Inside The Prince Kitano New York, a new standout in Manhattan
66 Park Avenue at E 38th Street, New York, NY 10016
Formerly known as The Kitano Hotel New York, the refreshed property opened in December 2023 and now sits within The Prince portfolio, the company’s flagship hotel brand characterised by exceptional elegance, comfort and privacy.
The Prince Kitano New York is Seibu Prince Hotels and Resorts’ first property located in the continental United States, marking a significant step forward in the company’s ongoing evolution from a top Japanese hotel brand to a global hospitality powerhouse.
“Following years of success in Japan, the opening of The Prince Kitano New York is an important landmark in the next chapter of Seibu Prince Hotels and Resorts,” said Seibu Prince Hotels and Resorts’ President and CEO, Yoshiki Kaneda.
“The brand has built an incredible reputation through decades of championing omotenashi, which has brought authentic Japanese hospitality to travellers around the world.
“With the opening of The Prince Kitano New York, we hope to deliver this unique guest experience to one of the greatest cities in the world and propel the brand further into the global spotlight,” Kaneda said.
Located at 66 Park Avenue, The Prince Kitano New York is centrally positioned with convenient access to the Grand Central Terminal, the Chrysler Building, the Empire State Building and other iconic landmarks.
The property boasts a 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.
Now operated by Seibu Prince Hotels and Resorts, The Prince Kitano New York will continue to pay homage to its deep history combined with the heartfelt hospitality and luxurious experiences rooted in Japanese culture.
To spearhead the redesign of several signature spaces throughout the property, Seibu Prince Hotels and 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.
As a result, the lobby, restaurant areas and guestrooms have been revitalised with a modernised yet timeless look, reflecting the enduring esteem and heritage of the property.
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.
The hotel boasts 150 accommodations, including 109 guestrooms and suites that have been refurbished as part of the reopening.
Reaching up to 89 square metres, the revamped rooms were enhanced with a warm colour palette, lush fabrics and unique artwork to create an inviting and restful atmosphere for guests to find respite from the city bustle.
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 that harmoniously merges traditional craftsmanship with familiar contemporary designs.
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 hotel’s daytime dining destination, Hillside Café is open for breakfast and lunch, which celebrates the convergence of cultures through a menu of fresh and comforting fare with American and Japanese influences.
In the evening, Roof at 66 Park, the rooftop bar on the 18th floor, offers craft cocktails, fine wines and shareable gourmet bites against the backdrop of the cityscape.
While taking in the unbeatable panoramas of the city’s towering skyscrapers from the bar’s wraparound terraces, discerning epicureans have the opportunity to sample rare Japanese whiskeys.
The Prince Kitano is located at 66 Park Avenue at E 38th Street, New York, NY 10016.
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