Featuring Entirely Redesigned Interiors and Residential Style Services, InterContinental® Hotels & Resorts Preserves Historic Hotel's Original 1920's Elegance, While Introducing Expansive Meeting Spaces and a new Gin Parlour
ATLANTA (May 17, 2016) – InterContinental Hotels Group (IHG), one of the world's leading hotel companies, today announces the opening of the newly-renovated, InterContinental New York Barclay, which made its grand debut to New York society in 1926 as one of the original "Railroad" hotels. For generations the hotel served as one of New York's most preferred addresses and now, The Barclay is celebrating its return following a $180 million, 20-month top-to-bottom renovation with more than 420,000-square-feet of redesigned interiors. The revitalized hotel brings to life The Barclay Experience – quintessential New York sensibility, sustainable practices and a celebration of the thriving, fast-paced local culture, while continuing to offer international expertise. These touchpoints are expressed in all design details and service offerings at the renewed property, continuing its tradition of offering international travelers a residential experience of discreet elegance.
The Barclay hotel 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. Travelers and local New Yorkers will flock to the new Gin Parlour, offering 88 premium gins alongside other preferred wines and spirits. A convivial destination centrally-located in Midtown Manhattan, the new bar will also feature a delectable locally sourced menu.
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 traveler 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 revitalized Barclay showcases today's intercontinental life to travelers 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."
DESIGN INSPIRED BY NEW YORK Featuring a distinctly New York heritage, The Barclay was originally designed by Cross & Cross, the famed architectural firm behind Fifth Avenue's Tiffany & Co. building. 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 1920's legacy. Antique maps and early 19th century Hudson River School landscapes, renowned for romanticizing nature and highlighting areas of interest, such as the Catskill Mountains and the Adirondacks, are featured throughout The Barclay's public spaces and guestrooms. Equally fashionable during the same period, details such as classical urns, sculptures, and busts, as well as damask and rinceau patterns can be seen throughout the hotel. 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.
WHERE THE WORLD MEETS The Barclay offers business and leisure groups, as well as international travelers an efficient and convenient setting to come together. Perfect for corporate gatherings, social events and memorable weddings, the new Barclay delivers a prime location and world-class service within a sophisticated backdrop.
With two magnificent ballrooms and five meeting spaces, The Barclay's 4,954-square-foot Grand Ballroom and its 3,500-square-foot Empire Ballroom feature 17-foot coffered ceilings, exquisite chandeliers, as well as custom crown molding and millwork. At Club InterContinental®, travelers can enjoy a quiet yet engaging space for business and social interactions while indulging in a range of complimentary food and beverage offerings.
Located off The Barclay's lobby area and inspired by Dutch and English gin bars of the 1920's, the Gin Parlour offers a venue for novices and aficionados to acquaint themselves with the history of the versatile spirit. Each of its signature cocktails comes to life with a distinct presentation, including the Midtown Apothecary, which is served over aromatized cracked ice and botanicals, and The Hive, featuring honey harvested in New York City complemented by a honey cluster. In addition, the menu features modern fare that pays tribute to the international culture and history of New York City dining, such as Alphabet City Soft Pretzels, as well as locally-sourced Broiled Oysters "Reuben" with Barclay Pickle Relish.
The Barclay continues to lead the industry by championing positive and environmentally conscious food offerings, reintroducing its signature Natural Power Breakfast. The hotel's culinary team procures the most organic, local, seasonal and responsible ingredients possible from nearby growers, farmers, forages and artisans they have direct relationships with, including Norwich Meadows Farm, Old Chatham Sheepherding Creamery and Satur Farms.
LIVING HISTORY Throughout the hotel's 90-year history, The Barclay has been a place where both global and local politicians, tastemakers and captains of industry convene, ranging from Harold Stirling Vanderbilt, Ernest Hemingway, and Eugene O'Neill to Henry Cabot Lodge, Martin Luther King, former President William Jefferson Clinton, and most recently President Barack Obama.
Aside from noteworthy personalities, for more than 80 years The Barclay housed Caswell-Massey®, a personal care product company and apothecary shop founded in 1752. In a nod to both brands' shared history, the hotel commissioned the famed apothecary to develop a line of bath products with custom fragrances created by olfactive firm Nose Knows Design, which were designed to capture the essence of the hotel and are featured in the suites. The presence of juniper berry evokes the new Gin Parlour, while subtle metallic notes pay tribute to The Barclay's industrial age beginnings.
A RESPONSIBLE APPROACH In a responsible approach to business and service, the new Barclay aims to be the first hotel to align with the United Nations 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. Becoming the benchmark of the hospitality industry, The Barclay is using the IHG Corporate Responsibility Pillars: Green Engage, IHG Academy and IHG Foundation.
Committed to environmental protection, The Barclay supports a number of ecological initiatives including the Billion Dollar Oyster Project, which helps to grow oysters, build reefs, and monitors water quality. Contributing to New York's economic prosperity, The Barclay is providing work and growth opportunities through the IHG Academy, allowing the hotel to collaborate with educational providers and community groups to help local people build their hospitality skills and improve their employability. As a socially responsible hotel, The Barclay is partnering with City Harvest to combat hunger in the five boroughs, as well as working with Clean The World to save lives with items that traditionally end up in landfills.
The Barclay, located at 111 E 48th St., is owned by 111 East 48th Street Holdings, LLC and managed by IHG. The InterContinental Hotels & Resorts brand is part of IHG's diverse family of brands in nearly 100 countries and territories. The scale and diversity of the IHG family of brands means that its hotels can meet guests' needs whatever the occasion – whether an overnight getaway, a business trip, a family celebration or a once-in-a-lifetime experience. Reservations can be made by calling 1-888-IC HOTELS or by going to IHG.com/Intercontinental.
