Seibu Prince Hotels & Resorts Unveils The Prince Kitano New York, the Brand’s First Property in the Continental United States

The Prince Kitano New York — Photo by Seibu Prince Hotels Worldwide Inc.

Seibu Prince Hotels & Resorts, the leading hospitality company with a diverse collection of hotels, resorts and other leisure facilities within Japan and across the world, today unveils The Prince Kitano New York following a years-long renovation. Formerly known as The Kitano Hotel New York, the refreshed property now sits within The Prince portfolio, the company's flagship hotel brand characterized by exceptional elegance, comfort and privacy. The Prince Kitano New York is Seibu Prince Hotels & Resorts' first property located in the continental U.S., marking a significant step forward in the company's ongoing evolution from a top Japanese hotel brand to a global hospitality powerhouse.

Located at 66 Park Avenue, The Prince Kitano New York is centrally positioned with convenient access to Grand Central Terminal, the Chrysler Building, the Empire State Building and other iconic landmarks. The property boasts a storied legacy dating back to the 19th century when the building was owned by the Rockefeller family. In 1973, it found new life as The Kitano Hotel New York, gaining renown as the first Japanese-owned hotel in New York City. The hotel built a loyal following in subsequent years, welcoming not only leisure travelers around the world but also venerated politicians, business leaders and dignitaries from Japan and beyond. Now operated by Seibu Prince Hotels & Resorts, The Prince Kitano New York will continue to pay homage to its deep history with heartfelt hospitality and luxurious experiences rooted in Japanese culture.

To spearhead the redesign of several signature spaces throughout the property, Prince Hotels & Resorts tapped global architecture firm Modellus Novus, who has worked on other high-profile projects such as James Beard Award-winning chef Kwame Onwuachi's restaurant Tatiana at Lincoln Center; HBX, Hypebeast's flagship store in New York City; and the upcoming opening of Michelin-starred restaurant concept COTE in Singapore. As a result, the lobby, restaurant areas and guestrooms have been revitalized with a modernized yet timeless look, reflecting the enduring esteem and heritage of the property.

The lobby, which acts both as a central socialization hub for guests and locals alike and as a passageway to the many destinations within the hotel, was refined with new elements nodding to the property's Japanese influence. Upon entering the building, guests are greeted by an impressive dog sculpture made by the world-famous Colombian artist Fernando Botero. The bronze sculpture, having welcomed generations of guests who established a tradition of petting it for good fortune, was shifted to the lobby's entrance as its pièce de résistance. Akari Light Sculptures from Isamu Noguchi illuminate the space while celebrating modernist, Japanese craftsmanship. Rice paper accents, blue suede chairs, pea green velvet pillows and eggplant-colored carpets introduce bold textures and colors yet work in harmony to create a comforting, classic ambiance.

The hotel boasts 150 accommodations, with 109 guestrooms and suites refurbished as part of the reopening. Reaching up to 968 square feet, the revamped rooms were enhanced with a warm color palette, lush fabrics and unique artwork to create an inviting and restful atmosphere for guests to find respite from the city bustle. For an elevated overnight experience combining form and function, guests can book the Deluxe Junior Suite. The spacious suite complements a spacious layout, modern amenities and custom furniture with high-quality design details, such as Dark Emperador stone finishes, hair-on hide leather upholstery and Spanish marble countertops, all of which come together to create a serene hideaway in the heart of Manhattan.

Further nodding to the hotel's cultural roots, The Prince Kitano New York offers culinary destinations onsite that will undoubtedly add to the city's vibrant restaurant scene. On the lower floor sits hakubai, a refined restaurant celebrating the Japanese tradition of kaiseki. Brought to life by Executive Chef Jun Hiramatsu, this traditional dining experience transforms the finest seasonal meats, seafood and produce from local and Japanese purveyors into elegant courses through a variety of culinary techniques. The chef team, comprising of Chef Hiramatsu, head chef Keisuke Otsuka and pastry chefs Tadashi Netsu and Mariko Hosokawa, all hail from Japan and were tapped by Seibu Prince Hotels & Resorts for their expertise in traditional Japanese cuisine. The restaurant was designed by Modellus Novus, who reinforces the restaurant's culinary philosophy with an understated but sophisticated aesthetic featuring wooden and metal accents.

The culinary journey continues at Hillside Café, The Prince Kitano New York's daytime dining destination. Open for breakfast and lunch, Hillside Café celebrates the convergence of cultures at the property and at New York City through a menu of fresh and comforting fare with American and Japanese influences. In the evening, Roof at 66 Park, the hotel's lively rooftop bar on the 18th floor, offers craft cocktails, fine wines and shareable gourmet bites against the backdrop of the cityscape. In addition to taking in the unbeatable panoramas of the city's towering skyscrapers from the bar's wraparound terraces, discerning epicureans can also visit the Roof at 66 Park for its prized selection of spirits, which often includes rare Japanese whiskeys acquired only through the property's well-established relationships with Japanese suppliers.

Hotel website