ATLANTA—InterContinental Hotels Group today announces that the InterContinental New York Barclay is to close for a $175 million renovation. IHG will contribute 20 percent of the renovation costs as announced on Dec. 19, 2013, with the remainder funded by Constellation Barclay Holding US LLC. The hotel recently checked out its last guest in preparation for the 18-month refurbishment.
“We are delighted to work with our partners, Constellation Barclay Holding US LLC, to manage the extensive renovation of our classic New York hotel,” said Hervé Houdré, regional director of operations and general manager of the InterContinental New York Barclay hotel. “The result will be the rebirth of a luxury hotel that reflects its elegance and architectural grandeur, as well as the classic taste and style of its sophisticated, international neighborhood.”
First opened in 1926, the hotel is located in the heart of Manhattan and a short walk from Park Avenue, Madison Avenue, and the United Nations building. The iconic InterContinental New York Barclay has been the hotel of choice, and sometimes residence, for politicians, cultural influencers, and other prominent figures throughout the decades, including U.S. presidents, author Ernest Hemingway, ambassador and renowned hostess Perle Mesta, and civil rights icon Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.
The hotel’s new design—developed with the assistance of architecture firm Stonehill + Taylor and interior designers HOK (formerly BBGM)—will completely revitalize the Federalist-style property, maintaining its heritage, while updating it to cater to the needs of today’s discerning international traveler.
On completion, the property will feature approximately 700 guestrooms, a new InterContinental Club Lounge, and a fully refurbished lobby with a new gin bar and restaurant. The hotel also will continue to serve as a venue for corporate meetings through the InterContinental Meetings platform, as well as for social events in either of the two ballrooms.
