ATLANTA—InterContinental Hotels Group has announced 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 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, a Club InterContinental, and 15,000 square feet of meetings and events spaces. The new Gin Parlour, offering 88 premium gins alongside other preferred wines and spirits.
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.
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.
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 is 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.
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.
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.
