Nestled in the heart of Manhattan, in what is widely dubbed as “The Best Address,” The St. Regis New York is a symbol of timeless luxury and refined elegance. With its rich history, impeccable service, and unmatched location, this legendary hotel—celebrating 120 years—has long been a favorite destination for discerning travelers and celebrities. Since its opening in 1904, it has served as a cornerstone of sophisticated hospitality, offering guests an experience that seamlessly blends historic charm with modern indulgence.

A Storied Legacy of Luxury

So much more than just a hotel, the classical Beaux-Arts-designed St. Regis New York is a piece of history. Established by real estate magnate John Jacob Astor IV, the hotel was designed to embody the pinnacle of luxury. Astor’s vision was to create a hotel that rivaled the finest in Europe. From its early days, The St. Regis set a new standard for what a first-class hotel might be, offering guests an unrivaled level of comfort and service. Astor introduced modern conveniences such as telephones in every room, a fire alarm system, central heating, and an air-cooling system that predated modern air conditioning. He spared no expense and included marble floors, crystal chandeliers, antique tapestries, oriental rugs, antique Louis XV furniture and a library of 3000 leather-bound, gold-tooled classic and current books, many from his own collection. With its grand lobby and opulent details, the hotel continues to echo the lavish tastes of the early 20th century, while providing the sophisticated amenities expected by today’s elite clientele. 

Exclusive Amenities for Discerning Guests

The St. Regis New York is known for its exceptional amenities designed to cater to the most discerning of travelers. Each of the hotel’s 238 luxurious jewel-toned rooms and suites is an oasis of comfort, with plush furnishings, marble bathrooms, silk wall coverings, deeply carved crown molding, wainscoting, and state-of-the-art technology. A hallmark St. Regis amenity is its renowned butler service, available to all guests. Your butler can help pack and unpack, press clothing, arrange restaurant reservations, secure tickets, and prepare and deliver piping hot coffee, as you like it, each morning. 

A Striking Renovation

In conjunction with its 120th anniversary, the hotel recently unveiled renovations to its public areas, and it’s worth a peek. The reception area’s original exterior facing windows were discovered and restored, incorporating a stained-glass window based on the room’s original 1905 Tiffany window design. The original cages that housed the front desk have also been restored and reimagined into the walls behind the reception desk area. A refreshed color scheme adds lightness with a cloud-dappled ceiling, a simplified floor pattern in keeping with the original architecture, and neutral walls accented with pops of red area rugs inspired by Caroline Astor’s (mother of John Jacob Astor IV) favorite flower, the American Beauty Rose.

Now expanded with an open floor plan, the lobby extends into a welcome area, housing the concierge team, which features deep aquamarine walls and custom hand painted wallcoverings featuring peacocks, a nod to one of the original 1920s murals. The space’s original Tiffany & Co. chandelier hangs above modern furnishings, epitomizing the juxtaposition of old and new. The renovation also introduces a new dining venue, La Maisonette, serving breakfast, lunch and afternoon tea. The bright and airy space creates the feeling of an outdoor pavilion, inspired by the hotel’s original breakfast room from the 1910s and French design. Creamy white walls and a recessed skylight brighten the space alongside a palette of soft pinks, burgundy, emerald and turquoise. 

The Iconic King Cole Bar: Birthplace of the Bloody Mary

No visit to The St. Regis New York is complete without a stop at the legendary King Cole Bar, the birthplace of the world-famous Bloody Mary cocktail. This historic bar, with its dark wood paneling, brass accents, vintage mirrors, and large-scale King Cole Mural by artist Maxfield Parrish, is intimate and luxurious. The mural is more than just a work of art; it is a piece of history, making the bar a must-visit for any cocktail enthusiast or history lover. It was here, in 1934, that bartender Fernand Petiot crafted the first Bloody Mary, now a cocktail staple worldwide. The signature drink, with its tantalizing blend of vodka, tomato juice, and spices, quickly became a beloved classic, and today every St. Regis in the world serves their own unique version. 

One of St. Regis hotels’ most compelling rituals is the evening Champagne sabering which takes place in every St. Regis hotel around the globe every evening at sundown. In New York, the dramatic, ceremonial sabrage takes place within the hotel’s Drawing Room, welcoming the transition from day to night. Guests are provided a sampling of the sabered bottle.

Prime Location in Midtown Manhattan

The St. Regis New York’s enviable address at 2 East 55th Street, places guests mere steps from landmarks such as Central Park, Fifth Avenue, and the Museum of Modern Art (MoMA). For those who enjoy high-end fashion, The St. Regis is conveniently located near some of the world’s most celebrated designer boutiques, while gourmands will delight in the nearby Michelin-starred restaurants and famed New York eateries.

A Hollywood Favorite 

As one of the city’s most celebrated landmarks, The St. Regis has hosted royalty, world leaders, artists, and Hollywood, making it a symbol of Manhattan’s enduring glamour. The St. Regis has been featured in iconic scenes of many modern classics, from the famed closing scenes of The Godfather Part I, to swanky bar encounters in the fashionista favorite, The Devil Wears Prada. In fact, Miranda Priestly’s Paris apartment was filmed in one of the hotel’s Grand Suites, and in Sex and the City’s final episode, Sarah Jessica Parker’s Carrie Bradshaw was filmed in the Presidential Suite. Gossip Girl regularly filmed at the hotel. In 1954, legendary guest Marilyn Monroe and husband Joe DiMaggio stayed at the hotel while filming The Seven Year Itch. And long ago, famed director Alfred Hitchcock was known to wander the hotel’s halls, playfully frightening other guests with shocking fabricated tales told in the lifts.

Clearly, a stay at The St. Regis is more than just a night at a hotel—it’s an invitation to be part of a storied legacy of luxury, sophistication, and tradition.

Photos courtesy of The St. Regis New York unless otherwise noted