The Historic Hotels of New York City

Explore the grand hotels of Midtown Manhattan on this two-hour walking tour. The route, covering approximately 1.4 miles, highlights some of New York’s most iconic hotels, including The Plaza, St. Regis, Peninsula, and Waldorf Astoria. Learn how these hotels shaped the neighborhood, survived Prohibition, and influenced architecture and social life. The tour focuses on lavish post-Gilded Age hotels that set standards for design, technology, and elegance. You will hear stories of long-term residents, eccentric guests, and the famous parties that made these hotels legendary. Participants will also learn about apartment hotels, Raines law hotels, and the role of hotels in urban development and society during the early twentieth century.

As you walk through Midtown, the tour explores fascinating anecdotes about hotel guests, real estate transactions, and architectural innovations. Hear how double strands of pearls influenced property deals, discover how hotels offered home-like services for mobility and comfort, and learn about murals, bar innovations, and sidewalk dining controversies. This tour combines history, architecture, and storytelling to reveal the culture and style of New York’s most glamorous hotels. Tours take place rain or shine, so participants should dress for the weather and wear comfortable shoes for walking.