InterContinental New York Barclay Hotel Reopens
May 17, 2016
The InterContinental New York Barclay, which made its grand debut to New York society in 1926 as one of the original “Railroad” hotels, has reopened following a $180 million, 20-month top-to-bottom renovation with more than 420,000 sf of redesigned interiors. The revitalized hotel brings to life The Barclay Experience — quintessential New York sensibility, sustainable practices and a celebration of the thriving, fast-paced local culture, while continuing to offer international expertise.
The Barclay hotel introduces a more open and inviting lobby leading to a new spectacular Carrara marble Grand Staircase. The redesigned property also features 704 spacious guest rooms and suites reminiscent of a classic Park Avenue home, an expansive Club InterContinental and 15,000 sf of thoughtfully designed meeting and event spaces. The new Gin Parlour offers 88 premium gins alongside other preferred wines and spirits. The new bar also will feature a locally sourced menu.
Artwork was carefully selected to reflect the hotel’s 1920s legacy. Antique maps and early 19th century Hudson River School landscapes, renowned for romanticizing nature and highlighting areas of interest, such as the Catskill Mountains and the Adirondacks, are featured throughout The Barclay’s public spaces and guest rooms. Equally fashionable during the same period, details such as classical urns, sculptures, and busts, as well as damask and rinceau patterns can be seen throughout the hotel. In keeping with the Federalist design motif and sophisticated style, eagle medallion door plates are affixed on each guest room, a feature that has been preserved from the original Barclay.
With two magnificent ballrooms and five meeting spaces, The Barclay’s 4,954-sf Grand Ballroom and its 3,500-sf Empire Ballroom feature 17-foot coffered ceilings, exquisite chandeliers, as well as custom crown molding and millwork. At Club InterContinental, travelers can enjoy a quiet yet engaging space for business and social interactions while indulging in a range of complimentary food and beverage offerings.
Located off The Barclay’s lobby area and inspired by Dutch and English gin bars of the 1920s, the Gin Parlour offers signature cocktails, including the Midtown Apothecary, which is served over aromatized cracked ice and botanicals, and The Hive, featuring honey harvested in New York City complemented by a honey cluster. In addition, the menu features modern fare that pays tribute to the international culture and history of New York City dining, such as Alphabet City Soft Pretzels, as well as locally sourced Broiled Oysters “Reuben” with Barclay Pickle Relish.
The hotel’s culinary team procures the most organic, local, seasonal and responsible ingredients possible from nearby growers, farmers, forages and artisans they have direct relationships with, including Norwich Meadows Farm, Old Chatham Sheepherding Creamery and Satur Farms.
The new Barclay aims to be the first hotel to align with the United Nations 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. Becoming the benchmark of the hospitality industry, The Barclay is using the IHG Corporate Responsibility Pillars: Green Engage, IHG Academy and IHG Foundation.
Committed to environmental protection, The Barclay supports a number of ecological initiatives including the Billion Dollar Oyster Project, which helps to grow oysters, build reefs and monitors water quality. Contributing to New York’s economic prosperity, The Barclay is providing work and growth opportunities through the IHG Academy, allowing the hotel to collaborate with educational providers and community groups to help local people build their hospitality skills and improve their employability. As a socially responsible hotel, The Barclay is partnering with City Harvest to combat hunger in the five boroughs, as well as working with Clean The World to save lives with items that traditionally end up in landfills.