the Warwick
t h e story o f a histo r ic new york city Hotel
Our story begins
From its inception, the Warwick New York Hotel has cemented
itself in New York City’s rich history. Renowned media tycoon
William Randolph Hearst commissioned this iconic four-star hotel
in 1926 for the love of his life, his muse and mistress, the famous
actress, Marion Davies. Originally built as an apartment home, two
floors were her private residences and the rest were apartments
for their affluent and sophisticated high society friends to stay. It
was here the sophisticated couple entertained their friends, wined,
dined, and of course became one of the most envied couples in
Manhattan.
Marion Davies, known as the “Hollywood
Hostess,” was known for her lavish parties that
she often threw in her apartment suite at the
Warwick.
1886 1903 1906
Mr. Hearst’s father
entrusted “The
Examiner” to him
The Hearst Corporation
entered the magazine
business
Mr. Hearst began
his affair with
Marion Davies
new york history
After being named the second tallest building in the US after its
completion, the Warwick New York continued to make its current
neighborhood the location to be. The renowned Ziegfeld Theater
was purposefully built by Hearst and Ziegfeld directly across the
street from the hotel for ease of proximity for guests and their
entertainment pleasures. Naturally this lead to the infamous Follies
Girls becoming permanent fixtures at the hotel during this time.
Still one of the most coveted locations in one of the greatest cities
in the world, a stay at the Warwick will leave you steps away from
must see places such as MoMA, Central Park, Radio City, Carnegie
Hall, Times Square and the best that Broadway has to offer.
1926 1927 1929
The Warwick New York
Hotel was built
Florenz Ziegfeld
and William Randolph
Hearst opened
Ziegfeld Theater
The Museum of Modern
Art opened
Although Elvis
Presley stated he
felt rejected by New
York City, he was
not rejected by the
Warwick Hotel. He
stayed at the hotel
while recording
his album in the
1950s and for his
performance on
Stage Show. Some
of his most iconic
and intimate photos
were taken in his
room at the Warwick.
notable guests
No matter which direction you turn in the Warwick New York,
history and fame surround you. Whether it’s the ornate front doors
Elvis walked through during his first stay in New York City or lobby
where you may find a celebrity or two, the Warwick’s rich history is
all around you.
Some of the most distinguished personalities in entertainment
have discreetly called the Warwick home including Cary Grant,
James Dean, Audrey Hepburn and the Beatles. Each one of our
guests becomes part of this elite group. Walk the halls they walked,
eat, drink and entertain where they did and possibly sleep in the
same rooms they stayed.
1930s 1936 1941
Cary Grant resided at
the hotel for 12 years
Dean Cornwell was
commissioned to paint
the murals in Murals on 54
Release of Citizen Kane,
directed by and staring
Orson Welles, examining
the life of Hearst and Davies
When the Beatles first arrived in the United
States for their performance on the Ed
Sullivan Show, they stayed at the Warwick
and conducted their first US interview in the
hotel’s famed Warwick Room.
The artwork in
Murals on 54 was
painted in 1936
by Dean Cornwell
for $100,000. The
murals depict Sir
Walter Raleigh
receiving his charter
from the Queen in
1584. The artist’s
other works include
works in Rockefeller
Plaza, Los Angeles
Public Library and
Grumbers-AFL
Geneva. Today the
murals still dominate
the dining room.
artistic treasures
After the hotel was built, William Randolph Hearst, an avid art lover,
philanthropist and supporter of artists, met Dean Cornwell while he
was an apprentice in Europe. Hearst commissioned him to paint murals
in the main dining room and requested the murals depict Sir Walter
Raleigh, a person he admired. Upon completion, a dispute arose
regarding compensation between Mr. Cornwell and the General
Manager of the hotel. After being denied the fee, an enraged Cornwell
sought revenge and painted risqué images over the original murals.
Once Mr. Hearst was made aware of the misunderstanding, all was
forgiven and paid and the risqué images were painted over.
Today, Murals on 54 is fresh and modern, enhanced by soft lighting
with vibrant colors. Remnants of the controversial murals still remain.
Can you see any?
1941 1940s 1951
The price for a suite at
the Warwick cost $15 and
dinner was $150
late
Jane Russell was a guest
at the Warwick while on
contract with Paramount
Pictures
Cultural icon
James Dean was a
guest at the hotel
tradition of luxury
Luxury has always been synonymous with the Warwick New York
Hotel. Your stay in one of our rooms or suites will be a memorable
one. All 425 guest rooms and suites are luxuriously appointed in
vintage Hollywood-inspired design. Accommodations include
marble lavatories, large work desk, LCD TVs, minibar, fitness center,
valet parking, in-room dining, express checkout and transportation
services, as well as appointments such as crown molding and more.
The Warwick’s On the Avenue Suites are especially breathtaking as
each suite is located on the corner of 54th Street and 6th Avenue
offering stunning views of Manhattan, allowing you to feel like you
have truly arrived in New York City.
1956 1959 1966
Elvis Presley stayed at
the Warwick during his
time in New York
The Hearst Corporation
enters into the book
publishing world
The Beatles and the
Supremes were guests
at the Warwick
In a booklet from 1932,
the Warwick was
listed as a “most
imposing structure
towering 36 stories.”
It was valued at
$
5,000,000 and
was “designed
for discriminating
people accustomed
to superior living
who prefer apartment
house life to the cares
and responsibilities of
keeping a home.”
the legacy lives on
As the Warwick continues to be a mainstay in New York City, a
collection of Signature Suites was unveiled to further cement the
foundation of the hotel’s history. The Signature Suites have been
distinctly designed to pay homage to the Hollywood legends and
cultural icons who have played a significant part in the history of
the Warwick. Rich colors and sophisticated amenities emulate the
tastes of the muses who inspired the suites.
The Signature Suites celebrate our rich past in a modern and
sophisticated way, while taking us into the bright future of the
Warwick New York Hotel.
1967 1980s future
The hotel hosted
the Monkees and
Jimi Hendrix
The hotel is purchased
and Warwick International
Hotels becomes a brand
recognized worldwide
Find the Warwick New York
Hotel in upcoming movies,
television shows, fashion shoots
and your next discerning event
Memorable events
Entertain your guests as Marion Davies and others have in this very
location. Our inspired spaces provide the perfect backdrop for
glamorous parties and sophisticated events. Each of the meeting
rooms and event spaces can be tailored to your needs and those
of your guests.
The Cary Grant Suite is a uniquely romantic venue perfect for the
ultimate New York wedding or reception. Any of the Signature
Suites are perfectly suited for intimate events. Every detail of every
event is handled with refined elegance and attention. Be a part of
history as the Warwick New York Hotel continues to live on.
Cary Grant was a frequent and long-term
guest at the Warwick, and was a resident in
a rooftop suite with wraparound terrace for
12 years.
Warwick New York Hotel
65 West 54th Street at 6th Avenue, New York, New York 10019
T: +1 212 247 2700 Fax: +1 212 247 2725
e: [email protected] www.warwickhotelny.com