The New Yorker Hotel to Embark on $65 Million Renovation

Keeping up with the new builds and renovations springing up throughout New York City, The New Yorker Hotel is embarking on a $65 million renovation and remodeling project, which is scheduled for completion in August 2008. The hotel, which opened in 1930 and at the time was the largest hotel in New York, will receive such upgrades as an installation of a new heating and air-conditioning system for the entire hotel; total overhaul of furniture, carpets, wallpaper and fixtures in both guest rooms and the hallways of guest floors; complete redesign of the lobby; facelift of its entire Eighth Avenue façade; guest service enhancements; and upgrades and refurbishments of the hotel's two restaurants.

In other NYC hotel news, The Plaza will reopen its doors in October with 282 hotel rooms and 152 condo hotel units after an extensive renovation. The famed Essex House is now operated by Jumeirah and is undergoing a renovation, slated for completion of the rooms by the end of August and restaurants by November. The Pierre Hotel has completed its first phase of renovations, which includes the second floor banquet space.

Aldo, LXR Luxury Resorts unveiled The London, NYC this past fall. Formerly the RIHGA Royal Hotel, this revamped property underwent a comprehensive redesign by David Collins and rooms were renovated. Hotel Mela opened in January, 6 Columbus Circle is slated to open this summer, The Lamb's Club will open in fall 2008, the Fitzpatrick Grand Central recently underwent renovations and the Fitzpatrick Manhattan is undergoing a refurbishment. For more information on NYC hotels, see the July 2 issue of Travel Agent at [www.travelagentcentral.com].