legendary Yankee Babe Ruth, a frequent visitor.
Several of the top hotels in New York City are housed in historic buildings. The Knickerbocker, for example, earned a spot on the National Register of Historic Places in 1980 and became a New York City Designated Landmark in 1988. Additionally, there are proposals to convert the iconic Chrysler Building into a hotel, which would be a dream for art deco fans.
Whether you’re savoring an Old Fashioned at the bar or strolling through halls that have hosted both princesses and presidents, a stay at one of these historic hotels promises unforgettable stories to share.
The Plaza
Opened in 1907, The Plaza has hosted luminaries such as John Lennon, Jackie Onassis, Elizabeth Taylor, and Frank Lloyd Wright. Moreover, this historic landmark has appeared in classic films like “The Way We Were” and “Sleepless in Seattle.”
Originally, when it opened, the first motorized NYC taxis lined the curb, and rooms could be rented for just $2.50 (today, it comes at a higher price).
Find it: The Plaza, Fifth Avenue at Central Park South
The New York EDITION
The New York EDITION is situated in a clocktower that was established in 1909, originally serving as the headquarters for the Metropolitan Life Insurance Company. Notably, it was the world’s tallest structure until 1913 and now functions as a luxury hotel with 273 exquisite rooms and stunning views of the skyline and Madison Square Park.
Find it: The New York EDITION, 5 Madison Ave.
Lotte New York Palace
This hotel was initially conceived as a group of townhouses in 1882, with the Archdiocese of New York allowing for a tower to be constructed behind the building in the mid-1970s. It opened as The Helmsley Palace in 1980 and was later rebranded as Lotte New York Palace in 2015.
Find it: Lotte New York Palace, 455 Madison Ave.
Gramercy Park Hotel
A well-loved venue among musicians, celebrities, and politicians, this hotel traces its roots back to when swampy land was divided in the 1830s to encourage new residents to move ‘uptown.’ The New York Hotel opened its doors in 1925, built on the site of Edith Wharton’s birthplace, and subsequently hosted icons like Humphrey Bogart, John F. Kennedy, the Rolling Stones, Bob Dylan, and the Beatles.
In addition to its historic significance, the hotel boasts an extensive art collection featuring pieces by renowned artists such as Andy Warhol, Jean-Michel Basquiat, and Keith Haring.
JW Marriott Essex House New York
Located in a stunning Art Deco structure built in 1931, the Essex House overlooks Central Park and is recognized as one of the Historic Hotels of America. The hotel’s decor reflects its storied past, complete with geometric carpets, silver leaf wall coverings, and elegant crystal lamps.
Find it: JW Marriott Essex House New York, 160 Central Park South
The Carlyle, A Rosewood Hotel
The Carlyle, completed in 1930, has welcomed numerous notable figures within its walls throughout the decades. This prestigious hotel has hosted every U.S. president since Harry S. Truman, and iconic guests include Princess Diana, Prince William, and Kate Middleton, the Duchess of Cambridge. Notably, its exclusive nature has made it renowned for discretion.
Find it: The Carlyle, A Rosewood Hotel, 35 E. 76th St.
The Pierre, A Taj Hotel, New York
The Pierre made its debut on October 1, 1930, amidst the Great Depression and Prohibition era, and has been adored by guests like Coco Chanel, Audrey Hepburn—who called it home while filming “Breakfast at Tiffany’s”—Elizabeth Taylor, Barbra Streisand, and Andy Warhol. It earned designation as a New York historic landmark in 1981.
Find it: The Pierre, A Taj Hotel, 2 E. 61st St.
Algonquin Hotel
The Algonquin transitioned into a hotel in 1902 when short-term stays became a more lucrative endeavor. At that time, rooms could be booked for only $2. This hotel famously hosted the Round Table, a famed assembly of writers that began meeting in 1919 (one of whom went on to found The New Yorker), and the establishment prides itself on having a resident cat, beginning with the original kitty, Billy, in 1923. Today, it stands as New York City’s oldest operational hotel.
Find it: Algonquin Hotel, 59 W. 44th St.
The St. Regis New York
The St. Regis, established by John Jacob Astor IV in 1904 shortly before his demise on the Titanic, is celebrated for having created the original Bloody Mary in the 1930s. This luxury hotel has been a favorite among numerous global icons, including Salvador Dali.
Find it: The St. Regis New York, 2 E. 55th St.
The Knickerbocker
Similar to the St. Regis, this Beaux-Arts hotel was originally constructed in 1906 by John Jacob Astor IV and transformed into a hub for social gatherings until Prohibition struck. By 1920, it was converted into offices (even housing Newsweek once) and has been recognized on the National Register of Historic Places since 1980, designated as a New York City Landmark in 1988. The Knickerbocker eventually reopened as a luxury hotel in 2015.
Find it: The Knickerbocker, 6 Times Square
