Welcome to New York Times Square
As the famous Times Square Ball has dropped to herald in the coming of the New Year 2010, another landmark timeline begins to count down.
Premiering in July 2010, InterContinental New York Times Square makes its debut in the ‘Crossroads of the World’ Times Square: the world-famous epicentre of the theatre, dining, fashion, media and business worlds. Located on Eighth Avenue, the hotel is a short stroll to Restaurant Row and the Broadway theatre district. The area is home to the best of both worlds from the razzle-dazzle of Times Square to the down-home hip of the Clinton District, historically known as Hell’s Kitchen.
Towering 36 stories above the city, the hotel provides guests with front row seats to the world’s most impressive skyline, including views over the Hudson River and the city below. Furthermore, the hotel provides easy access a world-class transportation network, including a subway station accessible beneath the hotel, and convenient access to all three major airports (JFK, Newark and LaGuardia) making it an ideal location to explore the vibrant city.
Building Blocks & Milestones
As opening day approaches, construction timelines are on schedule. The hotel has officially reached the ‘topping-off’ point – occurring when the highest structural element of a high-rise building is in place. Reaching 36 stories above the iconic New York City skyline, the InterContinental New York Times Square now takes its place as a high point in the neighbourhood!
The hotel will achieve LEED certification (Leadership in Energy & Environmental Design) by the US Green Building Council. As a result, it will be one of the most environmentally responsible hotels in New York City. On average, LEED hotels use approximately 30% to 40% less energy and 40% less water than non-LEED counterparts.
Other green features in the hotel construction and design include:
• Installation of two Green Roofs, one on the 2nd floor and one on the 7th floor. Each will be covered with moss and sedum plantings to help reduce heat load.
• Bike racks in abundance to promote pedal-power for guests and hotel employees alike.
• The lobby design was inspired by allusions to nature evident in the marble, stone and wood textures throughout the hotel. Serving as a backdrop to the main reception desk is an open courtyard viewing garden featuring an infinity pool with natural greenery, artwork and sculptures.
Did you know…?
Buildings in the United States are responsible for 39% of CO2 emissions, 40% of energy consumption, 13% water consumption and 15% of GDP per year, making green building a source of significant economic and environmental opportunity.
Rooms with a View
Guestrooms at the InterContinental New York Times Square offer show-stopping views of the New York City skyline, the Hudson River, Times Square and the city below.
The ‘Rooms with a View’ are a proud boast for they enable the skyline to become the backdrop view as soon as you enter the room. Due to its design, the hotel actually offers five corners adding more panoramic views of the city.
Drawing upon natural elements, the 607 guestrooms evoke a chic Manhattan residence. The average size guestroom is 350 square feet and each features dramatic floor to ceiling windows.
Located at the top of the hotel will be a three-bedroom 2,700 square feet bi-level Presidential Suite which offers two-storey, floor-to-ceiling panoramic windows capturing north, south and east exposures.
Did you know…?
Manhattan has one of the most photographed skylines in the world but you can't actually see the Empire State Building, the Chrysler Building et al. when you're in them. So to take in the full impact of the view, visit Top of the Rock, 30 Rockefeller Plaza which includes a ‘Beam Walk’ where visitors can take a simulated walk across a girder beam against a backdrop of the skyline.
Events & Meetings
The hotel will feature 11 function rooms totaling 10,000 square feet of flexible meeting space, located on a dedicated meeting floor.
With the exception of the Gotham Ballroom, the rooms are named after Manhattan parks: Central Park, Bryant Park, Union Square Park and Gramercy Park, among others encompassing the hotel’s theme of natural and environmental elements.
The 4,000 square feet Gotham Ballroom will feature ceiling heights of 16.5 feet and is divisible into three sections. The room will be decorated with large oversized mirrors, artwork and stunning chandeliers to create a conducive and enriching environment for both meetings and social functions.
Did you know…?
The term ‘Gotham’ comes from an old expression that was used as a nickname for New York City. It was Washington Irving in the early 19th century who first used the term in reference to Manhattan. However, it later became the city of crime in the well-known DC Batman comics.
‘In The Know’
Guestrooms at the InterContinental New York Times Square offer show-stopping views of the New York City skyline, the Hudson River, Times Square and the city below.
InterContinental New York Times Square borders the Clinton District also known as the historical Hell’s Kitchen - an area that roughly covers south to north: 34th Street to 57th Street, and east to west: 8th Avenue to The Hudson River.
Known for its Off Broadway theatres, chic restaurants, trendy bars and as home to broadcast and music-recording studios, Clinton provides a fascinating detour for guests.
The area is one of the last remaining ‘authentic’ neighbourhoods of New York City and since the 1960s residents here have been strong advocates to conserve its original architecture and distinctive features. Zoning regulations restrict building heights establishing a ‘Preservation Area’. As a result, buildings within this area cannot exceed 66 feet or seven stories, whichever is less. Since InterContinental New York Times Square resides between two districts, Times Square and Clinton, the hotel was designed in an ‘L’ shape to accommodate the height restrictions of Clinton.
The Benefit? A towering blue-glass structure featuring 36-stories of guestrooms with some of the most amazing, unrestricted views of the iconic New York City skyline and The Hudson River.
Did You Know…?
That many famous actors, actresses and entertainers have lived in the Clinton area: the district has housed the talents of James Dean, Jerry Seinfeld, Larry David, Alicia Keys, Madonna and Sylvester Stallone.
