The Stanhope

In 1927, a grand dame arose on Fifth Avenue, gazing across at Central Park’s verdant expanse. The Stanhope Apartment Hotel, a Rosario Candela masterpiece, opened its doors, welcoming a new era of luxury living to the Upper East Side. The Stanhope quickly became a haven for the city’s elite, its sixteen stories housing opulent apartments. The Stanhope’s story is not just one of architectural elegance, but of transformation. Originally designed as a hotel, The Stanhope boasted a glamorous past filled with live music and legendary performers. The Rembrandt Room’s stage saw the likes of George Feyer, tickling the ivories for over a decade. Even the sultry tones of Greta Keller graced the room, captivating audiences with her unique blend of jazz and cabaret. The Stanhope also played host to famous faces, from the Beatles’ own Ringo Starr to jazz flautist Herbie Mann, who curated the music at the hotel’s Saratoga Room restaurant. The hotel changed hands numerous times throughout the 20th century. Each new owner sought to enhance The Stanhope’s luxurious image, with renovations totaling millions of dollars. One ambitious plan even involved converting the hotel rooms into co-ops while still operating as a luxury hotel. However, this venture ultimately led to bankruptcy in 1988. The Stanhope’s journey took another turn in 1999, when it became a Park Hyatt hotel. For a brief period, it was known as The Stanhope, A Park Hyatt Hotel and later, The Stanhope Park Hyatt New York. The spirit of music lived on in the revived Melrose Room, where the talents of pianist Steve Ross and soprano Anna Bergman filled the air. Finally, in 2005, The Stanhope closed its doors as a hotel and embarked on its final transformation. The grand dame of Fifth Avenue embraced its residential destiny, becoming the exclusive co-op building we see today, simply known as 995 Fifth Avenue. But whispers of its storied past still echo in its hallways, reminding us of the music, the glamour, and the enduring legacy of The Stanhope.