Kimpton Ashbel New York - Park Avenue, part of IHG Hotels & Resorts' luxury and lifestyle portfolio, has introduced a curated design narrative rooted in Park Avenue's storied townhouses. Set within a restored 1928 Beaux-Arts building originally developed as the Doral Park Avenue Hotel, the property has 205 guestrooms and suites, many with views of Park Avenue and the Empire State Building and brings the warmth and character of a private residence into a refined hotel experience in Midtown Manhattan.
Designed by Busta Studio, the interiors draw from a classic New York townhouse, emphasizing material richness, artisanal detail, and a considered architectural approach. The guest experience begins at arrival, where the building's restored limestone façade and entry set the tone. Custom louvers at street level provide privacy steps away from Park Avenue while preserving natural light. Within the building, the ground level lobby retains its original structure and proportions, refreshed with reeded glass, wood floors, traditional rugs, and brass accents.
A custom inlaid mosaic featuring the property's "K.A." initials establish a strong sense of place. The ground floor unfolds as a sequence of residential-style spaces, transitioning naturally into a living room and family room connected through oversized wood portals that integrate preserved columns, original steps, and window openings.
"Our approach was to treat Kimpton Ashbel as a true Park Avenue townhouse rather than a conventional hotel," said Anna Busta, founder of Busta Studio. "We focused on proportion, materiality, and architectural detail to create spaces that feel layered and personal. The design is rooted in the building's history, but intentionally relaxed, with moments of warmth and quiet surprise."
Throughout the property, a restrained material palette of hand-brushed limed oak paneling, Bianco Dolomiti and Pietra marble, artisanal plaster ceilings, and hand-cast bronze and glass details create a calm framework. Softer furnishings and subtle pops of color introduce warmth and personality, including jade green sofas in the lobby echoed in guestroom headboards.
The Living Room serves as a gathering space designed for unhurried moments, featuring a sculptural floating banquette and an integrated library. Throughout the day, the hotel's public spaces are animated by Kimpton's signature social experiences, from the complimentary Kickstart coffee and tea each morning to Kimpton Social, the hosted evening gathering where guests can enjoy curated selections of beer and wine.
Park & Bel, the hotel's café concept, offers a curated morning selection of artisanal pastries, seasonal fruit, and sandwiches. As the day transitions into evening, the space takes on a more indulgent character, unveiling a bespoke bar cart in the evening hours. Featuring curated cocktails and premium alcoholic offerings served alongside the café's light fare, Park & Bel becomes an intimate yet vibrant destination.
Every element of Kimpton Ashbel is custom designed for the property. Bespoke millwork, integrated headboards with built-in lighting and charging, and proportioned furnishings create spaces that feel both residential and refined. In the guest bathrooms, custom-fitted cabinetry, curated textiles, and finishes maximize comfort and functionality. Specialty suites range from 14 family-friendly connecting rooms to the Penthouse Suite, which can be booked as a two-bedroom retreat with four bathrooms and two grand terraces.
A site-specific collection curated by Soho Art Gallery features commissioned mixed-media works by Aida Subira, Natalie Ciccoricco, Robin Ahlgren and local artist Eric Blum. A curated library sourced from Assouline and Taschen adds further depth.
"With Kimpton Ashbel, our goal was to create a hotel that feels lived-in rather than staged," said Sofia L. Vandaele, Regional Director of Operations for IHG Luxury & Lifestyle in New York. "The design encourages guests to slow down and settle in, whether that means relaxing in the lobby or retreating to a guestroom overlooking Park Avenue. We wanted the hotel to feel like a true extension of the neighborhood, offering warmth, ease, and a sense of belonging."
Kimpton Ashbel New York - Park Avenue is now accepting reservations. For more information, visit www.ashbelhotelnewyork.com.
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