Architecture behind Royalton Hotel - New York, NY: A study in modern elegance. By E-A-A / October 10, 2026 The Royalton Hotel, located at 44 West 44th Street in Midtown Manhattan, is a historic gem in New York City. Designed by the architecture firm Rossiter & Wright and developed by Edward G. Bailey, it opened its doors in 1898. The building's facade features a blend of brick, stone, terracotta, and iron, showcasing the architectural ingenuity of its era. In 2007, the Royalton Hotel underwent a major renovation by the design firm Roman and Williams. This transformation turned the property into a sophisticated and luxurious destination while preserving its historic charm. Notable areas like the lobby, bar, restaurant, and penthouse received stunning makeovers. The Royalton's design evolution also includes contributions from Philippe Starck, who originally designed the hotel. Starck's vision laid the foundation for its unique style, which Roman and Williams subsequently enhanced. The hotel's lobby, which connects 43rd and 44th Streets, remains a key highlight, offering guests an immersive experience in luxurious hospitality. The Royalton Hotel stands as a testament to timeless architecture and innovative design. Table of Contents History and ownership. The Royalton Hotel boasts a rich history, evolving ownership, and design transformations that highlight its significance in New York's hospitality scene. Origins of Royalton Hotel. The Royalton Hotel first opened its doors in 1898 at 44 West 44th Street in Midtown Manhattan. It was designed by architecture firm Rossiter & Wright and developed by civil engineer Edward G. Bailey. The building stands 13 stories tall and features brick, stone, terracotta, and iron elements, making it a distinct presence in New York's bustling cityscape. In the late 20th century, renowned hotelier Ian Schrager gave it a modern twist, transforming it into one of New York's original boutique hotels. This move marked a significant shift in its identity, blending historic elegance with contemporary design principles. Schrager's touch made the Royalton a hotspot in Manhattan, attracting a stylish, upscale clientele. Acquisition by highgate Holding. In the 21st century, ownership of the Royalton Hotel changed hands. Highgate Holding, a prominent real estate investment and hospitality management company, acquired the hotel. This acquisition aimed at revitalizing the legacy of the hotel while integrating modern amenities and maintaining its classic charm. Highgate Holding undertook significant renovations, involving the collaboration of Roman and Williams Design. This partnership further enhanced the hotel's luxurious appeal by updating the interiors and preserving its historical elements. Key areas like the lobby, bar, restaurant, and penthouse were meticulously redesigned to meet contemporary standards of luxury and comfort. Design and aesthetics. The Royalton Hotel in New York showcases unique design influences from several renowned designers. Each has made distinct contributions that define the hotel's current look and feel, enhancing its modern appeal and luxurious ambiance. Influence of Roman and Williams. Roman and Williams took on the redesign of the Royalton Hotel in 2007, bringing a sophisticated and luxurious style. Their design features bold gestures and rich materials like velvet, fur, and mahogany. They aimed to create memorable spaces with a mix of modern and classic elements. In the lobby, they used wood paneling and elaborate light fixtures to create a striking yet welcoming atmosphere. The aim was to respect the historic aspects of the hotel while injecting new life into its interiors. Contributions of Philippe Starck. Philippe Starck's initial design played a crucial role in establishing the Royalton as a modern boutique hotel. When Starck first designed the hotel, he utilized sleek, minimalist elements that set a new standard for luxury hotels. His work included the use of simple lines and high-quality finishes. Starck's influence is still evident today, especially in the hotel's emphasis on clean, elegant spaces that do not compromise on comfort and style. His design philosophy paved the way for future renovations by Roman and Williams. Charlotte Macaux Perelman's renovations. Charlotte Macaux Perelman was responsible for further renovations, adding her touch to the hotel's aesthetic. She focused on enhancing the modern elements while keeping the luxurious feel intact. Perelman's work often incorporates a mix of materials and textures, adding depth and character to spaces. She emphasized the use of mahogany and wood, complementing the previously established design elements. Her meticulous attention to detail ensured that each space felt both timeless and contemporary, creating a cohesive design throughout the hotel. Accommodations and services. At the Royalton Hotel in New York, guests can expect meticulously designed rooms and suites enhanced by exclusive amenities that cater to both leisure and business travelers. The hotel's boutique style ensures a personalized experience. Rooms and suites overview. The Royalton Hotel boasts a variety of rooms and suites, each designed to reflect the hotel's unique blend of classic and contemporary decor. Options range from standard rooms to spacious suites, ensuring a comfortable stay. Rooms feature high-quality linens, flat-screen TVs, and modern bathrooms. The suites offer additional luxuries like separate living areas and workspaces. Whether guests stay in a room or a suite, they enjoy thoughtfully curated touches that make their stay memorable. Exclusive amenities. Guests at the Royalton Hotel have access to several exclusive amenities designed to enhance their stay. The bar and restaurant, named Forty Four, offers a diverse menu and a bustling social scene. The hotel is ADA compliant and provides services such as valet parking, concierge assistance, and room service. High-speed Wi-Fi is available throughout the property, ensuring guests stay connected. Excellent fitness facilities and meeting rooms cater to both fitness enthusiasts and business professionals. Location and accessibility. The Royalton Hotel in New York City boasts a prime location in Midtown Manhattan, offering guests easy access to numerous iconic landmarks and convenient transportation options. Proximity to iconic New York landmarks. The Royalton Hotel is situated at 44 West 44th Street, placing it within walking distance of some of New York City's iconic landmarks. Times Square is just a short stroll away, providing guests with endless entertainment options and bright lights. The Theater District is close by, making it easy to catch a Broadway show. Just a few blocks away, guests can find the expansive Bryant Park and the historic New York Public Library. Rockefeller Center and Radio City Music Hall are also nearby, offering both cultural and entertainment experiences. For shopping enthusiasts, Fifth Avenue's luxury stores are within easy reach. Both Central Park and the Metropolitan Museum of Art are not far, ideal for those looking to explore more of Manhattan's rich culture and history. Transportation and access. The Royalton Hotel is easily accessible through various modes of transportation, ensuring a seamless experience for all guests. The nearby Grand Central Station provides access to multiple subway lines, making it convenient to navigate through New York City. Additionally, Penn Station is relatively close, offering both Amtrak and regional train services. For those flying into the city, LaGuardia, JFK, and Newark airports are all within reasonable travel distance. The hotel's location also makes ride-sharing services and taxis a viable option for quick and direct access. The Royalton Hotel is committed to accessibility, ensuring that all guests, including those with disabilities, enjoy a comfortable stay. Their accessibility statement outlines the measures taken to accommodate guests of all abilities. From ADA-compliant rooms to assistive technologies, the hotel strives to provide an inclusive and enjoyable experience for everyone. Additional Reading:

Highgate appoints Albert Docker to drive golf growth at Troon managed Salgados Golf Club in Portugal. Sep 25, 2026 3 mins to read Highgate, the global hotel management, investment and development group, has announced the appointment of Albert Docker as its new Golf Sales Manager, based at the Troon-managed Salgados Golf Club in Portugal's Algarve region. Bringing more than two decades of experience spanning golf, hospitality, operations, sales and client relationship management, Docker will play a key role in expanding Highgate's golf portfolio. His responsibilities will include growing golf-related business opportunities, enhancing partnerships with existing stakeholders and developing new domestic and international market connections. Discover more In his new position, Docker will collaborate closely with Highgate's commercial division and Troon, the global golf management company responsible for overseeing golf operations, agronomy, sales and marketing activities at Salgados Golf Club since August 2023. Docker will work alongside Esther Marijuan, Highgate Portugal's Vice President Commercial, supporting the company's strategy to strengthen its presence in the golf tourism sector. Marijuan joined Highgate earlier this year and brings significant expertise in golf resort operations, having previously held roles at two hotels situated within Troon-managed golf destinations. Tourism Industry News % buffered Powered by GliaStudios The appointment highlights Highgate's continued focus on developing premium golf experiences and strengthening its position within Portugal's growing golf and resort tourism market. "Albert's appointment is an exciting addition to our commercial team and further strengthens our focus on golf as an important part of Highgate's offering," she said. "His experience within the golf industry, combined with his strong relationships and understanding of the international golf market, will be a real asset as we look to grow this segment. I am very much looking forward to working alongside Albert as we build on the opportunities ahead." Discover more Travel News Subscription Travel Deals Aggregator Travel Trends Report "I am excited to join the Highgate team," added Albert. "There is a great team and some exciting opportunities ahead, and I look forward to working with our partners and clients to grow the golf business and deliver exceptional experiences for golfers." Troon, one of the world's leading golf and golf hospitality management companies, operates through its international division, Troon International, managing more than 60 golf courses across over 20 countries. In August 2023, the company was selected by Highgate Portugal to manage golf operations, agronomy, sales and marketing activities at Salgados Golf Club. Following the partnership, Salgados Golf Club has benefited from a focused investment and improvement programme aimed at elevating the course standards, upgrading infrastructure and enhancing the overall visitor experience. Set against the stunning landscape of Portugal's Algarve region, Salgados Golf Club offers panoramic views of the Atlantic coastline. The 18-hole golf course is located close to Salgados Beach and the Salgados Lagoon Nature Reserve, occupying the scenic lowlands behind the golden sands of Praia de Galé. The surrounding resort area also provides a range of accommodation choices, including four Highgate Portugal properties that became part of the Marriott Hotels & Resorts portfolio in 2025. These include Algarve Marriott Salgados Golf Resort & Conference Center, Marriott Residences Salgados Resort Algarve, Westin Salgados Beach Resort Algarve, and The Residences at The Westin Salgados Beach Resort Algarve. Advertisement Discover more Shipping & Logistics Cruise News Updates Aviation Industry Travel Alerts Service

Highgate announces appointment of Erica Doyne as Chief Marketing Officer. Sep 21, 2026, 09:00 ET Highgate, a leading global real estate investment and hospitality management company, today announced the appointment of Erica Doyne as Chief Marketing Officer. NEW YORK, Sept. 21, 2026 /PRNewswire-PRWeb/ - Highgate, a leading global real estate investment and hospitality management company, today announced the appointment of Erica Doyne as Chief Marketing Officer. Doyne is an accomplished marketing executive with nearly two decades of leadership experience across the travel and hospitality industry. She brings a powerful combination of strategic vision, brand-building expertise, commercial acumen, and a proven ability to lead organizations through transformation and growth. Most recently, Doyne served as Chief Marketing Officer of Cardinal Financial, where she established the company's marketing organization and led brand strategy, customer acquisition, and digital product. Previously, she spent nearly two decades with AMResorts and Apple Leisure Group, culminating in a role as Senior Vice President, Marketing & Global Branding for Hyatt's Inclusive Collection. During her tenure, she led brand and marketing strategy for a portfolio of 12 luxury resort brands spanning more than 150 properties across Mexico, the Caribbean, Central America, and Europe. Throughout her career, Doyne has launched several resort brands from the ground up, supported the opening of more than 100 resorts, and led campaigns under Bain Capital, KKR, and KSL Capital Partners ownership. "Erica is a dynamic and highly accomplished leader who understands the powerful intersection of brand, customer, technology, and commercial performance," said Highgate Principal and Chief Commercial Officer Ankur Randev. "Her experience building iconic brands, leading through transformation, and bringing innovative thinking to complex organizations will be incredibly valuable as we continue to evolve Highgate's commercial strategy." Doyne has been recognized among HSMAI's Top 25 Most Extraordinary Minds in Sales, Marketing, and Revenue Optimization and as a Ragan "Top Women in Communications" honoree in the Visionary category. She and her teams have earned numerous industry honors, including multiple HSMAI Gold Adrian Awards and Travel Weekly Magellan Awards. She currently serves on the board of the Penn Treaty Community Fund, a nonprofit foundation supporting communities across four Philadelphia neighborhoods. She holds a Bachelor of Communication from La Salle University. About Highgate Highgate is a leading real estate investment and hospitality management company with over $15 billion of assets under management. Highgate has a 35-year track record as an investment manager, operating partner, and developer for REITs, private equity firms, sovereign wealth funds, high net worth individuals, and other institutional investors. With a particular focus in hospitality real estate, Highgate's portfolio includes assets across the United States, Europe, Latin America, and the Caribbean. Highgate's capabilities extend across multiple verticals including hospitality, senior housing, multifamily, short-term rentals, as well as investments in real estate-linked securities, technology platforms, operating businesses. Highgate maintains corporate offices in London, Lisbon, New York, Dallas, Los Angeles, Miami, Seattle, and Waikiki. For more information, visit: www.highgate.com. Media Contact SOURCE Highgate