New York's Empire Hotel Enters New Era

empire hotel new york

Rooms have views of Lincoln Center, Central Park and Broadway

New York is abuzz about the revamping of the Empire Hotel, which has reopened on the Upper West Side with a fresh redesign and hip pool deck on the 13th floor.

The hotel, which is near Lincoln Center, is famous for its red neon Hotel Empire sign, which casts a red glow on poolgoers and partiers.

The Empire is actually a historic hotel; it opened in the mid 1890s and was subsequently totally rebuilt in 1923. Changes will charm New Yorkers and visitors alike. The new Lobby Bar has a series of cozy couches and demure lighting and could serve well for clandestine getaways.

The hotel’s guest rooms have views of Lincoln Center, Central Park and Broadway. All told, there are 50 suites, five of which are called Living Room suites. The room design throughout the hotel is modern with bold accents, such as faux-crocodile covered side tables and splashes of tiger and zebra print on cushions and wing-backed chairs. Each room has an LCD flat-screen TV, an iPod docking station and Wi-Fi. L’Occitane bath amenities and plush robes accent bathrooms, which have been refurbished with marble surfaces and floors.

empire hotel new york

The iconic hotel has reopened with a modern edge and bold accents

Travel Agent suspects the new pool deck will become a jetsetter attraction for New York, as it’s equipped with private cabanas that have their own day-beds, ceiling fans, LCD televisions, iPod docking stations, mini refrigerators, telephones and Wi-Fi. Travel agents take note: Reservations for day or evening rental are a must.

Spa Pamperings
The hotel will be using the services of the Jeunesse “Spas for Life” facility, which is adjacent to the property and opened in May. Jeunesse has eight treatment rooms and a VIP suite with a Jacuzzi for two.

Room rates start at $325, and the hotel is in the process of developing promotional packages. Although there is no designated travel agent liaison at the hotel, any agent who provides his or her IATA number while booking a reservation will receive a commission for the sale. For reservations, call 212-265-7400 or e-mail [email protected].