The Manhattan icon InterContinental New York Barclay Hotel has reopened after a $180 million (£123 million), 20-month refurbishment from top-to-bottom, which features more than 420,000 square-feet of redesigned interiors.
The Barclay introduces a more open and inviting lobby leading to a new spectacular Carrara marble Grand Staircase. The redesigned property also features 704 spacious guestrooms and suites reminiscent of a classic Park Avenue home, an expansive Club InterContinental and 15,000-square-feet of thoughtfully designed meetings and events spaces. The original hotel made its debut to New York society in 1926 as one of the original “Railroad” hotels, and the design pays homage to this rich history.
Under the direction of IHG Design Studio, architects Stonehill + Taylor, interior design firm HOK (formerly BBGM) and Shawmut Construction worked together to restore and enhance the property’s original style, while adding contemporary touches.
Artwork was carefully selected to reflect the hotel’s 1920s legacy. Antique maps and early 19th century Hudson River School landscapes, renowned for romanticising nature and highlighting areas of interest, such as the Catskill Mountains and the Adirondacks, are featured throughout The Barclay’s public spaces and guestrooms. In keeping with the Federalist design motif and sophisticated style, eagle medallion door plates are affixed on each guestroom, a feature that has been preserved from the original Barclay.
Jason Moskal, Vice President, Lifestyle Brands, The Americas, IHG said: “As one of the iconic heritage properties for the InterContinental brand, The Barclay represents a rich history of luxury travel in New York City. While this history is strong and prolific, the needs and wants of the modern traveller have evolved through the decades.
“Bringing modern design and functionality, a signature bar that serves classic gin cocktails with a unique twist and elegant meeting and event space, the revitalised Barclay showcases today’s intercontinental life to travellers and locals alike.”
Hervé Houdré, General Manager, InterContinental New York Barclay, added: “The InterContinental New York Barclay has been a Manhattan feature for more than 90 years. The hotel’s introduction to the city’s skyline coincided with the debut of famous landmarks, such as the Chrysler Building, Saks Fifth Avenue and Bergdorf Goodman.
“While the rejuvenation of the Barclay inspires us to look back and reflect on the hotel’s storied past, it also allows the hotel to open a new chapter, welcoming a new generation of globally-minded guests who are looking for a residential-style New York escape.”
