New York, New York – September 2016 – sbe, the Los Angeles-based leading lifestyle hospitality company that develops, manages and operates award-winning hospitality venues, announced today that the former Martha Washington Hotel has officially completed its transformation to The Redbury New York. Following successful openings in Hollywood, CA and South Beach, FL, the Manhattan debut marks the third and latest property from The Redbury brand, in collaboration with flagship Creative Director and world-renowned photographer Matthew Rolston. Since its phase one transformation in April 2016 to The Rebury New York, the hotel has undergone extensive design renovations for an immersive boutique hotel experience.
Located on 29 East 29th Street in the heart of Manhattan’s burgeoning NoMad district, The Redbury New York is just a short jaunt from the city’s best shopping, restaurants, nightclubs and attractions, including the Empire State Building, Madison Square Park, the Theatre District, and more. Setting a new benchmark for hospitality in New York City, The Redbury New York introduces an evolution of the lifestyle hotel experience with the debut of the largest Redbury property to date, featuring 265 guest rooms, 7,000 square feet of indoor and outdoor meeting and event space, Ciel Spa bath amenities, Wi-Fi, and in-room dining from buzzy on-site restaurant Marta, from Danny Meyer's Union Square Hospitality Group.
The Redbury brand launched in 2010 with its first location in Los Angeles, as a new hospitality category for sbe, led by visionary Founder and CEO Sam Nazarian. Its inspired design, with influences from the 1960’s era of pop music and bohemian counter-culture, includes handpicked hospitality amenities and a soulful, engaging environment that is sophisticated, yet comfortable and inviting.
Historical Significance The hotel originally opened in 1903 as Martha Washington Hotel and was the first hotel in New York to provide housing for professional women. Although increasing numbers of women were joining the work force, residential options for single, working women at that time were extremely limited. The hotel continued to cater exclusively to women up until 1998. In 2012, the building was officially marked as a landmark site for its architectural and historical significance and is recognized today by Historic Hotels of America.
The hotel, located on 29th Street between Madison Avenue and Park Avenue South, is adjacent to New York’s legendary center of music recording and publishing, known as ‘Tin Pan Alley,’ where the American music industry flourished during the late 19th century and early 20th century.
Rocking Influence and Design Creative Director Matthew Rolston dove deep into New York’s illustrious history as one of the birthplaces of American pop music and rock ‘n roll, incorporating elements of this narrative into the property’s 265 newly-renovated guest rooms and interiors. Rolston worked closely with Dakota Development and Avenue Interiors to incorporate funky patterns, motifs and visual accents throughout the property. Guests are effortlessly transported to another era as they pass through The Redbury New York’s iconic red velvet opera curtain, black and white checkered flooring, and an enlarged original photograph of the Tin Pan Alley building, set behind the Host desk. Hues of red and green are woven throughout the property with whimsical paisley prints, oriental rugs, balanced with the charm of antique light fixtures and reclaimed furnishings. Curated vintage art selections by Rolston that reflect the iconic rock ‘n roll age of New York City are displayed throughout the public spaces and guest rooms.
The original building was designed by Robert W. Gibson in renaissance revival style with classically-inspired brick and limestone, Palladian windows, splayed lintels with keystones and balconettes with iron railings. The building’s iconic façade and designated historic landmark status reinforce The Redbury New York’s timeless design.
Unprecedented Hospitality The Redbury New York hosts pride themselves on exemplary hospitality, ensuring that each guest's stay is memorable. Rather than the standard front desk and concierge service, guests of The Redbury New York are hosted for a more personalized experience, including touches such as handwritten notes, bespoke amenities or the simple remembrance of a favorite room. Complimentary coffee service and digital access to The New York Times and The Financial Times are available daily.
In addition, guests of The Redbury New York will have the unique ability to experience amenities in partnership with sbe’s SLS Park Avenue, set to debut in 2016. The close proximity allows for an elevated hospitality experience for guests, as well as dynamic venue options for special events and meetings.
Food & Beverage Helmed by Executive Chef Nick Anderer, Marta is a Roman-inspired pizzeria from Danny Meyer’s Union Square Hospitality Group, located on the hotel's ground floor. The Italian restaurant draws inspiration from the tradition of rustic Roman pizzerie—local haunts that churn out thin, crackly-crusted pizzas—and features a lively open kitchen with two wood-burning ovens and an open-fire grill. Marta’s menu offers fresh, innovative takes on classic Roman pizzas as well as original dishes that celebrate seasonal ingredients from local farms and purveyors. Marta is open throughout the week, serving breakfast, lunch, brunch, and dinner. A selection of pizzas and other dishes are also available through in-room dining service during regular restaurant hours. Marta is a non-tipping restaurant. Hospitality included.
Marta works alongside the hotel to deliver unprecedented in-room dining options, event catering, craft beverages and more.
Bar & Lounge Bar Marta, the hotel bar and lounge, is located within the comfort of The Redbury’s cozy lobby. Bar Marta serves a range of sophisticated cocktails, craft beers, fine wines and an extensive champagne list, as well as the full Marta menu.
Brand Loyalty sbe Hotel Group has brought The Redbury New York into membership with Preferred Hotels & Resorts, as the newest experience within the brand’s Lifestyle collection. As a member of the Preferred Hotels & Resorts Lifestyle collection, The Redbury New York will receive a combination of strategic sales, marketing, distribution, and technologies solutions. Travelers who visit the property will be eligible to enroll in the iPrefer guest loyalty program, which extends points redeemable for free nights and other expenditures, elite status, and special benefits such as complimentary Internet upon every eligible stay at more than 550 participating properties worldwide.
Further elevating guests’ stay at The Redbury New York will be unique ‘VIP access’ to venues throughout the sbe Collection – providing exclusive entry into sbe’s celebrated hotel, dining and nightlife destinations in New York City, Los Angeles, Miami, and Las Vegas, as well as access to sbe’s highly energetic and exciting lifestyle loyalty program, THE CODE.
