The St. Regis New York, one of Manhattan’s most iconic hotels, is celebrating its 120th anniversary with the unveiling of a dramatic renovation. This milestone marks a new era of glamour and sophistication for the hotel, which has been a symbol of luxury since its founding in 1904. The extensive redesign, led by the renowned Champalimaud Design firm, has refreshed key public spaces, including the historic lobby, the legendary King Cole Bar, and two new dining outlets. The renovations blend the hotel’s rich Beaux-Arts architectural heritage with modern design elements, creating a fresh, contemporary aesthetic that appeals to today’s global travelers.

“We are thrilled to debut the exquisite renovation of our first St. Regis hotel and global flagship,” said Jenni Benzaquen, Senior Vice President of The Ritz-Carlton, St. Regis, and Bvlgari Hotels & Resorts. “This anniversary is a significant milestone, reflecting our enduring legacy of luxury, personalized service, and contemporary elegance that has captivated guests around the world. As we honor our rich heritage, we remain deeply attuned to the desires of both our loyal guests and the next generation of luxury travelers, ensuring that every experience we offer is as extraordinary and bespoke as it is timeless.”

Founded by John Jacob Astor IV, The St. Regis New York quickly became the epicenter of Manhattan’s social life, attracting high society and elite figures. Astor’s vision was to create a hotel that rivaled the finest establishments in Europe, where his close friends and family could enjoy the opulence of a private residence. The hotel soon became the home of "Caroline's 400," an elite social circle named after Astor’s mother, Caroline Astor. Over the decades, The St. Regis has been a gathering place for some of the world’s most glamorous and creative personalities, including Salvador Dalí and Marilyn Monroe. It has also been the birthplace of cultural moments, such as the invention of the Bloody Mary cocktail and iconic jazz performances on the hotel’s rooftop.

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The recent renovations are a testament to the hotel’s ongoing commitment to luxury and innovation. The redesigned lobby now features restored original windows, dating back to the early 1900s, as well as a stunning stained-glass window inspired by the hotel’s original Tiffany design. The reception area has been transformed with a new color scheme, featuring light, neutral tones accented by bold pops of red, inspired by Caroline Astor’s favorite flower, the American Beauty Rose. The expanded lobby now includes a welcoming area with custom-designed wall coverings and luxurious furnishings, blending old-world charm with modern sophistication.

The renovation also introduces two new dining venues. The Drawing Room, located just off the lobby, offers a relaxed yet elegant dining experience, with a color palette that echoes the vibrant tones of the King Cole Bar’s famous mural. Sumptuous velvet couches and plush armchairs invite guests to linger, while a collection of books from the original Astor Library adds a touch of history. La Maisonette, another new addition, offers breakfast, lunch, and afternoon tea in a bright, airy space inspired by French design and the hotel’s original 1910s breakfast room. The King Cole Bar itself has been refreshed with new dark wood paneling and a deep green ceiling, while retaining the iconic Maxfield Parrish mural that has long been the bar’s centerpiece.

“The St. Regis New York has stood as a beacon for generations of global travelers looking to be in the center of Manhattan and surround themselves in the timeless allure that has defined the Fifth Avenue icon since its founding,” said General Manager Octavia Marginean-Tahiroglu. “This renovation is a milestone moment for the cherished New York City icon as we present our masterfully redesigned public spaces in our 120th anniversary year.”

The design team at Champalimaud Design has brought new energy to the historic hotel, preserving its legacy while introducing contemporary touches. The space’s original chandeliers and crown moldings have been retained, while modern furnishings, rich textures, and a sophisticated color palette bring the hotel firmly into the 21st century. The result is an urban haven that pays homage to the hotel’s glamorous past while embracing the needs and desires of today’s luxury traveler.

Guests of The St. Regis New York can now enjoy the perfect blend of old-world charm and modern comfort, with the hotel’s updated public spaces offering a luxurious retreat in the heart of Manhattan.