Crowne Plaza Opens Times Square Flagship

Crowne Plaza by IHG has opened Crowne Plaza Manhattan Times Square, its new Americas flagship property, in a 22-story Manhattan landmark originally built for the 1964 New York World’s Fair. Developed by Al Rayyan Tourism Investment Company (ARTIC) and managed by Highgate, the hotel has 685 city-view guestrooms, a new all-day bar and restaurant, and spaces for work, connection and relaxation. The opening gives the premium hotel brand a New York address steps from Times Square, Rockefeller Center, the Broadway Theater District and Central Park. It also arrives as half of Crowne Plaza’s global estate is new or recently renovated.

A New Manhattan Flagship

The property reflects Crowne Plaza’s New Modern design philosophy, with locally inspired artwork and large-scale murals by Brazilian-born, Atlanta-based artist Tiago Magro. The hotel is designed for guests combining business, leisure and personal time in a single trip.

Ginger Taggart, Vice President, Brand Management – Global Premium Brands at IHG Hotels & Resorts, said:

“Our new flagship hotel for Crowne Plaza represents a defining moment for the brand. Guided by our New Modern design philosophy, every aspect of the traveler experience has been thoughtfully developed to meet the needs of today’s blended traveler – from flexible social spaces and elevated food and beverage offerings to signature experiences that are truly tailored to what the next generation of guests expect. Crowne Plaza Manhattan Times Square represents our vision for the future of blended travel and ushers in the next chapter of our global growth.”

Dining And Guest Experiences

At the center of the hotel is Fifty-First Street Social, a bar and all-day dining venue intended to accommodate guests from morning meetings through evening cocktails. A 24/7 Marketplace provides grab-and-go food, travel essentials and large-screen televisions.

Guest programming includes Weekly Socials, which bring together travelers and locals through destination-inspired food and beverage offerings, and Daily Rituals with morning and evening touches including wellness-focused offerings and sleep-enhancing recommendations.

For business travelers and groups, the hotel offers flexible meeting and event spaces, The Studio for smaller collaborative sessions near the lobby, and a Meetings & Events Concierge service.

Upper Floor Accommodations

The Manhattan Level, located on the hotel’s upper floors, includes suites and guestrooms with skyline views. The hotel’s Broadway Suite is a penthouse retreat on the 22nd floor, with an expansive terrace for celebrations and special occasions.

Tarek M. El Sayed, Managing Director and CEO of ARTIC, said:

“Our ambition was to transform this landmark property into a distinctive destination that combines contemporary design, functionality and enhanced guest experiences. Working closely with IHG, we have reimagined the hotel while preserving its unique character, and we are delighted to see its new chapter begin as Crowne Plaza Manhattan Times Square. This transformation represents much more than a renovation; it reflects our long-term vision for the asset and our confidence in New York and the strong US hospitality market. At ARTIC, we invest with a long-term perspective, continually enhancing our properties, strengthening their competitive positioning and creating sustainable value. The United States remains a key market for ARTIC, and we see significant long-term potential to further strengthen our presence, while continuing to invest in our existing portfolio and pursue opportunities that support ARTIC’s long-term growth and diversification.”

Global Brand Expansion

With more than 400 hotels open globally and nearly 150 properties in its pipeline, Crowne Plaza expects to add more than 36,000 rooms in the coming years. The planned additions would expand the brand’s global footprint by more than 35 percent.

The Times Square opening pairs a landmark building with spaces tailored for contemporary city stays, serving as Crowne Plaza’s latest property in its global growth plans.