A landmark New York hotel reasserts its independence by severing all brand connections and reclaiming its original name, the Tudor Hotel at the United Nations.
Formerly the Crowne Plaza Hotel at the United Nations, the 300-room property was built in 1931 as part of the Tudor City urban development on the east side of Midtown Manhattan near Grand Central Terminal.
Although there will be no change in ownership, management or staff the hotel will no longer be associated with Crowne Plaza, operating an independent website with no hint of the property on Crowne Plaza”s site.
Hotel operator InterContinental said that its decision to cut the hotel”s ties is based on the strength of New York”s hospitality industry, which is seeing independent hotels flourish and perform as well as those operated under well known brands.
Free from the constraints of a brand identity, unbranded hotels are also able to explore more creative marketing options and individual operating styles. The original Art Deco atmosphere of the Tudor Hotel can thus be reinstated and the original blue-and-white neon sign at the top ” whose ”Tudor” half has been dark for ten years ” repaired and refitted.
”This is a very special, architecturally unique hotel in an equally exceptional location,” said general manger Bob Williamson. ”By reclaiming its original name, we are sending a message about its singular character as a historic landmark equipped with 21st century amenities.”