Millennium UN Plaza Hotel in New York to Rebrand

The Millennium UN Plaza Hotel will re-open as One UN New York this month with the launch of the hotel’s new luxury West Tower.

The West Tower is the first phase of a comprehensive three-part renovation of the striking two-tower building. The Millennium property’s re-branding as One UN marks the completion of a more than $30-million West Tower renovation.

Located on East 44th Street between First and Second Avenues, One UN aims to set the standard for a series of enhancements at other iconic Millennium sister properties around the world that fully embrace their locality and characteristics, including the Biltmore in Los Angeles, the Knickerbocker in Chicago, and the Mayfair and the Baileys in London.

“As an owner and operator of hotels in major gateway cities around the world, it is necessary for us to revitalize our business and re-invent ourselves geared towards our global clientele. We feel this is the perfect time to re-brand this unique hotel with the launch of the West Tower. One UN–a name inspired by the hotel’s illustrious neighbor, and One UN physical address at One United Nations Plaza–is a distinctive landmark in the city of New York, home to the UN Headquarters. The hotel’s significant location is reflected in its new name,” said Mr. Kwek Leng Beng, Chairman of Millennium & Copthorne Hotels plc. “The completely gutted interior renovation was achieved within an unprecedented nine-month period, thanks to our projects team, including GLA, our architects, and our hotel management. We are excited to showcase this elegant and sophisticated new product to the world.”

The West Tower’s 154 fully renovated deluxe guest rooms and suites boast plush interiors to complement impressive skyline views.

With rooms starting on the 29th floor of the 40-floor, Kevin Roche-designed building, guests can enjoy views all the way from the Chrysler Building to the under-construction Freedom Tower at Ground Zero in Lower Manhattan.

Starting at 367 square feet, spacious guest rooms feature floor-to-ceiling windows and stylish, warm interiors in bronze and taupe hues that combine understated luxury with modern amenities.

Exclusive to West Tower guests, state-of-the-art technology includes touch-screen environment controls, iPod docking stations, Nespresso machines, and complimentary high-speed WiFi.

A private Skyline Club on the 30th-floor provides personalized concierge services, continental breakfast, all-day refreshments, evening cocktails, and hors d’oeuvres.

“This iconic structure deserved a transformation of great distinction, far beyond a standard hotel renovation,” said Grace Leo, a global hospitality positioning expert who has been a consultant for the project, given her visionary design approach and luxury lifestyle expertise. “One UN New York will provide a truly memorable guest experience and will invigorate a desirable Manhattan neighborhood, offering a setting for New Yorkers to gather and enjoy.”

Signature amenities will include high-end toiletries by Chinese luxury lifestyle brand Shanghai Tang, and a global Millennium family program with children’s concierge services.

East Tower and West Tower guests alike can take advantage of One UN’s facilities, such as a swimming pool and a 24-hour fitness center with river views, and the only indoor tennis court in any New York City hotel, located on the 39th floor.

The completion of Phase I renovation will see the opening of a brand-new café in the refurbished One UN lobby, featuring fresh-brewed Illy coffee, a globally inspired food menu, and wine service in the evenings. Café refreshments can also be enjoyed in a piazza-style outdoor area by the front of the hotel.

Scheduled for 2013, Phase II of One UN’s renovation will focus on a new restaurant concept and bar, and full lobby renovations. Phase III will see an upgrade of the East Tower, which will remain open throughout One UN’s transformation.

“With the opening of this year’s United Nations General Assembly on September 24, we are proud to welcome and receive our most distinguished guests with a completely new, luxurious experience,” said One UN General Manager Wanda Chan. “Few New York hotels can compete with our location–close to the action, yet outside the frenetic currents of the city. One UN will be more than a great hotel; it will be a unique international sanctuary where one comes back to time after time.”

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