The Redbury New York -- a historic Manhattan property that was once the city's first women's-only hotel -- is preparing to unveil a major overhaul.
The project will comprise a full revamp of the hotel's lobby lounge, which is expected to be complete by early next month, as well as a refresh of all 259 guestrooms, which are scheduled to be done before the end of the year.
According to Kevin Barnes, hotel manager for The Redbury, the renovation is intended to breathe new life into the Midtown hotel, while also paying homage to the property's storied past.
"While our building is commonly regarded as a historic landmark by travelers and locals, many people do not know the story behind the building's rich history as a bustling haven for progressive women," said Barnes. "The building was the first hotel in New York City exclusively for women, during an era [when] many hotels refused entrance to single women after 6 p.m."
Located at 29 E. 29th Street, The Redbury first opened in 1903 as The Women's Hotel, a property that didn't allow any men above its first floor. The building later became the Martha Washington Hotel, while concurrently serving as the headquarters for the Interurban Women's Suffrage Council. In 2016, the property was rebranded as The Redbury.
Nods to the hotel's rich heritage will be featured throughout the renovated lobby lounge, which will showcase an art gallery of female forms, as well as a logo incorporating imagery of a women's profile sketched within a musical note.
The lobby lounge menu, which is curated by Union Square Hospitality Group (USHG), will offer cocktails named after notable women from throughout history. Highlights include the Big Edie Beale, named for eclectic socialite Edie Ewing Bouvier Beale, and the Lulu's Pajamas, named after actress and former Women's Hotel resident Louise "Lulu" Brooks.
The Redbury is also currently home to three other USHG culinary venues, including Roman-inspired restaurant Marta, coffee bar Caffe Marchio, and aperitivi bar Vini e Fritti.
Guestroom renovations will include an updated color scheme, featuring neutral gray walls and contrasting black trim, as well as new minibars, desks, nightstands and headboards. Additionally, all guestrooms will feature new Coco-mat mattresses, which are made with natural and organic materials, and upgraded shower heads.
The starting rate this fall at The Redbury New York is $325 per night.
The Redbury is a member of Preferred Hotels & Resorts' Lifestyle Collection and Historic Hotels of America.