"Opened in 1931, this Art Deco masterpiece has, over nearly 80 years, played host to political figures including Queen Elizabeth, the Dalai Lama and Barack Obama, as well as celebrities such as Grace Kelly, Marlene Dietrich, Frank Sinatra and Marilyn Monroe. It was the first hotel in New York City to offer room service, have electricity in rooms and allow single-women guests. After an eight-year, nearly $2 billion renovation by Skidmore, Owings & Merrill and interior designer Pierre-Yves Rochon, it has reopened at 301 Park Avenue (between East 49th and 50th streets) and now presents three new restaurants and an expanded guest reception and public spaces." - Andrea Strong