Hotel of the Week: Legendary Four Seasons Hotel New York Repens Its Glamorous Doors
The storied Manhattan landmark once again welcomes guests into its celebrated interiors
There’s no denying New York City is punctuated with architectural landmarks—from Grand Central Terminal to the Chrysler Building, St. Patrick’s Cathedral to the Metropolitan Museum of Art. And when it comes to hotels that are renowned as much for their design as the glamorous guests who have haunted their halls, Manhattan is perhaps second to none with a multitude of iconic locations that boast pedigreed architects, designers, and star power.
Now, one of the most famous of them all—the Four Seasons Hotel New York, a towering skyscraper in Midtown—has opened its exquisite doors once again following an extensive refresh.
“As the iconic Four Seasons Hotel New York makes its highly anticipated return, we are excited to celebrate alongside loyal guests and those who will enter its doors for the first time,” says Rainer Stampfer, Four Seasons President, Global Operations, Hotels and Resorts. “This Hotel has long represented the epitome of luxury hospitality and, together with our longtime partner Ty Warner, we will shape the next chapter in the continuing story of this magnificent hotel.”
Situated on Billionaire’s Row, East 57th Street, one of New York’s most famous boulevards, noted for its dynamic hotel, restaurant, and shopping destinations, the 52-story building retained the grand I.M. Pei lobby that’s recognizable for its soaring volumes, dramatic 33-foot glass ceiling, and sumptuous honey-toned marble floors and columns embellished with sculptural florals. The grand entrance guides visitors to the upscale dining options, located on either side of the entry.
Guests suites have been overhauled to craft cozy, residential style accommodations complete with spa-like baths offering sundries by Spanish skincare brand Natura Bissé. Many tout expansive terraces opening to sweeping views of the skyline, Central Park, and other noted New York landmarks. However, the pinnacle is the Ty Warner penthouse, a 4,300-square-foot retreat on the hotel’s 52nd floor, conceived over seven years by I.M. Pei in collaboration with Peter Marino. The breathtaking aerie with 360-degree views features hand-lacquered walls with mother of pearl inlay by artist Nancy Lorenz, ornate bookcases by Claude and Francois-Xavier Lalanne, a dazzling Deborah Thomas glass chandelier, a custom canopy bed of Thai silk in the main bedroom, and handcrafted Hasten mattress.
While the refurbishment included an update to the in-room dining options, most guests will want to take advantage of the delectable culinary offerings. Inside the TY Bar, Executive Chef Maria Tampakis oversees a menu of light bites the complement the snazzy lounge’s selection of premium spirits and wines. Connoisseurs can traverse a swath of cocktail eras, imbibing on tantalizing potables, like the Gilded Age-inspired Ty Manhattan, Don Draper-worthy Three Martini Lunch flight, or sophisticated 5th Ave Cosmo.
During the day, the hotel’s canopy of trees serves as an eye-catching backdrop to mouthwatering breakfast and lunch service conceived by Chef Tampakis, who brought back many of the Four Seasons’ perennial favorites while crafting innovative newcomers. “The minute I arrived I was told in no uncertain terms that the lemon ricotta pancakes are non-negotiable, and one taste of the famous recipe and I knew why,” suggests the chef, who filled the menu at the venue, dubbed The Garden, with refreshing meals with a Northern Italian influence. Highlights include panettone French toast, agnolotti stuffed with short rib and caramelized onion kissed by pecorino fondue, and the Italian Benedict with sundried tomato hollandaise.
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