Sonesta International Hotels Corporation has invested in four boutique and lifestyle hotels in New York City, marking its return to the city.

The hotels are all located in Midtown and were formerly known as The Benjamin, The Shelburne Hotel & Suites, the Gardens Suites Hotel and the Fifty Hotel & Suites. Each hotel will be rebranded under Sonesta brands and operate as The Benjamin Royal Sonesta New York, The Shelburne Sonesta New York, The Gardens Sonesta ES Suites New York and The Fifty Sonesta Select New York. The hotels were previously owned by Denihan Hospitality Group, which will continue to own a minority interest in the hotels.

With the addition of these four properties, totaling 918 keys, Sonesta continues its exponential growth, having increased the number of its U.S. managed hotels by approximately 350% since August 2020, the company reports. Along with launching Sonesta’s four brands into New York City, the intellectual property for The James Hotels brand was also added. Sonesta intends to scale The James Hotels within the Sonesta portfolio. The James Hotels provides Sonesta a platform to build upon a lifestyle brand that is well-known for providing a memorable, luxury experience with a focus on design and exceptional guest service, according to the company.

“For Sonesta, this investment marks a significant milestone in our growth as we re-enter the New York City market, which is one of the largest and most dynamic markets in the world,” said John Murray, president/CEO, Sonesta. “As we considered opportunities to grow the Sonesta brand and raise awareness, a strong presence in New York City has been a long-term objective.”

“We are excited that Sonesta, the eighth largest hotel company in the U.S., h-s chosen to become the steward of the portfolio of hotels founded by our father, Benjamin Denihan, in 1963,” said Brooke Barrett and Patrick Denihan, co-CEOs and owners of Denihan Hospitality Group. “Sonesta is an experienced operator and knows how to increase long-term value, and we’re excited about the future that lies ahead for the four New York City properties and The James Hotel brand.”

The four hotels comprising Sonesta’s New York City hotel portfolio are:

The Benjamin Royal Sonesta New York

The Benjamin Royal Sonesta New York (pictured above) represents Sonesta’s first distinctive full-service property in Manhattan. A New York City landmark and boutique-style hotel, the 209-room hotel was originally designed as a residential-style hotel with terraces. Designed by famed architect Emery Roth, the hotel’s edifice inspired artist Georgia O’Keefe’s painting “New York—Night.” The Benjamin offers guestrooms and suites ranging from deluxe rooms, studios and one-bedroom suites to suites with terraces. The hotel features amenities including an onsite restaurant, a 24-hour fitness center and 2,200 sq. ft. of event space.

Sonesta is planning to make a multimillion-dollar investment to renovate the lobby and guestrooms at the hotel within the next 18 months.

The Shelburne Sonesta New York

Steps away from Grand Central Station, The Shelburne Sonesta New York offers 325 spacious guestrooms and suites, ranging from studios to two-bedroom apartments. Many of the rooms have large terraces and views of the Empire State Building.
Sonesta is planning substantial enhancements to the food and beverage operation at the property, including transforming the seasonal rooftop lounge with 360-degree views of the Manhattan skyline into an outdoor oasis for guests.

The Gardens Sonesta ES Suites New York

Conveniently located on the Upper East Side, The Gardens Sonesta ES Suites, an extended-stay property, offers 132 suites, each featuring open living spaces and full kitchens. Some suites are available with private terraces and patios. The hotel is located near many world-renowned medical facilities, as well as Central Park and Madison Avenue.

The Fifty Sonesta Select New York

The Fifty Sonesta Select New York represents Sonesta’s newest upscale focused-service brand and recently underwent a multimillion-dollar renovation and offers 252 guestrooms and suites that include kitchens and private terraces. The hotel is near many famous New York City attractions such as Rockefeller Center, Central Park, Radio City Music Hall and Fifth and Madison Avenues.
Sonesta previously owned and managed The Plaza Hotel and The Roosevelt Hotel in New York.

Moelis & Company LLC acted as Denihan’s advisor.

SOURCE: https://hotelbusiness.com/sonesta-adds-four-nyc-hotels/