Couples savor truffle omelette brunches while planning their sightseeing itineraries, as a woman discreetly feeds Catskills salmon to her poodle nestled beneath a wingback chair. This scene unfolds at the Clement, the ground-floor restaurant of the Peninsula, a luxury hotel in Midtown Manhattan, where the salmon dish is priced at £29.
In the hotel’s foyer, affectionately known to New Yorkers as “the Pen,” a chandelier sparkles above a grand double marble staircase, and the soft strains of jazz fill the air. Louis, the doorman clad in a gold-trimmed waistcoat and bowler hat, greets guests warmly: “Hey miss, how’s ya mornin’?”
Inside, the atmosphere feels worlds apart from the bustling chaos outside on Fifth Avenue, where crowds wave MAGA flags near Trump Tower and shoppers flock to Louis Vuitton’s flagship store. The Peninsula’s ambiance evokes a bygone era, a deliberate nod to its storied past.
### A Revival of New York’s Iconic Hotels
I’m here to explore the transformations of three legendary New York hotels: the Peninsula, the 1920s-era Surrey on the Upper East Side, and the iconic Waldorf Astoria, which is set to reopen in spring following a £1.5 billion renovation. These historic properties are embracing their Twenties and Thirties heritage to stand out in an increasingly competitive luxury hotel market. According to consultancy firm Arthur D. Little, a record number of luxury hotels opened in New York in 2024, with the number of high-end rooms projected to grow from 1.6 million to 1.9 million by 2030. In true New York fashion, these hotels are leveraging their rich histories to attract discerning travelers.
The Peninsula, originally known as the Gotham in the 1920s, was a hub for socialites and business magnates who mingled in its cocktail lounge or gathered in its fashionable palm court. Today, the hotel’s recent 1920s-inspired renovation, led by Bill Rooney Studio and unveiled last September, has been well-received. “Foreign clients love experiencing the history of New York and the role this hotel played in it,” says receptionist Anisha Chhetri.
While some original features, such as the Gotham’s 1930s blood-red dining room and the telegraph and writing room, are no longer present, the palm court has been meticulously restored. It now serves as the centerpiece of the hotel, adorned with queen palms and a striking triptych by Mexican artist Ricardo Mazal. The hotel’s 219 rooms and suites have also been refreshed, highlighting original elements like picture windows and cornicing, complemented by new etched glasswork, Quagliotti linens, and molded headboards.
### Heritage as a Selling Point
The trend of using history as a unique selling proposition, once the domain of European country house hotels, is now a global phenomenon. Hotels are increasingly showcasing their architectural and cultural legacies, restoring original features like art deco designs and 19th-century frescoes. In some cases, they’re even reverting to historical floor plans to recapture the charm of a bygone era.
### The Surrey: A Glamorous Rebirth
Twenty blocks north, on East 76th Street and Madison Avenue, lies the Surrey, another iconic New York hotel. Reopened in October after a four-year, £116 million renovation by the Reuben brothers and managed by the Maltese luxury brand Corinthia, the Surrey has been transformed. Built in 1926, it was once a favorite of actress Bette Davis and reportedly housed a suite for John F. Kennedy’s romantic escapades in the 1940s.
The renovation reduced the number of rooms from 198 to 70 larger guest rooms, 34 suites, and 14 residences. The Surrey’s original horseshoe-shaped ground floor has been restored, with a central front desk and concierge reminiscent of upscale New York apartment buildings. Casa Tua, a Mediterranean restaurant with locations in Paris, Aspen, and Miami, now manages the hotel’s dining spaces.
During my visit, the Casa Tua restaurant buzzes with Upper East Siders enjoying prosciutto and rocket salads beneath perfectly coiffed hairstyles, their small dogs in tow. The hotel’s deluxe king rooms feature art deco tiles, satin wall paneling, and retro illuminated vanity tables, adding a touch of mid-century glamour.
For those unable to afford the Surrey’s steep room rates, the lounge offers a more accessible option. Adorned with pop art and retro Italian furniture, it serves cappuccinos and martinis to visitors from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. before becoming exclusive to hotel residents.
### The Waldorf Astoria: A Grand Return
In Midtown, the Waldorf Astoria stands as the crown jewel of New York’s historic hotels. Originally two separate hotels built by rival Astor cousins in the late 19th century, the current Waldorf Astoria opened on Park Avenue in 1931. This 47-story art deco masterpiece introduced hospitality innovations like in-room dining, en suite bathrooms, and electric lighting in every room. It’s also credited with creating culinary staples like Waldorf salad and Thousand Island dressing.
The Waldorf’s eight-year, £1.5 billion renovation, led by Hilton, is restoring the hotel to its former glory. Managing director Luigi Romaniello and architect Elizabeth Kubany gave me an exclusive tour of the site, which spans an entire city block. Highlights include the restoration of the Silver Corridor’s seasonal goddess friezes and the transformation of the Starlight Ballroom into a swimming pool. Treasured artifacts, such as the Steinway piano used by Cole Porter and the iconic *Spirit of Achievement* statue, are also being preserved.
Kubany explains that the hotel’s 1930s ground-floor layout, designed to accommodate the voluminous skirts of its glamorous guests, will be reinstated. “It’s going to be quite something,” she says.
### A Toast to Manhattan’s Hotel Legends
Back at the Peninsula, the rooftop bar has been reimagined as Pen Top, a cocktail lounge honoring its history as one of New York’s first rooftop bars. As I sip a moonlighter, the bar’s signature whisky sour, I reflect on the enduring allure of Manhattan’s grand hotels. These storied establishments, steeped in history and glamour, continue to captivate guests from around the world. As Bette Davis, a frequent visitor to New York’s luxury hotels, once said: “That’s me. An old kazoo with some sparklers.”
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*Sally Howard was a guest of the Peninsula, where B&B doubles start at £680 (peninsula.com). Fly to New York and explore these iconic hotels for yourself.*
Source: thetimes.com