It was one of those landmark hotels built in New York in the early 1960s to accommodate visitors to the 1964 World's Fair. Today, it is the new flagship on the American continent for Crowne Plaza, the IHG group's business-focused brand.
Rising 22 storeys a stone's throw from Broadway and Rockefeller Center, the former hotel The Manhattan at Times Square has undergone two years of renovation – without closing – to officially become the Crowne Plaza Manhattan Times Square at the beginning of this September. « A pivotal moment for the brand », emphasised Ginger Taggart, Vice President of Global Brand Management for Premium Brands at IHG Hotels & Resorts.
With half of the Crowne Plaza global portfolio now new or renovated – and the brand having entered a new phase of growth with a pipeline of nearly 150 projects – the Crowne Plaza Manhattan Times Square embodies this evolution by representing « the vision of the future of blended travel » rolled out by the brand. That is to say, with hotels that meet the expectations of a new generation of travellers by blending lively social spaces and appealing dining. For business stays that strike a balance between professionalism and relaxation.
" Our ambition was to transform this iconic building into a unique destination, combining contemporary design, functionality and an enhanced customer experience », noted Tarek M. El Sayed, Managing Director and CEO of Qatari company ARTIC, which owns the property. Within this context, the hotel, owned by ARTIC and managed by Highgate, features an all-day bar and restaurant, the Fifty-First Street Social, for a quick lunch, a break between meetings or an evening cocktail. In addition to this, a 24/7 mini-market also offers high-end takeaway options and essential travel goods. At the same time, the hotel hosts signature events, the Weekly Socials, to bring travellers and local clientele together around destination-inspired dining offerings.
For travellers and business groups, the hotel offers flexible meeting and event spaces suited to small-scale sessions, while in the lobby, The Studio provides a more intimate setting for around ten people to gather for collaborative working sessions. All of this is complemented by a dedicated Meetings & Events concierge service.
And, to accommodate all travellers, the Crowne Plaza Manhattan Times Square has a total of 685 rooms with, on the upper floors, the Manhattan Level made up of spacious suites and rooms, all designed with spaces conducive to work, relaxation and rejuvenation. All crowned on the 22nd floor by the Broadway Suite, an exclusive penthouse retreat extended by a spacious terrace.
