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1926
InterContinental New York Barclay
New York, New York
InterContinental New York Barclay
111 East 48th Street, New York, New York 10017 Original Property Opened in 1926 Historic Hotels of America member since 2025InterContinental New York Barclay is a distinguished luxury hotel that seamlessly blends historic charm with modern luxury. Established in 1926 as part of the Grand Central Terminal development area, the 14-story hotel was designed in the Colonial Revival style by architects Cross & Cross. Following a comprehensive renovation in 2016, InterContinental New York Barclay offers 704 elegantly appointed guestrooms and suites. The hotel's prime location places guests within walking distance of iconic New York landmarks such as Rockefeller Center, Fifth Avenue, and Grand Central Terminal. With its rich history, refined accommodations, and exceptional service, InterContinental New York Barclay offers an unparalleled experience for both leisure and business travelers in New York City.
Discover the timeless charm of InterContinental New York Barclay with their official app. It is a complete guide to both history and hospitality. Explore captivating stories and archival photos that bring the hotel’s past to life while enjoying modern convenience with a full directory of services, dining, amenities, and local recommendations. The app can be downloaded in the app store or from the hotel's website. The app is named "IC Barclay".
Discover
- Discover the Federal style architecture of InterContinental New York Barclay. The hotel’s overall appearance today is a more modern take on the aesthetic. Federal architecture dominated American cities and towns during the years of 1780 to 1840. The name is a tribute to that period, in which America’s first political leaders sought to establish the foundations of the current federal government. Today, detailed brass and iron design elements unique to the Federal style can be seen throughout the hotel and symmetrical and geometric designs.
- Explore in depth The Barclay’s identity, reflecting symmetry, elegance, and classic American refinement. Whimsical bird motifs and design elements seen throughout the hotel pay tribute to the beloved birdcage that once graced the lobby from the late 1940s through the 1990s. The hotel’s 2016 renovation preserved and elevated its historic character by incorporating original neoclassical columns into the grand staircase and reception hall. See the custom chandelier, modeled after those found in The White House, that now anchors the reception space—merging historical symbolism with timeless glamour.
- Learn more about women’s history at the InterContinental New York Barclay. The Barclay was home to legendary American socialite and diplomat Perle Mesta—famously known as the “Hostess with the Mostess.” Beginning in 1942, The Barclay served as the primary base for the American Woman’s Association, reinforcing its legacy as a hub for influential women. The Barclay continues this tradition of female empowerment under the current leadership of the hotel.
Explore
- Explore Bryant Park. Located less than a ten-minute walk from the hotel, Bryant Park is Midtown Manhattan’s town square and one of the busiest public spaces in the world, seeing over 12 million visitors annually. Today, Bryant Park hosts all sorts of activities, like cultural programming, musical performances, exercise classes, educational workshops, seasonal offerings, and more.
- Admire New York City’s most iconic skyscrapers. Many of the United States’ most recognizable buildings call New York City home such as the Empire State Building which offers stunning overlooks of the city below from its observatories on the 86th and 102nd floors. These are the views offered at 30 Rockefeller Plaza from its 70th-story Top of the Rock observation deck, which includes views of Central Park, Times Square, the Chrysler Building, and the Statue of Liberty.
- Head to South Street Seaport. The Seaport features some of Manhattan’s most historic buildings. It dates to the early 1600’s when the Dutch East India Trading Company set up their first seaport in the area. There is a museum to tour and several unique shops and restaurants that have been established on the seaport. It is also a hub for artistic culture in Manhattan, and events like the Seaport Music Festival take place there annually.
Experience
- Experience a live show in the Theatre District or at the historic Radio City Music Hall. No trip to New York City is complete without seeing a show at one of the city’s iconic performance venues. Whether it is a Broadway play, musical, a comedy show, or concert at Radio City Music Hall, there is something for everyone in New York City. During the winter holidays, visitors can see the Radio City Rockettes, as they take to the stage for their annual Christmas Spectacular.
- Explore the Grand Central Terminal. An architectural hidden fact about this landmark is that the Terminal features “whispering arches.” Between the main and lower floors, arches create an auditory oddity. Guests can try this out by standing in one corner and having a friend in the other and whispering to one another; the acoustics allow the sound to travel along the arch and be heard across a bustling train station.
- Take a trip to the Metropolitan Museum of Art. Founded in 1870, this world-renowned cultural institution features a spectacular collection of artwork from classical antiquity to the present. The Metropolitan Museum of Art is recognized as a U.S. National Historic Landmark.
Taste
- Taste quality fresh ingredients and dishes at The Parlour, located at the InterContinental New York Barclay. The Parlour features modern cuisine, complementing the history of the hotel. Dishes are created using the most organic, locally grown, sustainable produce possible. The Parlour features a bar with a rare selection of vintage beverages and seasonal specials.
- Savor a slice of a classic New York City pizza. Huge, thin, foldable, and typically served by the slice, New York-style pizza is an iconic delicacy in the city. Enjoy the lightly sweet marinara sauce and healthy helping of mozzarella cheese on top for the perfect slice. The signature crust on these pizzas is said to have a taste and texture from New York City’s tap water. Pizza joints can be found all over the city, and slices are cheap, making them a tasty treat day or night.
- Start the day like the locals do with a New York-style bagel. A New York City bagel is perfectly made with cream cheese, eggs and cheese, or a slice of lox with a sprinkling of capers and red onions. Many say that the secret technique to this bagel is New York City’s water supply, but local experts revealed that the real key to the bagels’ culinary success is boiling the chilled dough in a mix of malt barley and water.
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Book the Best Available Rate at this property on HistoricHotels.org and receive a complimentary one-year family membership (a $30 value) to the National Trust for Historic Preservation.
