(NEW YORK, September 17, 2024) – DLR Group and Sonesta together celebrate the unveiling and reimagining of The Benjamin Royal Sonesta Hotel New York. Launching the Royal Sonesta brand with this flagship location, the first in New York City, The Benjamin features elegant new public spaces, a redesigned lobby, and a luxurious renovation of 209 residential-style guestrooms and suites, including the historically recognized Benjamin Suite and the introduction of the brand-new Beverly Suite.

At the prominent corner of 50th and Lexington Avenue in New York City, The Benjamin Royal Sonesta Hotel first opened in 1927 as The Beverly. Standing tall with its opulently adorned neo-Romanesque edifice, the 26-story hotel symbolizes a formative stage in the development of New York City’s breathtaking skyline, inspiring acclaimed artists such as Georgia O’Keeffe, who immortalized it in her 1929 work “New York Night,” featuring the hotel and the iconic rosette window at the top of the building. Recognizing the hotel’s profound cultural significance and heritage, New York City appointed The Benjamin as an official New York City landmark in 2017.

Taking cues from the building’s rich history, the restorative design draws inspiration from our two protagonists, Benjamin and Beverly, revealing their story as guests move through each space. The design blends masculine elements as a reflection of “Ben,” featuring exquisite architecture moments, bold lines, and modern details. While feminine touches capture “Bev” through gilded curves, intricate patterns, and a soft palette. Their friendship comes through the warmth, wit, and timeless nature that sets the tone for what one can expect during their stay.

A Renewed Sense of Arrival

The reimagined lobby presents a sophisticated sense of arrival and discovery. The front desk, modeled after a handcrafted cigar box, features rich ebony wood and warm leather, and is outlined with gold detailing.  A soft, amber-veined onyx backdrop casts a gentle glow, while a flowing sculptural element shimmers above, infusing the lobby with a modern elegance. This ambiance is elevated by new, luxurious furnishings, bespoke art, and authentic local touches.

Spacious Accommodations

The hotel’s generously sized guestrooms and suites provide ample space for relaxation and comfort. They feature warm walnut wood tones, inviting herringbone flooring, and light-colored wallcoverings to maintain an airy feel. New headboards angle inwards embracing guests in a comforting hug, while marble and chrome elements throughout create a classic, timeless, and sophisticated ambiance. The suites debut new lounge seating with sleeper sofas and burl wood-topped coffee tables. Featured artwork captures moments from Manhattan’s culture from fashion-inspired pieces above the headboards to an urban collection of windows in the suite living rooms. A love note from Ben to Bev highlighting their deep friendship sits above the desk.

Premium Suites

The two premium suites, The Benjamin and The Beverly, offer guests a renewed sense of luxury.  Each suite boasts sweeping terraces that open to breathtaking views of New York City’s iconic skyline, offering guests an unparalleled experience of elegance and grandeur.

The luxurious Benjamin Suite evokes its character’s main qualities of promise, determination, and entrepreneurship through strong architectural features and furniture. The suite features a wood-clad gallery art wall, a burl wood conference table paired with new leather wingback dining chairs to provide an executive setting for meetings, a new custom built-in desk in a niche space off the living room, and a menswear-inspired desk chair. In the bedroom, the leather and wood headboard spans the wall as the focal point of the room and a newly added walk-in closet features a custom millwork cabinet.

The lavish Beverly Suite exudes delicate feminine touches through finishes, soft curves, and decorative light fixtures. The living room showcases a library wall with intricate detailing and shelving for accessories and lounge seating comprises a sleeper sofa in a feminine toile fabric and ochre lounge chairs. The freestanding burl wood desk features carved legs and the marble dining table with a fluted wood base seats six luxe velvet dining chairs and is illuminated from above by a beautiful circular glass chandelier. The new kitchen has marble porcelain finishes, and the bedroom features a floor-to-ceiling headboard with a floral print and leather panels.

Guests seeking a comfortable workspace will appreciate The Benjamin’s Work Suite, a novel multi-zone experiential meeting space concept that converges traditional and coworking elements with best-in-class hotel amenities. This versatile meeting area will exude a sophisticated yet relaxed atmosphere, fostering diverse working and collaboration styles.

Learn more about The Benjamin Royal Sonesta New York.

Learn more about DLR Group’s approach to hospitality design.