Hotel Welcomes New Chapter of Luxury and Elegance with Renewal of Public Spaces, Including Lobby, King Cole Bar and Two Restaurants on Lobby Level

SHANGHAI, Oct. 8, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- This fall, The St. Regis New York celebrates its 120th anniversary with an extensive redesign and renovation that ushers in a new chapter of luxury and elegance. From the renovation of public spaces such as the lobby and King Cole Bar, to the creation of two new restaurants, The St. Regis New York, nestled in the heart of Manhattan, is set to enter a compelling new era. Designed by renowned design firm Champalimaud Design, the renovation recreates the classic timelessness of The St. Regis New York through a modern aesthetic that meets the diverse needs of today's global traveler.

Rendering of King Cole Bar at The St. Regis New York

"We are thrilled to complete the renovation and upgrade of the world's first and global flagship hotel, The St. Regis New York, and to celebrate this important milestone of the 120th anniversary of the St. Regis brand." Jenni Benzaquen, senior vice president, The Ritz-Carlton, St. Regis Hotels & Resorts, and Bvlgari Hotels & Resorts, said, "This anniversary celebration underscores our legacy of luxury experiences, personalized service, and modern elegance that continues to attract guests from around the world. While we pay homage to classic traditions, we always pay close attention to the different needs of the brand's loyal guests and the new generation of luxury travelers to ensure that every experience we offer is tailored to leave our guests with exceptional glamour and uniquely unforgettable memories."

Founder John Jacob Astor IV had a vision to make The St. Regis New York a luxury venue comparable to the finest hotels in Europe, where family and friends could feel at home. The hotel quickly became the center of Manhattan's social life and the home of the "Caroline 400" elite, founded by Caroline Astor, the mother of Astor IV and a leading lady of high society. Throughout its 120-year history, The St. Regis New York has attracted the glamorous and creative luminaries of every era, including Salvador Dali, Marilyn Monroe and many others, to its sophisticated charm. From the invention of the Bloody Mary cocktail, to iconic rooftop jazz performances, to the classic locations of countless movies and TV shows, the hotel has also been the birthplace of numerous cultural phenomena.

"Since its opening in 1904, The St. Regis New York has been a model of elegance that travelers around the world have come to desire. Guests look forward to immersing themselves on Fifth Avenue in the heart of Manhattan and appreciating the enduring charm of the building founded by John Jacob Astor IV." Octavia Marginean- Tahiroglu, General Manager of the hotel, said, "As a New York landmark, this renewal and upgrade is a significant milestone for the hotel. On this momentous occasion of our 120th anniversary, we will be showcasing our meticulously designed and remodeled public spaces to our guests around the world."

Designed by Champalimaud Design, the renovation of the public spaces at The St. Regis New York not only preserves the original design and classic artistry of the hotel, but also transforms it into a luxurious and contemporary urban stopover that reminds guests of a 21st-century Astor House. This refreshing approach combines an innovative interpretation of traditional design elements, such as the Waterford crystal chandelier and crown molding ceiling trim lines, with contemporary furnishings, rich layers of texture and a rich color palette.

"We have crafted spaces that are vibrant and ornate, incorporating modern design elements into classic architecture, as the Astor family did when they founded the hotel, giving it a whole new life and charm." Designer Alexandra Champalimaud said, "The refreshed public spaces will have a unique sense of openness, and the grandeur and splendor of the Astor family's legacy will once again be brought to life through the use of emerald green and rose red hues."

As guests enter the St. Regis from Fifth Avenue, they will pass through the classic gilded revolving doors and be greeted by the iconic lobby, which has been revitalized with fresh elements and new furnishings. During the refresh, the original exterior window in the reception area was discovered and restored, with a new stained glass window based on the original 1905 Tiffany window design. The original fence at the front desk was also restored and skillfully integrated into the wall design behind the reception desk. The new color scheme features painted clouds on the ceiling that add brightness to the overall palette; a minimalist pattern on the floor that blends in with the building's original style; and neutral tones on the interior walls, accented with a pattern inspired by the American Beauty Rose, a favorite of Caroline Astor. The lobby has an open layout that extends into the concierge area, where deep navy blue walls and custom wallpaper painted with a peacock motif have been chosen to pay homage to a classic mural created by the hotel in the 1920s in collaboration with de Gournay. A classic Tiffany chandelier hangs above, while modern furnishings complement the public space's unique blend of old and new.

Passing through the welcome area, the sound of conversation leads to The Drawing Room, the newly redesigned lobby restaurant and lounge. The restaurant's color palette of pink, rose, lime green, emerald green and gold, with black accents, illustrates the colors of the King Cole Bar mural. These colors become a striking visual focal point as guests pass through the glass doors and new entry staircase. The dining room is adorned with embroidery and tassel details inspired by Caroline Astor's magnificent costumes and jewelry, while mirrored walls recreate the original Iridium Room design. The seating layout is spacious, with sumptuously elegant velvet sofas and comfortable armchairs, creating a casual atmosphere that will draw guests in. A lounge is located off the main dining room, creating a more relaxed dining environment for group gatherings. In addition, guests can explore the Astor Library, a private collection of books commissioned by Astor IV and customized for the hotel by Scribner and Sons. For the first time on public display, these stunning books are housed in new dark wood bookcases designed to recall the second floor of the hotel where they once resided.

Outside the Lounge, guests can continue to explore the legendary Manhattan hangout, King Cole Bar, where the King Cole mural by Maxfield Parish is a striking focal point for the space, accompanying guests who love to sip and drink. The refreshed bar features dark wood veneers and a dark green ceiling, while scalloped upholstered banquettes and lavender tasseled seating add a soft touch to the space. Bronze and onyx accents add a sophisticated touch to this New York landmark.

The refresh will also introduce a new dining venue, La Maisonette, serving breakfast, lunch and afternoon tea. Inspired by the hotel's 1910s breakfast room and French design, the restaurant is a bright and airy space that feels like an outdoor pavilion. Creamy white walls with recessed skylights are complemented by soft pinks, burgundies, emerald greens and lime greens, making the space even brighter and more inviting. Not only is breakfast served, but in the afternoons it is transformed into an elegant tea room, where the classic rituals pioneered by Caroline Astor can be revisited.