Sonesta International Hotels has added four boutique and lifestyle hotels in New York City to its portfolio. The midtown Manhattan properties—with a cumulative 918 guestrooms—were previously known as The Benjamin, The Shelburne Hotel & Suites the Gardens Suites Hotel and the Fifty Hotel & Suites. Each hotel will be rebranded under Sonesta's portfolio of 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 properties.
Sonnesta has increased the number of its U.S. managed hotels by approximately 350 percent since August 2020. Along with launching Sonesta's four brands into New York City, the company also added the intellectual property for The James Hotels brand. Sonesta plans to scale The James Hotels within the Sonesta portfolio.
"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," Sonesta President and CEO John Murray said in a statement. "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., has 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."
New Sonesta New York City Properties
The Benjamin Royal Sonesta New York is Sonesta's first full-service property in Manhattan. The 209-room Benjamin was originally designed as a residential hotel by architect Emery Roth, and its edifice reportedly inspired artist Georgia O'Keefe's painting "New York—Night." Sonesta is planning to make a multi-million-dollar investment to renovate the lobby and guestrooms at The Benjamin Royal Sonesta within the next 18 months.
The Shelburne Sonesta New York has 325 guestrooms and suites ranging from studios to two bedroom apartments. Sonesta is planning substantial enhancements to the food and beverage operation at the hotel, including updating the seasonal rooftop lounge.
Located on the Upper East Side's East 64th Street, the Gardens Sonesta ES Suites is an extended-stay property with 132 suites, each featuring open living spaces and full kitchens. Some suites are available with private terraces and patios.
The Fifty Sonesta Select New York is Sonesta's newest upscale focused-service brand. Located at the corner of Third Avenue and 50th Street, the hotel recently underwent a multimillion-dollar renovation and has 252 guestrooms and suites that include kitchens and private terraces.