Officially relaunching on Nov. 14, The Evelyn Hotel in New York City, part of Triumph Hotels, emerged from an extensive, top-to-bottom multimillion-dollar renovation that brings a new hospitality experience to the historic property. The hotel's renovation included upgrades to its guestrooms, three new dining experiences from chef Jonathan Benno, an elevated lobby setting and more.
With a history dating back to 1905, when the hotel first opened under a different guise, the Evelyn Hotel was named for the famed early 20th century actress and model Evelyn Nesbit, whose influence can be discovered throughout the hotel. The Evelyn’s new look pays homage to the Art Deco influences of the surrounding neighborhood—most notably the Empire State Building located a few blocks north—and reflects the style of the Jazz Age heyday with nods to the nearby historic “Tin Pan Alley.”
The new experience is anchored by three dining venues by chef Jonathan Benno, including Leonelli Taberna, a Roman-inspired trattoria with an accompanying cocktail bar and lobby lounge, which transforms the lobby experience; Leonelli Focacceria e Pasticceria, a bakery and café inspired by the bakeries of Rome and New York’s history of Italian-American pastry shops; and Benno, a restaurant offering Mediterranean cuisine, which makes its debut this fall. Designed by firm Parts and Labor Design, the restaurant spaces utilize a mix of materials including dark woods, green and white marble, brass and stained glass, which are reflected in geometric lines and patterns throughout each space. Leonelli Focacceria e Pasticceria was also designed with a mezzanine-level library overlooking the bakery where guests can enjoy their bites and coffee and browse a selection of fine cultural books.
Parts and Labor Design carried the Art Deco design theme into the lobby, where they have transformed it into an all-day lounge space with soft velvet seating and dimly lit nooks. A 40-foot stained glass wall sculpture anchors the lounge area and floods the room with soft, diffused light, while adding an artistic element to the lobby.
The hotel’s 159 guestrooms have been refreshed by designer Silvia Zofio to reference the Art Nouveau style of the early 1900’s, while paying homage to the building’s historic ties. Interspersed with upgraded Frette linens, new lighting and refreshed bathrooms with Five Wits bath amenities by Joey Silvestera’s Blackstones salon brand are nods to the hotel’s musical past. Guests will find touches like gramophones that connect to guests’ smartphones, chandeliers mimicking the shape of a trombone and music notes gracing bathroom tiles.
“The renovation of The Evelyn is the embodiment of what Triumph Hotels represents as we work to preserve the rich histories of our storied hotels, while modernizing them for a new era,” Brett Blass, COO of Triumph Hotels, said in a statement. “The story of The Evelyn is very much ingrained in the fabric of New York City and it was important for us to maintain that connection while introducing new experiences to the neighborhood and our Triumph guests. The results are spectacular, and we look forward to adding to the legacy of this storied building.”