How The Hard Rock Hotel New York Became The Swirl Of Midtown Manhattan

It’s been 14 months since the Hard Rock Hotel New York swung open its gilded doors

in the heart of a never more electrifying Midtown Manhattan, located between the Theatre District and Rockefeller Center. Initially the worry was how this newest outpost, which is at the heart of where music and entertainment collide, would stand out in an oversaturated market bristling with not only more established, but more recent unique properties. Add to that the nearly three-year pandemic shutdown. How would the Hard Rock, well, rock it?

The answer just might just lie within their innovative culinary experiences including NYY Steak, RT60 Rooftop Bar & Lounge and their lobby bar Sessions, where hotel guests and visitors alike will find the best of live music while enjoying inventive bites and cocktails. The area is now being brought to life once again with this always happening Hard Rock, which offers a full-access pass to a lineup of legendary performances.

“The Hard Rock Hotel New York has become the swirl of New York City,” says Dale Hipsh. And who’s to argue with this legendary force majeure of the hotel-hospitality sphere? The former Senior Vice President of the brand returned for a time to serve as consultant to the Hard Rock Hotels & Casinos franchise, and when it comes to creating and inventing a hotel experience, there are none in the business more accomplished.

“Music is a force, a kinetic spirit that’s ageless and electric. This new Hard Rock Hotel had to exemplify that spirit like no other, and I think we are doing just that.” With a sweep of the hand, the maestro shows off the latest A-List memorabilia—an iconic look from Janet Jackson welcoming guests to the gilded entryway as they engage with the new jewel of New York. “It’s not just about meeting the moment—it’s about exceeding it,” quips the oft-quotable Hipsh.

Hipsh and his team quickly realized that forging an inclusive and dynamic alliance with New York City’s leading creatives, influencers and personalities was the most accurate and organic way of creating buzz and generating goodwill. From the local musicians found in all the hotel’s public lounges and collaborations to moments with Housewives of New York to Rock & Roll Hall of Fame legends—a immediate sense of cool greets visitors choosing to stay at this centrally located Hard Rock Hotel New York.

Ascending the magical sweeping staircase to the gorgeously appointed second floor of the gleaming hotel, Hipsh opines, “No one does it better than Jeffrey Beers!” He believes there is no more talented interior designer/architect, master builder or re-inventor of hotels than his friend Jeffrey Beers. “We’ve worked on many projects together, but I am quite proud of this one in particular.”

The excellent compilation and placement of the vast trove of A-List memorabilia honors some of the music industry’s biggest icons who were from and inspired by New York.

Much of the magic of the property is also owed to a brand new general manager who truly brings his vision to life through the offerings which can be found at Hard Rock Hotel New York. David Salcfas brings 33 years of experience in the hospitality realm.

“I feel reinvigorated and happier than ever to be back running a pedigreed hotel,” Salcfas offers. “But the intensity is the same whether it’s a big box or boutique-style hotel. I am fully immersing myself in my new role here at the Hard Rock Hotel New York, which is tremendously exciting because it adds a unique vibe to the hotel landscape. And it’s not only a world-class hotel experience but a one-of-a-kind-live entertainment venue right next door.”

This is the Broadway district, where the true masters of the craft transform ideas into spectacles and create an exciting, buzzy property that still manages to maintain an aura of safety and security. No easy feat, but that is precisely what the Hard Rock Hotel New York has managed to achieve. Says Hipsh, ”We are about authentic experiences that rock, and that’s been our philosophy here from day one.”