The Iroquois New York treats their guests and employees like family

For The Bride
"The Iroquois New York is the talk of the town. The 114 rooms, large by New York standards, are furnished in comfortable, soft, natural tones and feature Frette linens and luxurious marble baths."

Fodor's 2002 New York City
"Service is top-notch, and as the hotel is privately run it has more personality than many of the bigger chains. Amenities are abundant."

"This understated hotel is a favorite among business and leisure travelers because of its domestic, clubby ambience."


The overwhelmingly young staff of The Iroquois New York (212-453-4001; www.iroquoisny.com) knows that it is a privilege to serve their guests. These hip hoteliers are on the cutting edge of a return to the traditional values of a warm welcome and exemplary service. The Iroquois isn’t the kind of small hotel that offers happening over hospitality, and due to this The Iroquois has become an "In" spot. Prior to working at The Iroquois many of the staff worked at other hotels such as The Soho Grand and The Paramount, and at the Iroquois they are not just trendy - they are setting the trend for the ultimate in personal service in New York. If to be hip means being "in the know," they are the hippest, in their ability to know their guests’ every need.

When guests walk up the steps of Iroquois New York, they are immediately greeted; a bellman is right there to take packages and luggage to the front desk, where the check-in process begins easily and quickly. Weary travelers are not made to wait; they are treated as if they are arriving at their own home in New York, not a faceless nightclub. Without stress, with warmth and efficiency, guests can get settled, relax, and then be on their way. This is the hottest trend in small hotels: for guests to feel at home, to provide a personal touch while accommodating the needs of the 21st century.

Small, special touches, such as refreshments available to guests while checking in are offered, as they would be by any host welcoming a friend into their home. The Iroquois staff makes the experience upbeat right from the beginning. Guests are then shown to their rooms by the same bellman that greeted them at the door. Lurisia mineral water and chocolates accompanied by a personal note from the Owner and General Manager await the guest, welcoming them to what the Iroquois considers to be the most exclusive club in town: their family. The Iroquois New York encompasses fine dining at their restaurant, Triomphe, which was awarded two stars from William Grimes, the restaurant critic of The New York Times, and in addition, was named best new theatre district restaurant in this year’s Best of New York issue of New York magazine.

Built in 1923, The Iroquois was home to many a rock star during the 1980’s. In fact, the English band The Clash wrote their number one hit, "Rock the Casbah," while staying at the hotel. However, their most notable tenant was James Dean, who lived in the hotel while appearing in a Broadway show. In the 1990’s, new owner Shimmie Horn decided it was time to upgrade The Iroquois into one of the most luxurious small hotels in Manhattan, so in 1998 The Iroquois New York underwent a $14 million dollar renovation. There are now 114 guest rooms and 9 guest suites decorated with understated French residential furniture. All rooms are appointed with luxurious Frette bathrobes and bed linens. Bathrooms are floor-to-ceiling marble with brass fittings. Suites contain additional amenities: original artwork, decorative fireplaces, and a separate Jacuzzi tub and shower stall. To pay tribute to their famous guest of yesteryear, The James Dean Lounge now graces the far side of the lobby; it is decorated with movie posters and photographs, and contains a video library of his films. Guests are welcome to pop in a video and watch their favorite rebel on the lounge’s flat screen television while sipping a glass of wine or nibbling on a selection from the bar menu. There is a cozy mahogany clad Library inside the entrance, stocked with newspapers from all over the world, and a 24-hour health club is available to all guests.

Twenty nine-year old Owner Shimmie Horn and General Manager Paul Celnik are on the premises and make it their business to personally interact with guests. Many staff members may be young, but they are knowledgeable - the most hip way to be. The emphasis on the personal touch is the kind of trend The Iroquois knows is important to the customer.

The Iroquois New York is one of three Manhattan-based hotels belonging to the Small Luxury Hotels of the World. The other hotels in New York include: The Mark and The Inn At Irving Place. Iroquois New York is a member of the Triumph Hospitality brand of hotels, which also includes Hotel Chandler New York (12 E. 31st St., 212-889-6363); the Washington Jefferson Hotel (318 W. 51st St., 212-246-7550); and the Hotel Belleclaire (250 W. 77th St., 212- 362-7700). Triumph Hospitality stands for personalized luxury and service at its best.