Built in 1919 by the Pennsylvania Railroad the stately neo–Renaissance–style Hotel Pennsylvania was the largest hotel building in the world's greatest city – New York. This was the last addition to a chain of luxury hotels operated by the E. M. Statler Company. The hotel was designed by the prominent architectural firm of McKim, Mead and White, which also completed landmark properties such as the original Pennsylvania Railroad Station, the Pierpont Morgan Library, Columbia University and the United States Post Office Building on Eighth Ave. Considered New York's Grand Dame and place to stay by dignitaries and discriminating travelers, Hotel Pennsylvania hosted numerous presidential visits.
Bounded on the west by Seventh Avenue and on the north and south by 33rd and 32nd streets respectively, the hotel was erected on a building site measuring 200 x 400 feet. The hotel building has 22 floors from street level to the roof inclusive and three levels in the penthouse. The first four stories are faced with Indiana limestone and treated with Roman Ionic pilasters, with rusticated walls in between. The Seventh Avenue facade contains a magnificent portico of six Ionic columns marking the main entrance. These core structures remain intact today, retaining the ambience of a bygone era.
Originally there were 2,200 bathrooms, 3,537 beds and the world's first high–rise elevator system. Underground passages connected the hotel to Pennsylvania Station so guests arriving by rail avoided any exposure to inclement weather. Upon opening, the rate for a single room was $3.50 per night (about $48 in today’s currency, adjusted for inflation). Today, Hotel Pennsylvania remains the fourth largest hotel in Manhattan, with 1,700 available rooms.
Ellsworth Statler, the prominent hotelier was contracted as the first general manager of the property. Later named “Hotel Man of the Century” by the American Hotel Association, he is best known for his quote, "There are things that make a hotel famous location, location, location." Ellsworth Statler was referring to the Hotel Pennsylvania, which remained the largest in the world until 1927.
The hotel is famous for its grandeur and place in the world of jazz musical entertainment. The renowned Cafe Rouge Ballroom (considered one of the most popular nightclubs in New York during the late 1930's and 1940's) hosted most of the Big Band Era's musicians. These included the Dorsey brothers, Fred Waring, Benny Goodman, Count Basie, Duke Ellington and of course, the Glenn Miller Orchestra who regularly broadcast across America, "Live from the Cafe Rouge."
New York's Hotel Pennsylvania has kept the same telephone number since 1919, which was immortalized in the 1938 Glenn Miller hit "Pennsylvania 6–5000." This is New York's, and perhaps the World’s longest continually used telephone number.
Historical Timeline of
New York’s Hotel Pennsylvania
1917/18 Pennsylvania Railroad commissions the architectural firm of McKim, Mead and White to design and construct a grand hotel.
January 20, 1919 The Statler Hotel Pennsylvania officially opens its doors. The original Hotel had 2,200 rooms (each with their own bathroom) and high-speed elevators. Renowned hotelier Ellsworth Statler, is contracted to manage the property.
Late 1930's/40's Considered one of the most popular nightclubs in New York. The Café Rouge at the Hotel was home to the "Big Bands" at their height. The Hotel's telephone number, "Pennsylvania 6-5000," is immortalized by the Glenn Miller hit tune and is New York's longest continually used telephone number. It remains the same to this day!
1949 The Hotel is purchased outright by the Statler Company.
1954 Conrad Hilton, owner of the Hilton Hotel Corporation, consummates the largest merger in hotel history and assumes ownership of the property, renaming it the Statler Hilton.
1979 Dunfey Hotels Corporation acquires the property, changing the name to the New York Statler.
1983 Ascot Associates purchase the property through a joint venture owned by Penta Hotels, a European hotel company backed by Lufthansa Airlines, British Airways, and Swissair and by Abelco, a partnership of New York based real estate developers. The hotel is renamed the New York Penta Hotel.
Mid 1980's The New York Penta undergoes a major restoration program, including a computerized reservation system and redecoration to the interior and exterior of the building.
1990's The hotel becomes part of the Best Western and Ramada franchises.
1998 The original historical name is brought back to life, New York's Hotel Pennsylvania, and the Hotel becomes an independent entity, under the ownership of Vornado Realty Trust.
2001 New York's Hotel Pennsylvania undergoes a major restoration.
2002 New York's Pennsylvania officially registers "World's Most Popular Hotel" after records show the Hotel has hosted over 27 million visitors.
2003 New York's Pennsylvania launches the Penn 5000 Club geared towards business travelers.
2004 New York's Pennsylvania celebrates 20th Anniversary as "Host Hotel for Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show."
2007 New York’s Hotel Pennsylvania announces continued renovations and upgrades to guest accommodations.
|
