October 9, 2012
Renovations for Historic Midtown Hotel Where Monroe and DiMaggio Lived
Mark Thompson READ TIME: 2 MIN.
NEW YORK, NY - The Radisson Lexington Hotel in New York has become an independently operated property known as the Lexington New York City, which was announced by Highgate Hotels, the management group for the property.
The 712-room Midtown New York hotel will undergo a massive, multi-million dollar renovation to reinvent the building that was once home to American icons Joe DiMaggio and Marilyn Monroe.
Located in the heart of Manhattan's midtown district, the Lexington sheds it Radisson flag to reposition itself as a hotel destination geared toward high-end business and leisure travelers. New York-based Dash Design will create a new look that blends the property's legacy with a modern expression of classic New York.
Guest rooms will experience a complete overhaul; residential cues, custom furnishings and commissioned artwork will transform the Lexington in to a calming, luxurious respite. Through the use of art deco patterns, a mix of soft and deep color palettes, and modern furnishings, the style will be reminiscent of the iconic jazz era.
"The Lexington's historical significance is something that has proven to be a great influence throughout the design process," said David Ashen of Dash Design. "We felt it was important to highlight the elements that have drawn so many noteworthy guests to this hotel since the late 1920s. We are bringing a fresh perspective to the property and working to create a place that feels familiar and referential."
Guests will continue to enjoy a range of food and beverage offerings at the hotel on Manhattan's East Side that includes three full service restaurants: Gourmet Chinese eatery, S. Dynasty; Taina Caf� featuring Nuevo Latino cuisine by star chef Diane DiMeo, winner of The Food Network's Chopped; and the hotel's longtime dining destination, Raffles.
In addition to its traditional service, Raffles will offer a heighted evening experience. Ambient jazz music will fill the space and murals of vintage album covers from the likes of Art Tatum and A.T. Delight will dress the walls. The Lex Lounge and Sushi Bar and the hotel's Starbucks outpost will remain onsite and continue catering to guests as well as area residents and businessmen.
Rich in history, the Lexington has played host to some of the country's most notable personalities and exclusive groups. Actor Arthur Godfrey entertained in The Hawaiian Room; actress Dorothy Lamour was a regular guest; The Playboy Club occupied multiple areas of the hotel; Joe DiMaggio and Marilyn Monroe lived in a suite on the 18th floor.
In more recent times, bold faced names such as President Bill Clinton, singer Patti LaBelle, singer/actress Jennifer Lopez and tennis star Roger Federer have checked-in.
The Lexington originally opened in 1929 at the height of New York's hotel boom. The 30-story building towered over an emerging strip that would eventually become lined with residential and commercial skyscrapers. Imagined as an escape from Manhattan's buzzing business world, the hotel was the work of the period's architectural royalty, Schultze and Weaver, the masterminds behind iconic properties such as The Biltmore in Miami, The Breakers Palm Beach and the Waldorf Astoria in New York.
The Lexington New York City is located at 511 Lexington Avenue at 48th Street in New York City. 212-755-4400.
A long-term New Yorker and a member of New York Travel Writers Association, Mark Thompson has also lived in San Francisco, Boston, Provincetown, D.C., Miami Beach and the south of France. The author of the novels WOLFCHILD and MY HAWAIIAN PENTHOUSE, he has a PhD in American Studies and is the recipient of fellowships at MacDowell, Yaddo, and Blue Mountain Center. His work has appeared in numerous publications.
