IHG Opens 685-Room Crowne Plaza Manhattan Flagship

IHG Hotels & Resorts has opened the Crowne Plaza Manhattan Times Square, serving as the brand’s new Americas flagship property. Developed by Al Rayyan Tourism Investment Company (ARTIC) and operated by management company Highgate, the 22-story, 685-room hotel revitalizes a New York building originally constructed for the 1964 New York World’s Fair. [1]

Who developed and operates the Crowne Plaza Manhattan Times Square?

Real estate investment firm Al Rayyan Tourism Investment Company (ARTIC) developed the transformed property, while third-party hotel management company Highgate operates the daily lodging operations [1]. The project modernizes a historic New York landmark at Broadway and 49th Street that first emerged during the 1964 New York World’s Fair [1]. As reported by Hotel Business, the asset owner views the conversion as an ongoing dedication to prime metropolitan commercial hospitality assets [1].

The ownership structure aligns IHG’s upscale brand standards with ARTIC’s commercial portfolio growth in major international entry hubs [[1], [2]]. Lodging Magazine reported that ARTIC actively views the United States as an essential arena for capital outlays and portfolio diversification [2].

What guestroom inventory and premium accommodation options are available?

The 22-story building houses 685 city-view guestrooms featuring layouts designed around IHG’s New Modern design philosophy [[1], [2]]. Rooms incorporate residential-inspired details intended to facilitate both professional tasks and rest for business or leisure guests [2]. The physical layout concentrates on city panoramas across Midtown Manhattan [1].

Upper tiers of the tower feature the Manhattan Level, a collection of upgraded suites and guestrooms showcasing panoramic skyline perspectives [[1], [2]]. At the pinnacle of the inventory sits the Broadway Suite, an exclusive penthouse accommodation situated on the 22nd floor that comes complete with an expansive private outdoor terrace [2].

What food, beverage, and retail services are on-site?

Hospitality operations center on Fifty-First Street Social, an all-day restaurant and full-service bar serving guests and local corporate patrons [[1], [2]]. The dining program acts as a communal gathering hub to accommodate informal meals, team mixers, and evening drinks [1].

Alongside the full-service dining room, management installed a 24/7 Marketplace near public circulation routes to service guests requiring round-the-clock grab-and-go food items, beverages, and basic travel necessities [[1], [2]]. Signature experiential offerings include Weekly Socials, which integrate localized food and beverage pairings, alongside Daily Rituals focusing on morning wellness exercises and evening sleep-support recommendations [[1], [2]].

How are corporate meetings and group business supported?

Meeting planners have access to dedicated team gathering areas designed for corporate workshops, board meetings, and collaborative working sessions [[1], [2]]. Steps away from the main lobby level, a venue called The Studio provides an intimate meeting room environment structured around small team sessions [[1], [2]].

On-site operations also include an assigned Meetings & Events Concierge service [[1], [2]]. This dedicated staff supports corporate organizers directly with execution, room setups, and audiovisual adjustments for group gatherings [1].

What art and public space design elements were incorporated?

Public interiors feature site-specific artwork designed to bridge local heritage with contemporary hospitality design [1]. IHG commissioned Brazilian-born, Atlanta-based artist Tiago Magro to create large-scale decorative murals and curated wall installations throughout public gathering zones [[1], [2]].

The public areas and social corridors directly reflect the brand’s New Modern design framework [1]. This physical layout supports blended travel dynamics, where corporate guests mix work requirements, social gatherings, and rest in communal spaces [1].