Opened by John Jacob Astor IV in 1904, the St. Regis on Fifth Avenue pioneered the concept of butler service in American hotels — a tradition maintained to this day. The King Cole Bar is home to the Bloody Mary, said to have been invented here.
The St. Regis New York stands at 2 East 55th Street on Fifth Avenue in Midtown East Manhattan, one block south of St. Patrick's Cathedral and within steps of Central Park, Rockefeller Center, and the flagship boutiques of Fifth Avenue. Opened in 1904 by John Jacob Astor IV, the hotel is both a Beaux-Arts masterpiece and a living piece of American hospitality history. Astor commissioned the property to create a hotel of European grandeur for New York's Gilded Age elite, and the building's limestone facade, gilded interiors, and meticulous room proportions reflect that original ambition.
The signature St. Regis butler service — included with every room at no extra charge — has been maintained since opening, making it the American pioneer of this tradition. Each guest is assigned a personal butler who handles clothes pressing, bath drawing, in-room bar service, and reservation management. The 238 rooms and suites feature Waterford crystal chandeliers, silk draperies, and curated fine art throughout.
The King Cole Bar on the lobby level is one of New York's most celebrated drinking establishments, home to Maxfield Parrish's remarkable 1906 mural depicting the Old King Cole nursery rhyme. The bar is widely credited as the birthplace of the Bloody Mary cocktail, and the signature St. Regis Bloody Mary is still served by name. The Astor Court serves afternoon tea and all-day dining in an ornate setting.
The hotel's spa and fitness center provide wellness amenities to complement the city-focused stay. The St. Regis New York's position on Fifth Avenue makes it equally suited to leisure travelers exploring cultural institutions and business guests attending meetings at nearby offices. The Midtown East corporate corridor, the United Nations, and the East Side's concentration of international headquarters are all within easy reach.
Amenities
- butler service
- spa
- fine dining
- bar
- concierge
- valet
- fitness center
Location
2 E 55th St, New York, NY 10022
40.7601, -73.9752 View on map
Highlights
- Beaux-Arts Gilded Age landmark opened by John Jacob Astor IV in 1904 on Fifth Avenue — a New York City landmark
- Legendary personal butler service included with every room, maintaining the American originator of this tradition since 1904
- The King Cole Bar houses Maxfield Parrish's 1906 mural and claims to be the birthplace of the Bloody Mary cocktail
- 238 rooms and suites with Waterford crystal chandeliers, silk draperies, and bespoke fine art
- Astor Court serves afternoon tea and all-day dining in a beautifully ornamented Beaux-Arts setting
Tips for visiting
- The St. Regis Bloody Mary at the King Cole Bar is worth the visit even for non-guests; the bar typically opens at noon
- Butler service can manage restaurant reservations citywide — brief the butler on preferences and dates at check-in
- The Astor Court afternoon tea is a refined alternative to the Palm Court at The Plaza and typically easier to book
- Request a high-floor suite for views toward Central Park, which begins two blocks north at 59th Street
- The F train at 57th Street–6th Avenue and the E/M at 53rd Street–5th Avenue are both within a short walk
Accessibility
The St. Regis New York provides ADA-compliant access including a wheelchair-accessible entrance on Fifth Avenue, elevator access to all guest floors, and accessible rooms with walk-in shower and grab bar configurations available on request. The lobby, King Cole Bar, and Astor Court are fully accessible. Butler service can assist guests with mobility needs throughout their stay.
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Frequently asked questions
What is butler service at the St. Regis New York?
Every guest receives a dedicated personal butler available 24 hours who can handle clothes pressing, bath drawing, in-room dining setup, and arrangement of outside services. Butler service is included in the room rate at no additional charge.
Is the King Cole Bar open to non-hotel guests?
Yes, the King Cole Bar is open to the public and welcomes non-guests. Reservations are not required but are recommended during peak evening hours. The bar typically opens at noon and is one of New York City's most storied drinking establishments.
When did the St. Regis New York open?
The St. Regis opened in 1904, commissioned by John Jacob Astor IV. The hotel has operated continuously since then and is designated as a New York City landmark.
How close is the St. Regis to Central Park?
Central Park is approximately two blocks north. The park's 59th Street and Fifth Avenue entrance is about a five-minute walk from the hotel's front door.
Does the St. Regis have a spa and fitness center?
Yes, the hotel has a fitness center and spa on premises offering a range of treatments. Butler service can assist with booking spa appointments. Advance reservations are recommended.