Four Seasons Hotel New York made a splash on “Billionaire's Row,” the pricey stretch between Park and Madison Avenue, from the moment it opened. The hotel's architect, I.M. Pei, the same brilliant designer behind the Louvre Pyramid, created the 52-story hotel, which, when it opened in 1993, was the tallest hotel in Manhattan. For two-plus decades, the East 57th Street landmark, erected with the same limestone on its façade that was used at the Louvre, stood as one of the city's crown jewels, a swanky social hub for locals, business and leisure travelers, who would hold court in the hotel's lobby bar before retreating to their palatial room in the sky. During COVID, the hotel closed to guests and began temporarily offering medical workers free accommodation before fully closing its doors for a revamp in 2020. The property reopened in November 2024 to much fanfare from devoted guests eager to return.
Though there are many changes — refreshed dining options from executive chef Maria Tampakis, updated interiors, smoother elevators and improving lighting are some of the highlights — the hotel’s enduring features, such as the staggering views of Central Park, impeccable service and bright, spacious suites, remain consistent, solidifying this address’ place in Manhattan's history.