NEW YORK - Viceroy Hotel Group announced the opening of Viceroy New York, marking the next generation of luxury hospitality and the company's first branded property in Manhattan. Uniting the hottest names in hotel development, architecture, design, nightlife and cuisine, the hotel is a haven for travelers seeking individuality coupled with a new interpretation of modernity. Feeding off the vibrancy of the city that never sleeps and the iconic bustle of West 57th Street, Viceroy New York sets a new bar for modern Manhattan hoteliers.
Bringing back the practice of putting one firm in control of both the building's architecture and the hotel's interiors, Viceroy New York has partnered with powerhouse design firm Roman and Williams to create a game-changing hotel that breaks the mold of typical midtown properties, catering to the most discerning tastemakers and trendsetters through a unique downtown aesthetic – without compromising on uptown sophistication. Roman and Williams has designed a building whose disciplined architecture gives it structure and clarity. Details such as over-scaled, fluted, cast-glass bricks at the street level, brass fluting at the base, and black muntined windows recall the neighborhood's pre-war structures and the glamour of nearby iconic locations.
Roman and Williams' principal Stephen Alesch explains, "The building is laid out on a grid between two simple flanking walls; vertical steel struts run up the entire face of the building, which are the exoskeleton used to express structure. These are benchmarks of a Miesian approach. However, there is something unique about our method. Our grid of Neo-Miesian design looks further back with the choice of casement windows and muntins. So in fact, it is more pre-Mies than Neo-Miesian."
Robin Standefer, another of the firm's principals, adds, "We were inspired by film noir; notoriously stylish, a collision of the old world and the new world. That's where we want to be and that's what we want to share with people."
The timeless space boasts a striking double-height lobby, bespoke interiors and sweeping public spaces – which are enhanced by an exclusive custom fragrance created by scent curators 12.29. Viceroy New York's grand, yet understated, public spaces feature a combination of custom-designed and vintage elements, and signal the revival of the use of figured stone, a common element of New York City's 20th century buildings that has since faded to obscurity. Roman and Williams has embraced the elegant and natural quality of Paonazzo marble by incorporating it as a key design element throughout the property. The hotel also features a fully equipped business center – including a meeting room, boardroom and function areas all complete with A/V capabilities – as well as a world-class Technogym fitness center and indoor swimming pool. At the rear of the lobby, the hotel's library is the home to a selection of hand-picked books, as well as Gerber Group's "cartender," which kicks off happy hour nightly with complimentary samples of inventive and seasonal "off-the-menu" cocktails from a vintage bar.
Viceroy New York offers 240 luxury guest rooms throughout 29 stories, many of which showcase sprawling views of Central Park. With floor-to-ceiling windows tailored in exotic woods, supple leather and a mix of metal accents, each room features top-of-the-line amenities, including Beats by Dr. Dre Beatbox Portable audio sound systems, Sferra linens, Neil George spa products, illy coffee machines and custom curated mini-bars featuring top-shelf offerings like Vosges Haut-chocolat, Mash soft drinks and Hudson Whiskey. Guest rooms also provide hotel-branded smartphones with Viceroy Connect, a custom app that allows guests to control every aspect of their stay – including in-room elements, outside communication and concierge services. The hotel will also provide guests with personal training services.
"Today's much anticipated opening of Viceroy New York marks an extremely proud day for our brand, and we look forward to welcoming our many loyal guests who have been eagerly anticipating the unveiling of this unique hotel" said Bill Walshe, CEO of Viceroy Hotel Group. "We have an extraordinarily talented team at the hotel, and we are also thrilled to collaborate with Scott Gerber and Marc Murphy who are creating amazing bar and restaurant experiences".
Inside the hotel, an exciting culinary partnership rivals the top dining experiences the city has to offer. Hospitality and nightlife leader Gerber Group has partnered with Chef Marc Murphy to open Kingside, a street-level bar and restaurant featuring Murphy's interpretation of New American Cooking, alongside Gerber's renowned bar program of handcrafted cocktails, expansive global wine offerings, regionally brewed craft beers and small-batch spirits.
"This is Gerber Group's first partnership with Marc Murphy, and first venture with Viceroy Hotel Group, and we are excited to bring our signature New York approach to the hotel brand as they debut in the city," said Scott Gerber, Principal and CEO of Gerber Group. "With both The Roof lounge and Kingside, we look forward to offering our renowned nightlife and bar program to Viceroy's clientele."
"I am thrilled to be opening Kingside in Viceroy New York with our partners at Gerber Group," said Marc Murphy, Chef and Owner of Landmarc, Ditch Plains and Benchmarc Events. "I was fortunate to grow up in different cities around the world and my style of cooking definitely reflects my travels. I'm excited to bring my global take on New American cuisine, as well as the exceptional service we're known for, to New Yorkers and visitors alike."
Kingside, opening Monday, October 28th, features a menu that highlights an extensive raw and crudo bar, a variety of toasts, charcuterie and cheeses, salads and small plates, as well as larger entrees for sharing such as pastas, fish and meats. Complementing the variety of inventive dishes are classic cocktails like a custom barrel-aged Manhattan made with Michter's Rye, Canparo Antica and Angostura Bitters, and the Aviation, made with Bombay Gin, Maraschino Liqeur, Creme De Violette and fresh lemon juice. The venue also serves fresh cold-pressed juices from Liquiteria.
Embellished with tile, a strong graphic palette of black and white, and boasting a classic food counter with bright red stools and caramel leather banquettes, the space invites the hub of activity that has always defined the neighborhood. With 104 seats in the restaurant and 32 at the bar, Kingside is open daily for breakfast, lunch, dinner, late night dining, in-room dining and delivery.
Gerber Group will also offer guests a perch to take in the city's energy and awe-inspiring views with The Roof, an alluring lounge and outdoor deck opening in December. Roman and Williams has created an enchanting atmosphere that is at once refined and inviting, with a design that evokes the aesthetic of a luxury airliner complete with ipe floors, brass details, custom walnut-and-leather sofas and thoughtfully curated photographs of sky, sea and clouds. The menu will feature a rotating selection of Gerber's innovative cocktails that highlight market fresh ingredients and small plates from Kingside.
