The pair, Four Seasons Hotel New York in The Big Apple’s Midtown district, and Four Seasons Resort The Biltmore Santa Barbara in southern California, have both been closed since the covid pandemic, though the former was utilised as medical staff accommodation during lockdown.
Dispute resolution
The New York and Santa Barbara sites are both owned by Ty Warner Hotels, a firm run by billionaire Ty Warner, who also founded Beanie Babies toy company.
The hotels had remained shuttered reportedly due to a dispute between the operators and the owners regarding operating costs, profit margins and room rates.
Anticipated reopenings
However, both parties have now issued a joint statement saying: “Ty Warner Hotels and Resorts and Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts have been working together to prepare for the highly anticipated reopening of both the Four Seasons Resort The Biltmore Santa Barbara and Four Seasons Hotel New York. Both iconic properties are expected to reopen in fall 2024.
“Renovations and enhancements are planned throughout and the owner and operator look forward to ushering in a new era for both celebrated properties. In preparation for reopening, recalling furloughed employees will be a priority.”
New York profile
Four Seasons Hotel New York was designed by I.M. Pei in 1993, with the 52-storey skyscraper housing 368 keys.
The Midtown tower features an art deco lobby with 33-ft vaulted onyx ceilings and honey-coloured French Magny limestone. Centrally located in the heart of the city, the Five-Star hotel is two blocks from Central Park and Fifth Avenue shopping, and it is in close proximity to the city’s famous museums, restaurants and theatres.
California coastal site
Tucked between the Pacific Ocean and the Santa Ynez Mountains, Four Seasons Resort The Biltmore Santa Barbara has 106 guestrooms. Set within 22 acres, the property showcases secluded courtyards, fountains and sun-dappled, red-brick pathways lit by gas lanterns. The Spanish Colonial villas and bungalows are individually designed and filled with custom handcrafted furnishings and original artwork.
The renovation will see many areas of the hotel completely transformed, offering a new design, ambience and facilities, intended to solidify the property as one of California’s leading luxury resorts for many years to come.
