THE EMPIRE HOTEL: A NEW YORK CLASSIC REBORN

A Grand Debut of New Design, Dining and Exclusive Rooftop Spaces


New York, NY (June 1, 2008) – The historic Empire Hotel will officially open its doors after an extensive and magnificent redesign on June 01, 2008. The refined and elegant, 413 room, hotel is one of the oldest establishments on the Upper West Side still operating under the same name at the same location. The Empire Hotel might be considered one of the “Grande Dames” of New York City hotels. Highlights of the lavish “refresh” include the demure and elegant Lobby Bar on the ground floor, the luxurious redesign of the spacious rooms and suites, and the addition of the exclusive Pooldeck on the 13th floor where the giant, neon Empire Hotel sign casts a red glow, reminiscent of “Old Hollywood” glamour upon it.

Located steps away from Lincoln Center the Empire Hotel first opened in the mid 1890s but was completely rebuilt in 1923, when the iconic red neon “Hotel Empire” sign was erected – one of the first ever and longest standing neon billboards in the United States. The 12-story hotel has remained unchanged through the years, until now.

Design duo Goodman Charlton oversaw the interior design of the guest rooms, suites and public areas, transforming the Empire Hotel into the majestic property that its name suggests. The design and décor of the Empire Hotel’s interior is a classic, neutral palette of ochre, coffee, cream and caramel, and is accented by hand-crafted metalwork such as hammered bronze, brass and copper.  Statuesque yet subtle, the design aesthetic is a study in understated grandeur.

The Lobby is an impressive triple volume gallery, complete with a sweeping staircase to the mezzanine level that overlooks the ground-floor seating area. Ochre-colored shantung silk drapes run from the vaulted ceiling to the marble floor. High-backed plush couches and zebra print and mahogany chairs are intimately grouped on the ground floor and mezzanine level to provide a comfortable place for guests to read the newspaper, await friends, or even host informal meetings.

With the refurbishment of the entire property, the Empire Hotel brings a mod-chic edge to its locale with its 413 well-appointed, stylish guestrooms offering iconic views of New York City scenery such as Lincoln Center, Central Park and Broadway.  The Empire Hotel accommodations include 50 luxury suites, five of which are Living Room suites, plus 363 plush rooms with 7 different room styles.  All accommodations are designed in a modern, refined and comfortable manner, with tasteful accents such as faux-crocodile covered side tables and splashes of tiger and zebra print on cushions and wing-backed chairs, crisp white Frette linens and sumptuous down comforters.  Each room is equipped with a LCD flat-screen television, an iPod docking station, wireless Internet access and two telephone lines with data port and voicemail.  After a busy day on the bustling NYC streets, guests can revive their spirits under oversized rainfall showerheads with refreshing L’Occitane bath amenities and then wrap-up in luxurious terry-toweling bathrobes.  The newly refurbished bathrooms are resplendent with warm toned marble surfaces and flooring, bringing tranquility to guests who have had a quintessential, action-packed, New York day.

The Lobby Bar, annexed off the Lobby, provides a glamorous ground-floor hideaway where guests and locals can sink into cozy couches and sip on perfectly muddled mojitos. Candles placed within the walls cast an enchanting glow throughout the room.

The Pooldeck on the 13th floor is a hidden gem above busy Broadway.  Exclusive to guests of the Empire Hotel, the bi-level Pooldeck allows for a quaint capacity of 150 guests.  The hotel is situated for guests to enjoy stunning, north-facing, 180 degree city views.  The classic poolside decor is lightly infused with the decadent charm of the South of France, with custom-designed teak sun beds, a plunge-pool and private Cabanas.  The Cabanas at the Pooldeck provide a hip hangout for guests to unwind and enjoy the views, ideal for escaping the sun or for romantic evening cocktails.  Replete with linen curtains, day-beds, ceiling fans, LCD televisions, iPod docking stations, mini refrigerators, telephones and wireless internet access, reservations are a must.  Day rental and evening rental options are available.  The Pooldeck is open from 9:00am to 10:00pm.

The Empire Hotel’s stunning revamp brings new life and energy to a neighborhood that has become dominated by residential developments and been considered sleepy in recent years. The updated image of the Empire Hotel serves to solidify the reviving upswing of the area’s newly chic reputation.

The Empire Hotel is located at 44 West 63rd Street, NYC.
For more information visit www.empirehotelnyc.com
For reservations call 212.265.7400 or email reservations@empirehotelnyc.com



[Back to Press Releases Main]