Loews Regency Hotel Gets a Facelift

From its perch on Park Avenue, the Loews Regency Hotel has been a cornerstone of uptown Manhattan for the past 50 years and integral to the Upper East Side’s reputation as a Mecca for New York society.

When it was first constructed in 1963, Bob and Larry Tisch’s hotel immediately began attracting movers-and-shakers with state of the art amenities like bathroom phones and stereophonic TV sets. While silent typewriters were high-tech enough to entice high-profile guests like Princess Grace of Monaco in the ‘60s, Jonathan Tisch, the new generation of the Tisch family, realized that the hotel needed an update to appeal to today’s elite traveler. In a bold move, Tisch closed the doors for an entire year, giving the landmark building a $100 million renovation. The new look has brought the Loews Regency into the 21^st century while still maintaining a link with its rich past.

The Regency still exudes Park Avenue luxury, but with a distinctly contemporary twist. The new lobby greets guests with glamorous geometric chandeliers and marble floors. Aged limestone walls have been replaced with “Brise de Printemps,” an art installation by Nina Helms that features 483 dogwood flowers spanning the length of the lobby lounge. The renovation continues upstairs in the guest rooms, all with a new clean and classic design. Guests can now also stay in one of six signature suites, each with its own unique style and killer views of bustling Park Avenue.

Perhaps the most exciting addition at the Loews Regency is the Julien Farel Restore Salon and Spa. The brainchild of celebrity hairstylist Julien Farel and renowned dermatologist Dr. Doris Day, the 10,000 square foot spa offers “Power Beauty” services like top of the line hair styling and customized anti-aging procedures to New Yorkers and visitors alike.

On site dining facilities have also received a massive face-lift. Saint Ambroeus Coffee Bar, a new addition, serves up Italian paninis and pastries alongside signature espressos and cappuccinos. Under executive chef Dan Silverman, the menu at the Regency Bar and Grill has been overhauled and features updated classics using local provisions. The interior screams Big Apple and is modeled after a traditional Park Avenue residence with plush velvet booths and abstract depictions of classic NYC sights. Even the books and knickknacks in the restaurant’s bookshelves are New York-centric—talk about attention to detail.

The Regency’s iconic “Power Breakfast” is still going strong. Bob Tisch started the long-standing ritual in 1975, when he invited New York leaders to discuss ways to help the city recover from the financial crisis. Although Katie Couric and Larry King have replaced Marvin Traub and David Dinkins on the list of regulars, the breakfast is still a big part of the New York City social scene.

Tinkering with a legend is risky business, but Jonathan Tisch has managed to update the hotel while maintaining its signature glamorous essence. Under his guidance, the Loews Regency is ready for the new generation of New York power people.