< UNITED STATES | NEW YORK CITY: The Roosevelt Hotel

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Designed by George B. Post & Son and leased from The New York State Realty and Terminal Company, The Roosevelt Hotel opened in 1924. It was the first to incorporate store fronts instead of lounges in its sidewalk facades due to the prohibition era. Built in the thriving Grand Central Zone of the ‘20s, The Roosevelt Hotel was at one time linked with Grand Central Terminal by way of an underground passage that connected the hotel to the train terminal.

The gracious antique French marble and limestone facade reflects Colonial American architecture. Carefully crafted moldings and interior gold trimmed details are reminiscent of American Colonial and Neo Classical styles. Lending vision to the authentic appointments are New York City Hall and late 18th century estates, most notably Virginia’s “Kenmore” built in 1753, Charleston’s “Brewster House” of 1810 and the turn-of-the century “Gordon House.” Hotel's most elaborately appointed area was The Palm Room, two-story oval-shaped tearoom, canopied by a 28-foot high sky-mural ceiling and encircled by a dozen stately marbleized pillars.

Timeless tokens of yesteryear have been carefully tucked away and preserved over the years. Harkening back to the hotel heritage, a vintage relief of “Teddy,” cast entirely in bronze, has stood watch over the main lobby since the ‘20s. Brilliant accoutrements, namely six-foot tall wall sconces and classic crystal chandeliers, add ageless appeal. A dangling brass pendant clock in the lobby and original artwork in The Madison Club Lounge and The Palm Room have also survived the decades.

Named for President Theodore Roosevelt, the "Grand Dame of Madison Avenue" attracted the crème de la crème, from aristocrats and artists to celebrities and socialites. Saturday afternoon tea dances, once a popular feature of New York social life, were reinstated at the hotel during the Golden Era as a prelude to sophisticated Sunday night dinner dances.

Among the first to offer an on-site health club, child care facilities (Teddy Bear Cave), a kennel for pampered pets and radios in every guest room. Originally it contained a Turkish bath and hospital complete with in-house physicians and an operating room for guests.

Guy Lombardo is a name that has always been synonymous with the rich history of The Roosevelt Hotel. Lombardo and his orchestra performed their first show at the Roosevelt Grill on October 3, 1929 and continued to play there for the next 30 years. It was at the Grill that he first broadcast what would become a famous New Years Eve tradition, playing of "Auld Lang Syne".

A then-unknown Lawrence Welk orchestrated his bubbling success in the hotel, long before his career hit a high note with national audiences.

The Roosevelt has stood tall since the hotel first opened its doors on September 22, 1924, and over the next 90 years it has remained a true icon of the City of New York. The Roosevelt has welcomed guests from all around the world and has been part of countrie's rich history. From the roaring 20's and prohibition, World War II and the baby boomers, Woodstock to Music Videos, and Y2K to Smartphones. Through it all, The Roosevelt Hotel has remained a true New York City experience.

Featured in many major motion pictures including “Wall Street”, “Boiler Room”, “Presumed Innocent”, “The Hoax”, “The French Connection”, “Maid in Manhattan”, “Quiz Show”, “1408” and “Malcolm X”, as well as hit TV shows such as “Mad Men”, “Law & Order”, “The Bachelor” and “Wheel of Fortune.” The lobby of the hotel was even the backdrop for Rascal Flatts Christmas hit, “I’ll be home for Christmas.”

Due to continued financial losses associated with the COVID-19 pandemic, The Roosevelt Hotel permanently closed its doors in 2020.

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