The Grand Hyatt NYC: From Luxe Stays to Skyscraper Dreams? Buckle Up, Buttercup, It's a Wild Ride
The Grand Hyatt New York City. A place where tourists with questionable sock choices mingled with business titans negotiating billion-dollar deals (hopefully not in socks and sandals). But what's the future hold for this iconic hotel? Let's grab a metaphorical martini and delve into the drama.
From Commodore to Grand: A History Steeped in Art Deco and Questionable Partnerships
Originally the glamorous Commodore Hotel, it opened its doors in 1919, just in time for the Roaring Twenties. Think flapper dresses, top-shelf bathtub gin, and the faint whiff of regret in the morning. Fast forward to the late 70s, and enter Donald Trump (cue dramatic music). Hyatt Hotels teamed up with The Donald to transform the Commodore into the Grand Hyatt. Let's just say the partnership wasn't exactly a match made in hospitality heaven. Thankfully, the Pritzker family, Hyatt's owners, eventually bought out Trump in 1996, sparing us a future of gold-plated everything.
Temporary Shutterbug Moment and a Name Change: The Plot Thickens
Then came 2020. The world went into lockdown, and the Grand Hyatt wasn't immune. It closed its doors, leaving tourists with nowhere to stash their questionable socks and business deals on hold. But fear not, weary traveler! In 2021, the hotel reopened with a new name: Hyatt Grand Central. Was this a strategic rebranding, or just an attempt to distance itself from a certain orange-hued former business partner? We may never know.
So What's the Big Fuss About? Enter Project Commodore
Here's where things get interesting. In 2019, a shiny new project called "Project Commodore" was announced. The plan? To bulldoze the Hyatt and erect a giant, mixed-use skyscraper in its place. We're talking offices, apartments, retail stores, and yes, you guessed it, a brand new, even grander Hyatt Hotel. As of now, construction is slated to begin sometime in 2026.
The Future of the Grand Hyatt: Up in the Air (Literally?)
So, what does this all mean? Will the current Hyatt become a pile of rubble, a cautionary tale for overstuffed suitcases? Will the new Hyatt be the epitome of luxury, or a soulless corporate behemoth? Only time will tell. In the meantime, we'll be keeping our eyes peeled for construction updates and fire sales on questionable socks.
