A Manhattan Hotel History

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An Authentic New York Story

Since 1930, The New Yorker has embodied the spirit of Manhattan. It’s an authentic Art Deco masterpiece that’s welcomed stars, visionaries, and heroes alike. Its story is woven into the city’s own, alive with history yet still looking confidently toward the future.

1928
1930
1932
1933
1939
1941
1942
1948
1959
1971
1972
1976 to 1980
1994
2001
2006
2008
2014
2014-2016
2016
2025

1928

CONSTRUCTION BEGINS

Designed by Sugarman and Berger Architects, the 1.2 million-square-foot and 43-storey New Yorker was destined to become one of the largest and most fashionable hotels of its day.

1930

THE NEW YORKER OPENS

After a two-year construction period that remains an impressive feat of engineering to this day, The New Yorker opens its doors for the first time on January 2, 1930. Its 2,503 rooms started at $3.50 a night.

1932

ACCESS TO PENN STATION

When the 8th Avenue subway line opens, The New Yorker gains its own private tunnel that allows guests to enjoy VIP, discreet access to and from Manhattan’s Penn Station.

1933

Tesla Moves In

A year later, long before an electric car brand would reignite interest in his name, engineer and futurist Nikola Tesla moved into The New Yorker. He stayed in rooms 3327 and 3328 for ten years until his death, aged 86.

1939

NBC Big Band Shows Begin

Throughout the 1930s and 1940s, The New Yorker would set the stage for big band acts like Benny Goodman, Woody Herman, and Tommy and Jimmy Dorsey. Broadcaster NBC launched a live radio show from our Terrace Room in 1939.

1941

Brooklyn Dodgers The First Subway Series

The Brooklyn Dodgers, under Leo Durocher’s management, stay at The New Yorker during the first of the New York Subway Series. Sadly for them, they lose four of their five games against the Yankees.

1942

A Favorite Of Those Who Served

A Favorite Of Those Who Served
Close to Penn Station, The New Yorker proved popular amongst GIs during World War II, allowing them to enjoy a few days of glamour and excitement before shipping off to fight in Europe.

1948

Television Arrives

The New Yorker becomes one of the first hotels in the world to install television. With 100 sets, it advertises itself as having the most television sets under one roof at the time, reminding guests that the hotel is “always attentive to the rapid steps of our times”.

1959

Barack Obama Sr. Stays

Barack Obama, Sr. arrives at The New Yorker direct from Kenya as part of JFK’s airlift. initiative, through which promising students could gain a US college and university education. It was on this trip that Obama, Sr. married Ann Dunham, President Barack Obama’s mother.

1971

Muhammad Ali Recuperates

Muhammad Ali retired to The New Yorker after his hard-fought loss to Joe Frazier in the Fight of the Century, which took place across the street at Madison Square Garden. This was his first professional loss, but he recovered to beat Frazier in 1974 and 1975.

1972

Decline & Closure

The New Yorker’s brand of glamour and sophistication proved difficult to maintain in an era of New York history characterised by financial mismanagement and industrial decline. The hotel closed its doors in 1972, facing an uncertain future.

1976 to 1980

Unification Church Ownership

The Unification Church purchases The New Yorker building with plans to turn it into its USA mission center. Its members undertake an ambitious renovation project largely, and controversially, working as volunteers.

1994

The New Yorker Returns

After over 20 years without guests, The New Yorker reopens its doors as a hotel again, thanks to the New Yorker Hotel Management Company. Initially, there are 150 rooms and rates start at $45 a night.

2001

Free Rooms For 9/11 Heroes

In the aftermath of the Twin Tower terrorist attacks, The New Yorker donates 10,000 free nights to volunteers. The hotel is recognized by both the New York Police Department and the Chicago Fire Department for its response to the tragedy.

2006

Major Renovation

The New Yorker begins a three-year project to restore the building’s Art Deco heritage, while also updating its heating, cooling, and safety systems. Thanks to this renovation, today’s guests can enjoy its iconic splendor in comfort.

2008

Engineering Recognition

In 2008, the Institute of Electrical & Electronic Engineers declared The New Yorker a Milestone in the Progress of Electrical Engineering thanks to our dedicated power plant that operated until 1967, providing, at its peak, enough electricity for 25,000 homes.

2014

The New Yorker Becomes A Wyndham Hotel

In 2014, Wyndham Hotels & Resorts proudly welcomed The New Yorker into its family, blending timeless Art Deco heritage with modern hospitality, reintroducing a Manhattan institution to a new generation of travelers.

2014-2016

New Additions

The New Yorker expands with over one hundred more executive rooms and suites. There is also new décor, which retains the Art Deco charm while adding a welcome modern, contemporary twist.

2016

Hillary Clinton Delivers Concession Speech

Hillary Clinton Delivers Concession Speech
As political history unfolds, Hillary Clinton chooses the Grand Ballroom at The New Yorker to face the press and deliver her presidential race concession speech alongside her husband and former president, Bill Clinton.

2025

The New Yorker Joins Lotte Hotels

The New Yorker becomes a Lotte Hotel. New, ambitious global owners represent an opportunity to add exciting new chapters to our long and illustrious history as an iconic Manhattan landmark.