Today marks a historic milestone for one of New York City’s iconic premier luxury boutique hotels as The Benjamin Royal Sonesta Hotel New York unveils the first phase of its transformation.
Designed by the celebrated DLR Group, the initial phase of the hotel’s reimagination reveals a present-day interpretation of the urban oasis, combining design elements of classic elegance with modern flair to create an elegant ambiance reminiscent of a members-only club. Located just steps from some of the city’s most famous attractions, the midtown hotel features elegant new public spaces, including a refreshed lobby and a luxurious renovation of the hotel’s 209 residential-style guest rooms, including the renowned Benjamin Suite and the introduction of the brand-new Beverly Suite.
“Throughout this past year, we have delighted in shaping the next chapter of the iconic hotel, all while preserving its timeless pied-à-terre allure that has captivated guests for decades,” said Simon Chapman, General Manager, The Benjamin Royal Sonesta Hotel New York. “The transformation of the hotel underscores our commitment to elevating the standard of luxury for discerning travelers seeking the finest experiences in New York City.”
A Storied History
Widely regarded as one of the most recognizable works by celebrated architect Emery Roth, the hotel’s story began in 1927 with its inception as The Beverly Hotel. Standing tall with its opulently adorned neo-Romanesque edifice, the 26-story hotel symbolizes a formative stage in the development of New York City’s breathtaking skyline, inspiring acclaimed artists such as Georgia O’Keeffe, who immortalized it in her 1929 work “New York Night,” featuring the hotel and the iconic rosette at the top of the building. Recognizing the hotel’s profound cultural significance and heritage, New York City designated The Benjamin Hotel as an official New York City landmark in 2017.
A Design Influenced by Two Main Characters and a Royal Mascot
Taking cues from the building’s history, the new design also draws inspiration from the story of two main characters “Benjamin” and “Beverly,” and illustrates their friendship. The masculine elements reflect “Ben,” featuring exquisite architectural moments, bold lines, and modern details of warm wood and rich leather, while the feminine touches showcase “Bev” through gilded curves, intricate patterns and a soft color palette. Their friendship comes through in the warmth, wit and timeless nature that sets the tone for what one can expect during their stay. Adding to their story, is The Benjamin’s royal owl – Oscar, The King of New York – is an artistic muse reflected in the architecture. The mascot is quietly noble and luminescent and ever present while Ben and Bev meet for conversation.
A Renewed Sense of Arrival
The reimagined lobby presents a sophisticated sense of arrival and discovery. The front desk, detailed after a handcrafted cigar box, features rich ebony wood and warm leather and is outlined with gold detailing. A soft, amber-veined onyx backdrop softly illuminates the space, while high above, a winding sculptural element flows and shimmers through the lobby activating the space with a residential-style elegance layered with new furnishings, bespoke art and authentic local touches.
Spacious Accommodations
The hotel’s generously sized guestrooms and suites provide ample space for relaxation and comfort, featuring warm walnut wood tones, warm and inviting herringbone floors, and light-colored wall coverings to keep rooms airy. New headboards angle inwards at the sides as though to envelope guests in a hug and elements of marble and chrome throughout make the rooms feel classic, timeless and sophisticated. The suites debut new lounge seating with sleeper sofas and burl wood topped coffee tables. Featured artwork captures moments from Manhattan’s culture from fashion inspired pieces above the headboards to an urban collection of windows in the suite living rooms.
Premium Suites
The two premium suites, The Benjamin and The Beverly, offer guests a renewed sense of luxury and both suites feature sweeping terraces and breathtaking views of New York City’s skyline.
- The luxurious Benjamin Suite evokes its character’s main qualities of promise, determination and entrepreneurship through strong architectural features and furniture. The suite features a wood clad gallery art wall, a burl wood conference table paired with new leather wingback dining chairs to provide an executive setting for meetings, a new custom built-in desk in a niche space off the living room and a menswear-inspired desk chair. In the bedroom, the leather and wood headboard span the wall as the focal point of the room and a newly added walk-in closet features a custom millwork cabinet.
- The lavish Beverly Suite exudes delicate finishes, soft curves, and decorative light fixtures. The living room showcases a library wall with intricate detailing and shelving for accessories and lounge seating comprises a sleeper sofa in a feminine toile fabric and ochre lounge chairs. The freestanding burl wood desk features carved legs and the marble dining table with a fluted wood base seats six luxe velvet dining chairs and is illuminated from above by a beautiful circular glass chandelier. The new kitchen has marble porcelain finishes, and the bedroom features a floor to ceiling headboard with a floral print and leather panels.
Guests seeking a comfortable workspace will appreciate The Benjamin Royal Sonesta’s Work Suite, a novel multi-zone experiential meeting space concept that seamlessly integrates traditional and coworking elements with best-in-class hotel amenities. This versatile meeting area exudes a sophisticated yet relaxed atmosphere, fostering diverse working and collaboration styles.
