The Roosevelt Hotel, a New York City landmark for over a century, has faced many challenges throughout its history. From surviving Prohibition to hosting political events and becoming a popular filming location, this iconic hotel has been a part of the city’s fabric for almost 100 years. However, last month, city officials announced plans to stop using the hotel as a migrant shelter and processing center, leaving its future uncertain once again.
Built in 1924 and named after President Theodore Roosevelt, the hotel was opened to cater to passengers using the nearby Grand Central Terminal. Despite the challenges of Prohibition, the Great Depression, a World War, and 9/11, the Roosevelt stood tall and continued to serve as a beacon of hospitality in the bustling city. Its location in Midtown Manhattan, rising 19 stories into the skyline, made it a towering presence in the city and a favorite amongst tourists and music lovers.
During Prohibition, when alcohol was banned in the United States, the Roosevelt broke with tradition and featured storefronts instead of lounges and bars on its street level. It was also one of the first hotels in the world to offer pet service, child care, and an in-house doctor, making it a popular choice for travelers. Despite the restrictions of Prohibition, the hotel remained a hub of activity and entertainment, thanks to the famed bandleader Guy Lombardo and His Royal Canadians who performed at the hotel’s Roosevelt Grill. Their rendition of “Auld Lang Syne” became a New Year’s Eve tradition, cementing their legacy at the Roosevelt.
In 1943, the hotel was acquired by hotel magnate Conrad Hilton, who also owned The Plaza hotel. Hilton called the Roosevelt “a fine hotel with grand spaces” and took up residence in its Presidential Suite. This acquisition marked the establishment of Hilton as the first coast-to-coast American hotel chain. Four years later, the Roosevelt once again made history by becoming the first hotel to offer a television set in every room. However, Hilton’s ownership came to an end in 1956 when his company was forced to sell the property due to an antitrust lawsuit.
The Roosevelt also played a significant role in American politics, serving as the campaign headquarters for Republican presidential nominee Thomas Dewey in 1944 and 1948. Despite losing both elections, Dewey conceded from the hotel, cementing its place in political history. The hotel continued to host other high-profile political events in the years that followed.
In the 1970s, the Roosevelt became a favorite filming location for Hollywood studios, thanks to its neoclassical facade and old-world interior. Over a dozen movies and TV shows have been filmed at the hotel, including “The French Connection,” “Wall Street,” “Presumed Innocent,” “Maid in Manhattan,” “Mad Men,” and “Law & Order.” These productions not only showcased the hotel’s beauty but also brought in much-needed revenue during tough financial times.
The hotel changed ownership multiple times before being acquired by Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) in 1979. With backing from Saudi Prince Khalid bin Faisal Al Saud, PIA took over the management of the hotel from a New York real estate family. The agreement included an option to buy the hotel for $36.5 million after 20 years, which the airline exercised in 2000. Considered a national asset by the Pakistan government, the Roosevelt became the preferred lodging place for visiting Pakistani prime ministers and other dignitaries to New York. In the late 1990s, the hotel even hosted a live performance by Junoon, Pakistan’s biggest rock band, in the Grand Ballroom.
However, in recent decades, the hotel has struggled financially. The COVID-19 pandemic in 2020 forced the hotel to close its doors to guests, citing “unprecedented environment” and financial losses. In 2023, the Roosevelt received a fresh start when the city of New York signed a three-year, $220 million lease to use it as a migrant shelter and processing center. This lease brought new life to the hotel, but it was short-lived. In February 2024, Mayor Eric Adams announced that the city was canceling the lease, marking the end of an era in New York history.
The Roosevelt Hotel has been a witness to the city’s history, and its past is a microcosm of New York City and American history. From surviving Prohibition to becoming a political hub
