English text by Angela Feng
Pictures courtesy of The InterContinental New York Barclay

Built in 1926 as part of Grand Central Terminal’s urban design plan, The Barclay played a pivotal role in New York City’s transformation into the commercial and cultural capital it is today. As one of the original “railroad” hotels, its luxurious yet residential atmosphere made it the lodging of choice among New York’s elite.

Front entrance/Courtesy of InterContinental New York Barclay

InterContinental Hotels—one of the world’s leading hotel companies, with establishments across nearly 100 countries—purchased The Barclay in 1978. Since then, the hotel has undergone multiple restorations, the most recent in 2014. After an extensive, 20-month-long renovation process, The Barclay reopened in April 2016. The top-to-bottom revitalization cost over $180 million, with more than 420,000 square feet of redesigned interiors.

Courtesy of InterContinental New York Barclay

Two exquisite ballrooms and the magnificent Harold S. Vanderbilt Penthouse are among the hotel’s biggest additions. The renovation process focused on expanding and modernizing, while maintaining The Barclay’s historic charm and its quintessential Park Avenue residential style.

Penthouse Terrace Crysler View Night/Courtesy of InterContinental New York Barclay

The grand marble staircase, Federalist-style details, and an elaborate lobby ceiling are all reminiscent of the hotel’s storied past. Meticulously chosen artwork reflects The Barclay’s 1920s legacy, from vintage maps to Hudson River School landscapes. Additionally, the golden songbirds that adorn the entrance pay homage to one of the hotel’s most famous features: the giant birdcage that stood in the center of the lobby until it was removed in the 1990s.

Interior of the Barclay Apartment Hotel in New York City.
Image by © Underwood/Corbis

Environmental consciousness is fundamental to The Barclay. Its sustainability strategy aligns with the United Nations 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, and follows the Triple Bottom Line framework of economic prosperity, environmental protection, and social responsibility. By abiding by these principles, The Barclay hopes to decrease its environmental footprint while positively impacting society.

Gloria Swanson, Marlon Brando, and Ernest Hemingway are among the numerous famous figures the hotel has hosted. With a wide range of rooms and suites that all exude elegance and comfort, The Barclay has the perfect space for every guest and occasion.

InterContinental New York Barclay
111 East 48th Street, New York, NY 10017
www.intercontinentalnybarclay.com