The St. Regis New York

A 2013 refurbishment of the St. Regis brightened the traditional grandeur of one of New York’s most historic hotels.

• The St. Regis butler stationed on every floor to take care of each guest's needs
• The Dior suite, one of the uniquely decorated specialty suites, is painted in a trademarked shade of grey/lavender that changes with the room's natural light.
• The original Maxfield Parrish Art Nouveau mural behind King Cole's bar

When Colonel John Jacob Astor envisioned this grand hotel in 1902, he dreamed of combining European elegance with American advancements. The St. Regis was housed in an eighteen-story Beaux Arts building, the tallest structure on this stretch of Fifth Avenue, and was one of the first to have an elevator and boast such modern innovations as a cooling system (a forerunner of today’s air conditioning). At the time, press called it “the most richly furnished and opulent hotel in the world.”

Arriving at the St. Regis today, you’re still surrounded by turn-of-the-century elegance, but rather than invoking a “do-not-touch” museum-like quality, the ambiance and spaces are welcoming and comfortable. There’s the gilded lobby with its pastel-colored ceiling fresco; the small Cognac Room with an immense marble fireplace, twisted Art Nouveau chandelier and dark-wood paneled walls; there are still the original marble floors. But a recent refurbishment of every room and suite, along with the friendly staff, keeps the St. Regis from feeling stale or dated.

The updated accommodations have maintained the Edwardian elegance of old, decorated either in themes of royal blue for the 171 rooms, luscious aubergine for the junior suites, and deep reds and greys for the suites with chandeliers, plush beds, high ceilings and original ceiling moldings. Each floor comes with a butler, who can assist with anything, including rushing forgotten luggage to the airport. The St. Regis places an emphasis on making families with children feel at home, and offers multiple connecting rooms and suites, as well as an extensive children's menu at Astor Court.

The renowned King Cole Bar—the legendary society club where the Bloody Mary first arrived in America—and Restaurant are as crowded and buzzy ever.

With a fitness center and salon, the St. Regis is popular with those looking for a one-stop shop for beauty and pampering.