I. M. Pei designed Four Seasons Hotel NY is Reborn

New York City felt an undeniable void. The Four Seasons New York on 57th Street shut its doors in March 2020. It joined countless other hotels during the COVID pandemic. Who would have imagined the hotel would remain shuttered for nearly five years? On November 14, 2024, the city’s treasured luxury hotel reopened. It committed to sweeping enhancements for hotel guests. The hotel boasts 219 exquisite accommodations. These feature 138 luxurious junior suites, 59 refined standard suites, and five breathtaking signature suites. Each room offers stunning skyline or serene Central Park views. Room sizes vary from a cozy 500 square feet to an expansive 4,300 square feet for the largest suites.

The hotel chose not to reopen alongside its competitors during the pandemic. This decision ignited rumors. There were whispers of a disagreement between Four Seasons and billionaire hotel owner Ty Warner. In a welcome turn of events, the hotel made an announcement on its website in June 2024. They declared that a breakthrough agreement had been reached. This agreement promises a fall 2024 reopening. Buzz suggested that the sumptuous Ty Warner Penthouse on the 52nd floor would be transformed into an exclusive residence. Thankfully, it remains the crown jewel in the hotel’s guest accommodations. It is one of the most opulent hotel suites in New York City.

This iconic I.M. Pei designed hotel graces Midtown’s skyline with its breathtaking 52 stories. It proudly stands as the second-tallest hotel in New York City. With its expansive block-wide footprint and elegant setback design, this architectural marvel welcomes guests with a captivating art deco lobby. The grand lobby exudes opulence and warmth. It showcases honey marble floors and soaring columns. Above, a stunning 33-foot-high glass ceiling is adorned with vibrant, sculptural, fresh florals. Two culinary gems showcasing innovative menu concepts and visionary chefs flank the lobby. The renowned The Garden Restaurant is under the expert guidance of executive chef Maria Tampakis. She is formerly of Jean-Georges and Estiatorio Milos Restaurant Group in New York. The celebrated TY Bar is under the talented executive pastry chef Jonathan Pereira. The bar also has the insightful director of food and beverage Iwona Luksza.

With potted acacia trees soaring above, the Garden Restaurant offers breakfasts and lunches. These are accompanied by stunning views of the grand lobby and bustling 57th Street. Chef Tampakis unveils a Northern Italian-inspired menu that delights the senses. It features irresistible French toast finished with luscious vanilla chantilly and a rich espresso reduction. A lavish smoked and cured tower is presented for breakfast. It showcases the finest salmon, sablefish, and trout roe. The creamy whipped whitefish crème fraîche complements these delicacies. For lunch, tantalizing choices await. You can savor the melt-in-your-mouth braised beef and onion-filled agnolotti. The perfectly grilled branzino comes paired with clams and cherry tomatoes. A succulent dry-aged burger topped with sumptuous taleggio cheese will leave you wanting more.

Across the lobby, TY Bar offers a new menu that celebrates the city’s cocktail legacy. Toby Maloney, from Chicago’s renowned Violet Hour, collaborated on the cocktail selection. This selection weaves an enchanting narrative through a century of New York City’s spirited history. It moves from the opulent cocktail inspirations of the Gilded Age to the chic supper clubs of the ’40s. It continues through the intoxicating cocktail renaissance of the ’50s and ’60s. The journey culminates in the flamboyant excesses of the ’80s. The “Ty Manhattan” tantalizes the senses. It offers a luxurious blend of Widow Jane Rye. This blend includes Highland Park 25-year Single Malt, Carpano Antica, Oloroso, and house bitters. The “Three Martini Lunch” captivates with a delightful flight of three petite martinis: dry, dirty, and espresso.

Chef Tampakis has created delightful bar snacks. These include enticing dishes like the exquisite “Crab Louie.” Another highlight is the sumptuous “Steak Diane Tartare” with wild mushrooms and a splash of cognac. The “Foie Gras Parfait” pays homage to the vibrant spirit of the Big Apple. It is artfully sculpted to resemble a luscious apple. Its heart is filled with a quince and apple chutney. The parfait is enveloped in a striking red glaze. This promises a visually stunning and memorable dining experience.

A new spa is set to open in 2025, promising an extraordinary sanctuary of relaxation and rejuvenation.

The hotel’s return allows visitors to enjoy timeless luxury and contemporary elegance. For locals, the Four Seasons is a beloved emblem of the city once more. With its reopening, it proudly reclaims its status. It is a destination that embodies the vibrant spirit and dynamic energy of New York City.