Hyatt Hotels Corporation (NYSE: H) and Extell Development Corporation announced today that they will introduce the legendary Park Hyatt luxury brand to New York with a newly-constructed hotel designed by world-renowned, Pritzker Prize-winning architect Christian de Portzamparc.

“As one of the world’s greatest business, financial and cultural centers, New York is a frequent destination for Park Hyatt guests. We are delighted to be able to bring Park Hyatt’s understated, contemporary sophistication to Manhattan,” said Steve Haggerty, global head of real estate and development for Hyatt. “Because New York is such a critical market, this hotel will be a milestone for the brand’s development in terms of both representation in a key market and global visibility, two key drivers of brand preference for guests and owners alike. As we increase our presence in North America, we are committed to establishing the same awareness and reputation for Park Hyatt here that the brand’s iconic hotels and refined service have earned in other markets.”

“We are excited about creating a future landmark in the cultural heart of New York that will be a beacon for travelers from around the world, as well as home to some of the city’s most spectacular residences,” said Extell President Gary Barnett.

A Hyatt subsidiary and Extell have formed a joint venture that will acquire the hotel upon its completion, subject to the completion of certain contractual milestones.

Park Hyatt New York will be located at 157 West 57th Street between Avenue of the Americas and Seventh Avenue, across from Carnegie Hall. Slated for completion in 2012, the 210-room hotel will be part of a 90-story mixed-use tower that will also feature 135 Thomas Juul-Hansen-designed luxury condominiums with breathtaking views of Central Park and the New York skyline.

In addition to a distinctive bar and restaurant and 5,000 square feet of retail space, the property will include a premier meeting facility with a grand ballroom and distinctive event space, as well as a lavish spa, fitness center, and indoor swimming pool in a three-story aerie at the top of the hotel. The world-class hotel will reflect Park Hyatt’s intimate and understated elegance with interiors designed by the design firm Yabu Pushelberg.

Currently, discerning global travelers look to Park Hyatt for luxurious, elegant accommodation and personalized, attentive service in 25 destinations, including many of the world’s premier locations, such as Beijing, Buenos Aires, Carlsbad, Chicago, Dubai, Goa, Hamburg, Istanbul, Jeddah, Melbourne, Mendoza, Milan, Moscow, Paris, Saigon, Seoul, Shanghai, Sydney, Tokyo, Toronto, Washington, D.C., and Zurich. Twelve previously announced Park Hyatt hotels are under development, which, when completed, will increase the number of Park Hyatt properties worldwide to 38 over the next five years.

Two of NYC’s newest haven’t even been open for a year yet they’ve already undergone some big management changes. First there was Fashion 26 who used to be run by Wyndham but have now been taken off by Highgate Hospitality. We also hear from a super secret hotel insider that Highgate is just a temporary management company and that Fashion26′s new owners are seeking to get Hilton in there instead.

Meanwhile, changes are happening at The Distrikt Hotel as well. The ownership remains the same but according to our tipster, Mode management company is out while Access Hotels and Resorts have taken over. Indeed this was confirmed in a press release yesterday. (But it’s currently still linked to Choice Hotels’ Ascend Collection so we’re not sure if that’s changing too.)

Source: HotelChatter

The James today announced the opening of its New York luxury hotel, The James New York-Soho.

The Soho luxury hotel, anchoring the southwest corner of Soho at Grand and Thompson Streets, is today accepting reservations at its 114 guestrooms and suites. In conjunction with the opening, the hotel is offering introductory rates starting from $349 and including in-room breakfast.

The Soho boutique hotel, designed by the Office for Design and Architecture (ODA) in collaboration with Perkins Eastman and custom interiors by Amanda Sullivan with The James Design team, blends elements of artistry and community throughout. Every detail of the hotel has been meticulously thought out from room numbers to the one-of-a-kind textiles and light fixtures selected by furniture curator Cristina Grajales.

“Our strategy was to identify a hospitality group with new ideas and fresh thinking,” said Shai Shamir, managing director of Brack Capital Real Estate (BCRE), owner and developer of The James New York. “The James brand embodies the modern version of a luxury hotel with a strong focus on design and service, making it the perfect addition to the Soho hotel landscape.”

In homage to the creative neighborhood it calls home, The James New York will feature a mix of local and international artists, both prominent and up-and-coming. The carefully curated art collection is reflective of the brand’s commitment to the arts and is an extension of The James Chicago’s extensive, cultural partnerships in Chicago.

“The stylish and culturally rich neighborhood of Soho is the ideal home for The James New York, providing a perfect backdrop for the brand’s artful blend of exquisite hand-crafted design, seamlessly intuitive service and personalized comfort,” said Brooke Barrett, co-CEO of Denihan Hospitality Group, owners and operators of The James brand.

Armed to be a top New York luxury hotel, The James New York will offer personalized comfort, generous complimentary amenities, custom-designed, modern furniture and impeccable service to create an environment that is ideal for both business and leisure travelers.

As well, environmentally thoughtful details can be found throughout the property, including reclaimed wood and rugs made from all-natural fibers. Additional features of the Soho luxury hotel, include:

• A luxurious Penthouse Loft on the 16th floor designed by renowned Dutch architect and interior designer, Piet Boon with expansive skyline views of the Brooklyn and Manhattan Bridges
• A state-of-the-art fully equipped gym with natural light and river views
• All in-room amenities from Intelligent Nutrients, a certified organic, food-based, natural beauty line
• State-of-the-art audio technology from Bowers & Wilkins, including Zeppelin I-pod docking stations and iPads loaded with customized local shopping and dining guides
• Complimentary bicycles courtesy of Public Bikes or use of the hotel’s Lexus RX 400 hybrid vehicle.

A family-friendly and pet friendly New York hotel, The James New York offers a range of offerings for kids and pets alike, including pajama sets and Paul Frank coloring sheets. For guests traveling with their dogs, beds and doggy bowls will be provided by Soho-based pet retail shop Doggystyle, along with a specially-created amenity treat bag.

Lastly, the Soho boutique hotel offers luxurious, unique New York social spaces, all of which are dedicated to natural light and open space, two elements which are traditionally difficult to find in New York hotels. Social spaces include:

• The Sky Lobby, a third-floor glass-walled welcome and reception area, accessible by a glass elevator that transports guests from the ground floor entry to a private living room and business networking lounge
• A lush New York Urban Garden, replete with grass and botanicals and enclosed by industrial, concrete walls – a protective shell for the hidden greenery within
• An expansive outdoor, Garden Bar & Restaurant with comfortable seating arrangements amid park-like landscaping scheduled to open in Spring 2011.
• A modern indoor/outdoor special events and meeting room featuring a private entrance, state-of-the-art video conferencing and in-room private dining capabilities
• A stunning rooftop pool deck, bar and lounge with inspiring views of the city skyline, gorgeous architectural features and a glass enclosed all-season bar and lounge

ABOUT THE JAMES

In the realm of hospitality, The James hotel, with locations in Chicago and New York, are authentic, warmly modern, residentially-styled luxury hotels liberated from tradition. The brand’s core philosophy is evident in each of the ideally situated property’s design aesthetic, culture and personal, intuitive service. The James New York will debut September 2010 as a stylish alternative for the discerning business and leisure traveler and is located near the corner of Grand and Thompson Streets. The James New York will feature unique special event spaces, engaging guestrooms and seasonally rotating artwork throughout.

Starwood’s W hotel chain this month will add another name to its list of New York City hotels, following the loss of two hotels this spring.

The newest member of the club is the 58-story, 217-room W New York – Downtown, which is poised to check in its first guests on Aug. 16.

Expect to see power brokers wining and dining each other BLT Bar & Grill. The hotel’s bar scene will have both indoor and outdoor options, with a terrace that boasts magnificent city views.

So what’s it going to cost you? Rates start at $399 a night on weekends and $529 midweek.

The W near Wall Street is just one of the many new hotels open or about to open in Manhattan. The InterContinental Times Square opened this week, while Hyatt’s Andaz 5th Avenue – the more W-like of the two – opened last month. Back in April, two of Starwood’s five Manhattan hotels – the W The Court and W The Tuscany (now St Giles Hotels) – dropped the W name.

While Andaz 5th Avenue moved up its date by a few weeks, it looks like the Gansevoort Park Avenue NYC has moved theirs back–by only by a week. The hotel will now open on July 26. Room rates are still holding steady at $395 a night and we’ve also learned that the hotel’s Italian restaurant and second-level bar will not be opening until the fall.

The rooftop playground, however, should open when the hotel does. After all, with this heat in NYC how can the hotel deny guests another place to seek relief? Simply, they cannot. It would be cruel. Now let’s hope July 26 goes off with a splash!

Uh, have the hotel gods—well, Andaz—mistaken the July Fourth holiday for Christmas? Because they’ve gone ahead and brought the opening of their newest outpost, Andaz 5th Avenue forward to July 5th.

Granted, this is a soft opening—presumably not every service and amenity will be available right away—but still, this is impressive. We’re so used to tracking hotel delays that we don’t tend to expect hotels to open earlier than scheduled.

Bravo, Andaz, for kicking off the summer—and the second half of 2010—on such a positive note! We wonder if the rest of the upcoming NYC hotels set to open will take this as a challenge. (Please?)

As for the nitty gritty details, those Summer Preview Rates are still in effect for the new opening date, July 5th—and yup, there is availability. Rooms start at $295 a night for an Andaz King.

Source: HotelChatter

Starwood has sold its W New York-The Court and W New York-The Tuscany to London, UK, based St Giles Hotels. The Court and The Tuscany left the Starwood W Hotels system today and will be rebranded as St Giles Hotel – The Court and St Giles Hotel – The Tuscany respectively. The hotel’s new owner has agreed to honor all local negotiated rates previously signed by W New York-The Court and W New York-The Tuscany for confirmed reservations. W Hotels currently has four hotels in New York City and is planning on opening the W New York – Downtown, later this summer.

Meanwhile, Wyndham Hotels has opened the delayed Fashion 26, a luxury hotel in New York’s Chelsea neighborhood. The hotel is located across the street from the famous Fashion Institute of Technology, and set in one of New York’s trendiest districts. The hotel’s own accessories are created from fashion favorites including cutting room tables and camera lights, and the hallways will host a rotating art program, including some pieces from local New Yorkers and students at FIT. According to a press release from Wyndham, the hotel will feature luxury amenities including Frette linens, free wireless Internet and Gilchrist & Soames toiletries.