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By Pat Stevenson
The Renaissance New York Harlem Hotel held a ribbon cutting on November 29, 2023, to celebrate its grand opening with Harlem community leaders and residents. The hotel officially opened and began receiving guests in September.
Renaissance New York Harlem Hotel sits in the Victoria Building, previously home to the renowned Victoria Theater. Initially established as a vaudeville venue in 1917, the Victoria Theater was later transformed into a cinema before remaining unused for many years. Preserving the essence of the Victoria Theater, the hotel conserves its outer façade and marquee. Located at 233 West 125th Street, the hotel is just a few buildings from the famous Apollo Theater.
Keith Wright, Leader of the NY Democratic Party, presided over the program in one of the event rooms. A couple hundred community business leaders and residents were invited to attend the event. Attendees included Barbara Askins, CEO & President of the 125th St BID; Curtis Archer, President of Harlem Community Development Corporation; Hope Knight, President, CEO and Commissioner of Empire State Development Corporation; Michael Garner, Chief Diversity Officer Mayor’s MWBE division; Malcolm Punter, CEO of HCCI, Hubert Collins, President of the board of Esplanade Gardens; Joseph L. Tait, former president and CEO of Harlem Commonwealth Council; Leon Ellis, owner of Chocolate Restaurant; Princess Jenkins, owner of the Brownstone, Polo Green, owner of Hairmasters; and Tony Rogers, President of the Harlem Tourism Board, just to name a few.
There were presentations and comments by the stakeholders, which included Steve Williams, the developers Craig Livingston, the Dansforth Group, and the Lamb family. The architect was introduced, along with Real Hospitality, which will be running the hotel.
“We are thrilled to announce the opening of Renaissance New York Harlem Hotel, a project that not only aims to revitalize the neighborhood but also honor the cultural legacy of the Harlem Renaissance,” said Lewiston Murray, General Manager, Renaissance New York Harlem Hotel. “Our vision is to create an inviting space for the community and guests alike to experience Harlem in its fullness through unexpected dining, celebratory beverage rituals, jazz performances, original artwork, and more.”
The hotel plans to offer a unique experience that connects the community through arts, music, cuisine, and heritage. The hotel has a Victoria Lounge in the lobby, where you can enjoy soul fusion food and cocktails while listening to the sound of a blue piano. You will notice the staircase from the lounge up to the second deck of the lounge with names of famous artists such as Duke Ellington, Louis Armstrong, Ella Fitzgerald, and others. The pillows on the cozy lounge chairs scattered throughout are covered with the faces of such artists as James Brown and Aretha Franklin, etc. There are plans for a rooftop bar that will provide vibrant city views. The guestrooms and suites are thoughtfully designed and curated, bringing you Harlem’s history, art, and culture, paired with eye-catching views of Central Park, the Hudson, and Harlem River
Renaissance New York Harlem Hotel is the tallest building north of Central Park and the Marriot brand’s first hotel in Harlem. The property boasts 211 guest rooms and suites, a dynamic culinary offering, and 9000+ square feet of event space. Renaissance New York Harlem Hotel combines the vibrant spirit and rich culture of Harlem with the polished glamour of the Harlem Renaissance era.
“Harlem is a historical epicenter of art, cuisine, music, and culture, and it is of the utmost importance that we stay true to the authenticity of the locale – from the details in the design to our daily programming and entertainment. In bringing the Renaissance Hotel brand to this famed neighborhood, we are inviting travelers near and far to enjoy all that this community has to offer,” said Jennifer Connell, Global Brand Leader, Renaissance Hotels.
Conceptualized by AJC design and in line with Renaissance Hotels’ design approach across its global portfolio, the very fabric of Harlem’s past, present and future is ingrained into its architecture and every design element. The ambiance pays homage to the cultural iconography of Harlem, honoring musical legends such as Billie Holiday, Josephine Baker, Louis Armstrong, and Cab Calloway.
A true celebration of the neighborhood, the property features custom, artistic renditions of these icons, as well as a contemporary art piece of Harlem gracing the library ceiling. The 211 guest rooms include a mix of 107 single rooms, 101 doubles and three suites featuring Langston Hughes quotes adorning the walls, expansive views of Harlem and Central Park, plush bedding, and modern state-of-the-art amenities – all a welcome reprieve from the hustle of the city.
The new hotel offers over 9,000 square feet of meeting and event space spread across five venues. Fully customizable, the property’s event spaces can accommodate up to 300 people, perfect for weddings, board meetings, team-building retreats, performing arts, and more. Business and leisure guests can enjoy flexible meeting spaces marked by inspired, directional design elements that conceptualize and pay homage to Harlem’s historical icons known for their artistic flair.
This inclusive and collaborative listening session brought together the community, business leaders, creators, and neighbors for a day of meaningful exploration and conversation with the goal of growing future brand programs.
