The city of Manhattan is famous for its various attractions, shopping and amazing dining. However, New York City is also filled with historic hotels that hold many lifetimes of interesting stories.
For instance, the Roosevelt Hotel has been open since 1924. Located on famed Madison Avenue and 45th St., the historic property was named, of course, for President Theodore Roosevelt. After opening in 1924, the hotel quickly became known for its gloved porters guiding pampered guests through a private underground pathway from Grand Central Station. It was also the first hotel in the city touting extravagances such as its own wellness institute, hospital, spa and pet hotel.
The Roosevelt was put on the map when cherished Canadian bandleader, Guy Lombardo and his band, The Royal Canadians, formed in 1924 and began the TV broadcast of "Auld Lang Syne" on New Year's Eve 1929. The band played at The Roosevelt Hotel from 1929 to 1959, and their New Year's Eve broadcasts became a paramount part of New Year's celebrations across North America. Today, the Roosevelt continues to entertain while serving as a backdrop for popular movies including Maid in Manhattan, Boiler Room, Quiz Show, Wall Street and The French Connection.
The truly historic Warwick New York Hotel in Manhattan was designed as a hideout and plush playground for celebrities in the 1920s and continues to maintain its decadent service today.
Built in 1926 and commissioned by William Hearst for his mistress Marion Davies, the Warwick New York Hotel offers luxury, European-style elegance with a residential atmosphere.
In 1927, Michelangelo Hotel was known as the Taft Hotel and was the famed haunt of big-band leader Vincent Lopez. Among the stars that began their career with Lopez at the Taft Hotel are Artie Shaw, Xavier Cugot, Tommy and Jimmy Dorsey, Glenn Miller and Tony Pastor. Today, The Michelangelo Hotel is recognized by Travel & Leisure Magazine as one of the top 500 'Greatest Hotels of the World' and has been placed on the 'Gold List' for the "Best Place to Stay in the World" by Condë Nast Traveler.
Hotels in New York are attractions as opposed to just places to sleep. Check out more New York hotelbook choices and get a taste of history.
Interesting article!
Posted by: Alex Kirwan | February 11, 2009 at 05:13 PM
I love a NY hotel with long history! That is one of the reasons to come to this city- the legacy especially of music that you can find in such a place- I remember coming to a hotel filled with pic's of the Beatles staying on it - it was so great! What a wonderful article! Ill make sure to check these hotels up next time in NY
Posted by: | October 12, 2009 at 01:45 PM
I got to stay at the Roosevelt Hotel a few months ago when I was traveling to LA with my family, and we were all truly impressed by the place. we even extended extended our stay an extra two days because we couldn't get enough of it!
Posted by: | October 14, 2009 at 11:19 AM