NEW YORK—Affinia 50, located in New York City’s Midtown neighborhood, is currently undergoing a top-to-bottom renovation that is scheduled for completion in November. The renovation encompasses the entire Midtown Manhattan boutique hotel including all guestrooms and suites, as well as all public spaces, including the lobby, second floor Club Room, and corridors. The hotel has remained fully operational during the renovation process.
Affinia 50’s $18-$20 million transformation pays homage to its surroundings, capturing the energy and evolution of the neighborhood and incorporating all the comforts of home. The overall design will offer more of an open layout, created to reflect city-smart space where guests can balance business with leisure. This will be the first renovation for the property in ten years.
As part of the new overall direction for the NYC hotel, Affinia 50 will look to forge outside partnerships to enhance the guest experience. Recently, Affinia 50 launched a collaboration with FreshDirect, offering guests ready-to-make meals delivered to the hotel, and NakedWines.com, an online community that supports independent winemakers, to host the hotel’s nightly wine hour.
Re-imagined by celebrated architect Nobutaka Ashihara and international interior design firm Dawson Design Associates, the property’s look will be achieved through textures, rich woods and classic lines.
“The new Affinia 50 will be a space where guests can enjoy facilities and hotel amenities designed for the well-seasoned traveler—whether in town for business or pleasure,” said Brian Gehlich, Affinia 50’s general manager. “The completely renovated property includes curated elements that evoke a sense of familiarity, chic, modern and locally inspired in its design. We want the hotel to be a welcome haven for guests to feel right at home.”
The lobby will feature a color palate of black, grey, white, and pops of red juxtaposed against the welcoming tones of statement furniture created by rich woods. To further enhance the feeling of “being at home,” Dawson Design Associates has worked to curate a collection of artwork, all in varying mediums, by local New York artists.
Affinia 50 will have 251 redesigned rooms, 41 of which have been added during the renovation, including 100 rooms with kitchens and 19 with private terraces. Features include wireless high-speed Internet, cable TVs with web browsers, in-room safes (laptop compatible), dry cleaning / laundry services, signature Affinia Beds, choice of Affinia Dream Pillows, and bath amenities by Comfort Zone.
The redesign of Affinia 50’s ever-popular Club Room will incorporate striking new access through the lobby by way of a stainless steel-and-stone staircase. The space—exclusive to guests for socializing, relaxing, or taking advantage of complimentary Wi-Fi—will be adorned in hard woods and be ideal for small events as well as the nightly hotel-hosted wine hours. The Club Room can accommodate intimate gatherings or corporate meetings from 15 – 20 people.
