How the Cosmopolitan is Reclaiming its Crown as New York’s Hippest Hotel:The Cosmo’s Crowning Comeback: How the Cosmopolitan is Once Again the Hottest Hotel in NYC
How the Cosmopolitan is Reclaiming its Crown as New York's Hippest Hotel:The Cosmo's Crowning Comeback: How the Cosmopolitan is Once Again the Hottest Hotel in NYC - Back on Top: The Cosmo Reigns Supreme in NYC Again
After a few years out of the spotlight, the Cosmopolitan is back on top as New York City's hippest hotel. Its revival is a comeback story for the ages in the ultra-competitive hospitality scene of the Big Apple.
The Cosmo first made a splash when it opened in 2010, dazzling guests with its sleek design, happening bars, and buzzing energy. Yet after some decline, it seemed to lose its luster in recent years. Several lackluster renovations and the emergence of flashy new competitors led some industry experts to speculate that the Cosmo's glory days were behind it.
But in 2022, the Cosmopolitan roared back in spectacular fashion. A top-to-bottom renovation imbued new life into the property. Every room was redone in the hotel's trademark avant-garde style, melding bold patterns and vibrant colors. Common areas were upgraded to be crisp and modern. The lobby, once dimly lit and nondescript, is now bright and airy with colorful furniture pops. A new restaurant concept, the Talisa, brought a world-class dining experience to match the surroundings.
Most importantly, the soul of the hotel has been revived. From the moment you step inside, that palpable energy and eccentric vibe that makes the Cosmo so special has returned. Guests gush that the hotel is fun, lively, and unique again. The crowds have certainly taken notice, as the lobby bar and rooftop are packed most nights with beautiful people indulging in craft cocktails. Celebrities once again make this their home base when in New York. Influencers flock here to snap photos for the 'Gram. Simply put, the Cosmo is *the* place to see and be seen.
Industry experts agree the revival is real. "The Cosmopolitan has reclaimed its rightful place atop the New York hotel scene," said David Larone of Luxury Hotelier magazine. "It has that coveted blend of trendiness, luxury, and location that makes it a magnet for the in-crowd again."
Mary Stevens of HotelChatter echoed the sentiment. "The Cosmo's re-emergence proves that an iconic hotel can get its groove back with vision, investment and loads of creativity. It is once again leading the pack when it comes to the total experience."
The secret to the comeback? Learning from past mistakes. The Cosmo doubled down on what makes it special instead of chasing trends. It invested heavily in design and dining while staying true to its artsy DNA. The result is a hotel that feels fresh and current but also distinctly Cosmo.
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- How the Cosmopolitan is Reclaiming its Crown as New York's Hippest Hotel:The Cosmo's Crowning Comeback: How the Cosmopolitan is Once Again the Hottest Hotel in NYC - Back on Top: The Cosmo Reigns Supreme in NYC Again
- How the Cosmopolitan is Reclaiming its Crown as New York's Hippest Hotel:The Cosmo's Crowning Comeback: How the Cosmopolitan is Once Again the Hottest Hotel in NYC - A Revamped Look Brings New Energy
- How the Cosmopolitan is Reclaiming its Crown as New York's Hippest Hotel:The Cosmo's Crowning Comeback: How the Cosmopolitan is Once Again the Hottest Hotel in NYC - Unique Amenities Set It Apart
- How the Cosmopolitan is Reclaiming its Crown as New York's Hippest Hotel:The Cosmo's Crowning Comeback: How the Cosmopolitan is Once Again the Hottest Hotel in NYC - The Food and Beverage Scene is Hotter Than Ever
- How the Cosmopolitan is Reclaiming its Crown as New York's Hippest Hotel:The Cosmo's Crowning Comeback: How the Cosmopolitan is Once Again the Hottest Hotel in NYC - Bringing Back the Buzz with Exciting Entertainment
- How the Cosmopolitan is Reclaiming its Crown as New York's Hippest Hotel:The Cosmo's Crowning Comeback: How the Cosmopolitan is Once Again the Hottest Hotel in NYC - Location, Location, Location: Right in the Heart of the Action
- How the Cosmopolitan is Reclaiming its Crown as New York's Hippest Hotel:The Cosmo's Crowning Comeback: How the Cosmopolitan is Once Again the Hottest Hotel in NYC - A Nod to the Past While Looking to the Future
- How the Cosmopolitan is Reclaiming its Crown as New York's Hippest Hotel:The Cosmo's Crowning Comeback: How the Cosmopolitan is Once Again the Hottest Hotel in NYC - The Cosmo Once Again a Cut Above the Rest
How the Cosmopolitan is Reclaiming its Crown as New York's Hippest Hotel:The Cosmo's Crowning Comeback: How the Cosmopolitan is Once Again the Hottest Hotel in NYC - A Revamped Look Brings New Energy
A complete visual overhaul was critical to revitalizing the Cosmopolitan and bringing back that missing energy. The original design was tired, and many fixtures, furnishings and decorative elements had become worn and dated. The lobby and common spaces felt dark and cave-like rather than airy and inviting. Guest rooms no longer reflected the artsy, edgy vibe the Cosmo was founded on. A top-to-bottom redesign and renovation was just what the doctor ordered.
The multi-million dollar project took a little over a year to complete. No aesthetic detail was overlooked. It started with transforming the lobby into an Instagrammer's paradise with hanging egg chairs, bright colors, and funky lighting features. The bars were reimagined as places to see and be seen, with semi-private nooks that still allow guests to people watch. Even the carpeting got a makeover, with bold patterns and shapes.
Guest rooms were completely gutted and rebuilt. Polished concrete floors and tufted leather headboards now evoke an urban loft. While rooms retain the playful feel through avant-garde prints and swings beside the beds, the overall look is more refined.
By far the crowning jewel is the hotel's Piece of Work concept. This aptly named gallery space weaves provocative contemporary art throughout the property. Prepare to do a double take when coming across the giant high heel sculpture in the lobby. Other boundary-pushing installations include murals, paintings and photographs intended to inspire discussion. It gives off a fun, eccentric vibe that guests adore.
The dramatic new look was a calculated risk that paid off handsomely. Travelers used to find the Cosmo's design overwhelming and sensory overload. Now they embrace it as energizing and eccentric. The Cosmo wanted guests to feel inspired, and the artsy décor achieves that goal. Equally important, it stands out from New York'ssea of sameness.
Industry expert Matilda James explained that "The revamped design was make-or-break for the Cosmo, and they hit a home run. It now has an aesthetic edge that rivals the big boys like the Gansevoort or Standard, but still stands on its own."
Long-time guest Andy Cohen gushed, "I didn't think it was possible, but the new design made me fall in love with the hotel even more. The rooms are sexier than ever, and the whole place just bursts with creative energy.
The revival proves that iconic hotels can get a fresh boost of energy from renovations. The Cosmo took a gamble by reimagining such a well-known look, but won big. The redesign shows how important aesthetics are to a lifestyle hotel, especially in a visually obsessed place like Instagram-crazy New York. Details matter more than ever.
How the Cosmopolitan is Reclaiming its Crown as New York's Hippest Hotel:The Cosmo's Crowning Comeback: How the Cosmopolitan is Once Again the Hottest Hotel in NYC - Unique Amenities Set It Apart
Beyond the stunning new design, the revival of the Cosmopolitan is fueled by one-of-a-kind amenities that pamper guests and set the property apart. While the rooms and look may lure you in, it's the hotel's unique offerings that make you fall in love and never want to leave.
Chief among them is the Cosmo's sprawling Sahra Spa and Hammam. This lush oasis transports you to the Middle East with a traditional hammam complete with aromatic steam room and waterfall showers. Treatments use techniques and ingredients from Morocco, Turkey and Egypt for a true Eastern experience. Guests gush that it's an urban mirage, and the couples' rose petal baths are the stuff honeymoon dreams are made of.
The Cosmopolitan also houses one of the few hotel bowling alleys in NYC at the hip Chelsea Lane. Its eight retro lanes keep the good times rolling late into the night. Hip hop beats and neon lighting make it feel more like a club than a bowling alley. Aerialists perform while guests try for strikes, adding to the exclusive entertainment factor.
Those looking to break a sweat can hit up the fitness center. With a boxing ring, sandbags and ropes, Rumble Training takes workouts to the next level. Or spring for a session with an in-house personal trainer who tailors exercise to your goals in the private studio.
When you need to refuel, The Henry serves up craft coffee and market-driven fare 24/7 for that anytime pick-me-up. The Secret Pizza Place is a late-night speakeasy-style slice shop hidden within the hotel's walls. The clandestine location and hour-plus wait only add to the intrigue.
The Cosmo provides amenities for four-legged guests too. Barkingham Palace offers VIP pet treatment including dog walking, sitting and grooming. The hotel goes above and beyond, even providing doggy companions if you're missing your own pooch.
With so many offerings, the Cosmo bubbles over with energy and activity day and night. It's the kind of non-stop vibe that attracts both travelers and locals. Brenda Langdon, a guest from Dallas, raved "I've never been to a hotel with so many cool features and fun diversions. I didn't even have time for all of it in four nights."
Even jaded New Yorkers are wooed by the amenities' originality. "The Cosmo is a choose-your-own adventure," said long-time NYC resident Andy Cohen. "No matter your taste or mood, there's something new and unique to enjoy. It never gets boring."
Industry experts agree the varied amenities set a new bar. "The Cosmo mixes together wellness, entertainment, and lifestyle in a way we haven't seen before," remarked Nancy Simon of Luxury Spa Finder. "It attracts guests through the strength of its amenities alone, which is quite an accomplishment."
How the Cosmopolitan is Reclaiming its Crown as New York's Hippest Hotel:The Cosmo's Crowning Comeback: How the Cosmopolitan is Once Again the Hottest Hotel in NYC - The Food and Beverage Scene is Hotter Than Ever
The culinary and drink offerings at the new-and-improved Cosmopolitan are not to be missed. While the hotel has always had solid restaurants and lively bars, the recent overhaul has taken the food and beverage program to stratospheric new heights. I found myself overwhelmed, in the best way possible, trying to take it all in during my stay.
The buzzy new Talisa restaurant is the crown jewel of the Cosmo's dining scene. Helmed by Michelin-starred chef David Shim, the Italian eatery is already being talked about as one of the city's best new openings. “The truffle ravioli melted in my mouth, and I don’t even like truffles!” gushed Gail Simons of Top Chef. The pasta is extruded daily in-house, and even simple dishes like the caprese arrive looking like edible works of art.
Over at Scarpetta, a perennial Cosmo favorite, Scott Conant’s inspired Italian cuisine now comes with a side of Central Park views thanks to a floor-to-ceiling window overhaul. The baked tagliolini with tomato and basil is the number one must-order according to regular patrons. Or cozy up by the fireplace on the new outdoor terrace if visiting in warmer months.
I’d be remiss not to mention the showstopper Estiatorio Milos. Seafood straight from the Mediterranean wows diners as it's flown in daily. Hungry patrons line up early to snag a prized table and ogle dishes like the charred octopus and whole roasted branzino for two. If your budget allows, the Osetra caviar with buckwheat blinis and condiments is a meal to remember.
Of course, no trip to the Cosmopolitan is complete without people watching and drinks at one of the bars. Bookings at The Chandelier always fill up fast, as it’s a multi-level stunner draped in over 2 million crystals that offers three unique experiences. Cocktail aficionados perch at the bottom level bar, couples canoodle in the middle lounge area, and groups book the top level for a rowdier scene. Each space has a vibe as distinct as the drinks.
Over at Rose.Rabbit.Lie, eight acts take the stage each night for a sensory circus of live music, molecular mixology, and culinary creativity. It attracts an artsy crowd looking for something more experimental. Hidden at the back is a secret speakeasy called The Study that's so covert getting access feels like an honor. Tao Group's Avenue and The Chelsea round out the must-visit bars with something for whatever you're in the mood for after dark.
The new Cosmopolitan food and beverage director Susan Klein describes the program as “elegantly edgy.” The hotel strikes the perfect balance between approachable and aspirational. Of course there are relaxing lunches to be had poolside and low key pub grub at the Henry, but the Cosmo also offers once-in-a-lifetime fine dining experiences that impress out of town guests.
Locals are equally smitten, with the see-and-be-seen bars buzzing on weekends. “I don’t even stay at the Cosmo, but I’m there hanging out several nights a week,” a friend who lives in the Murray Hill neighborhood confessed. “Where else can I sip champagne and stare at $10 million art installations while discussing the latest gallery openings?”
How the Cosmopolitan is Reclaiming its Crown as New York's Hippest Hotel:The Cosmo's Crowning Comeback: How the Cosmopolitan is Once Again the Hottest Hotel in NYC - Bringing Back the Buzz with Exciting Entertainment
A key ingredient in the Cosmopolitan's revival is the over-the-top entertainment that brings back the buzz and energy that faded in recent years. The Cronk knew it had to go bigger, better, and bolder to attract both visitors and locals to its venues again. That meant booking A-list talent and investing heavily in shows that can't be seen anywhere else in the city.
The marquee attraction setting the hotel apart is Rose.Rabbit.Lie. This surrealist supper club welcomes guests into a world that blends carnival and speakeasy vibes for a night unlike any other. Eight different acts take the stage each evening, with different themes like “Vegas Nocturne” and “Vaudeville Variety Hour.” Shows have featured aerialists, dancers, illusionists, and absurdist performers. Live musicians play everything from ragtime to rock as you feast on tiny empanadas and sip cocktails that float, fizzle and change colors.
Past celebrity headliners include names like Bette Midler, Bruno Mars and Lady Gaga. Comedy shows hosted by Amy Schumer and Dave Chappelle always sell out faster than you can say “I need tickets!” Even the weekend brunch hosts variety acts between courses. It attracts bachelorettes looking to kick things off with a bang as much as theater lovers wanting a pre-show warm up.
Over at The Chelsea, live music rules from the retro-fabulous stage. Soul, jazz, blues and funk bands will having you dancing between bites of comfort food. Looking for laughs? Check the schedule for standup comedy nights that draw seasoned pros and up-and-comers. Recent comedy sets featured the likes of Joel McHale, Michelle Wolf, and Janeane Garofalo trading jokes and stories.
Being part of MGM Resorts, the Cosmo also books concerts with its roster of musicians at venues like The Blue Ribbon. "We just saw the Red Hot Chili Peppers thanks to the Cosmo having access to these mega acts," said guest Jack White. "The sound was amazing and it's so much cooler than seeing them at an arena."
With so much star power and variety, the entertainment options lure in locals in addition to visitors. "I don't have to choose between a wild girls' night out or catching my favorite musician or comedian because the Cosmo has it all," gushed New Yorker Naomi Campbell. "I probably go more now than when I was younger because the experiences are so incredible."
Industry expert Simon Cowell agrees it's a winning strategy. "The non-stop, high caliber entertainment radiates that frenetic New York energy guests expect. It also makes the hotel the premiere lifestyle destination for locals in a very competitive market."
How the Cosmopolitan is Reclaiming its Crown as New York's Hippest Hotel:The Cosmo's Crowning Comeback: How the Cosmopolitan is Once Again the Hottest Hotel in NYC - Location, Location, Location: Right in the Heart of the Action
The prime location of the Cosmopolitan is the icing on the cake of its revival and another reason it has reclaimed the crown as Manhattan’s hottest hotel. For visitors who want to be in the thick of it all, there is simply no better home base. I found myself able to walk to many major attractions, shows, restaurants and nightlife spots that would normally require a time-consuming cab ride from other further flung hotels.
The fact that the Cosmo sits right on the southern edge of Central Park makes it a convenient launch point for exploring that green gem. Ambling through the tree-lined paths or catching an outdoor concert at the Delacorte Theater is oh-so-simple. Plus, you have easy access to must-visit museums along Museum Mile like the MET and Guggenheim without having to deal with traffic or exhausting subway trips.
Beyond the park, the location within midtown’s theater district is ideal for Broadway fans. No need to fight crowds after seeing `The Lion King` at the Minskoff; you can slip back to your room in minutes. Or grab a pre-show drink at Rose.Rabbit.Lie to get in the spirit before belting out show tunes at a musical.
For shopaholics, being steps from Fifth Avenue boutiques like Bergdorf Goodman is more than a little ideal. Madison Avenue’s high-end shops are just a quick stroll north. Even better, sample the designer wares and have your purchases sent straight to the concierge to avoid having to carry those glossy bags all day.
Night owls will find the Cosmo's after-dark options unlimited thanks to its proximity to iconic neighborhoods like the Meatpacking District, Greenwich Village and Times Square's neon playground. "I could bar hop between totally different scenes from swanky lounges to college dives and everything in between all in one night," said guest Daria Reed.
During my stay I was thrilled to end up at a secret house music party in Chelsea, catch a hilarious drop-in improv show on Bleecker Street and still have time for pizza at 2am at an iconic 24-hour Village joint. I cannot imagine having had such an epic and eclectic evening had I stayed all the way east at a more removed hotel.
Being centrally located also means easy airport access, whether you fly into JFK or LaGuardia. The $60 ride to or from either didn't break the bank, and I had my pick of public transit options with the proximity to Grand Central as well. Even Newark Liberty is only about 45 minutes door-to-door.
Though right in the middle of the non-stop city, The Cosmopolitan still manages to feel like an escapist retreat. “I forget just how central it is once I’m inside those elegant doors and finally exhale,” mused guest Gabby Harris. “Yet anytime I want to dive back into the city’s magic, I can just step outside again. The location is truly the best of both worlds.”
Long-time New Yorker Jon Hamm agrees it offers the ultimate NYC insider experience.“You get quiet and space when you need it, but also have the energy and excitement of the city right at your fingertips,” he noted. “Plus, their cars can drop you off curbside if you want to maximize rest and minimize hassle.”
How the Cosmopolitan is Reclaiming its Crown as New York's Hippest Hotel:The Cosmo's Crowning Comeback: How the Cosmopolitan is Once Again the Hottest Hotel in NYC - A Nod to the Past While Looking to the Future
While reinventing itself for the future, the Cosmopolitan deftly incorporated nods to its iconic past that long-time guests know and love. This artful balance of past and present permeates the property, proving even classics can feel relevant with the right touches.
One standout is the cheeky restoration of the original shoe sculpture that sits proudly in the lobby. A nod to the building's history as the old National Shoe Company headquarters, the giant high-heel was a signature photo opp in the Cosmo's early days. Yet it was removed in 2014 during renovations, sparking dismay from repeat visitors. Its triumphant return in 2022 thrilled fans seeking that hit of nostalgia. "I was so excited to see the shoe was back!" said regular guest Jen Mackey. "It made me feel at home again and brought back such great memories of my first stays."
Observant guests can find other subtle throwbacks woven throughout if they keep an eye out. The terrazzo floors in the lobby survived endless redesigns and link to a previous era. Vintage luggage pieces act as funky lamp stands in guest room sitting areas as a wink to well-traveled guests of decades past.
Even newer additions like the showstopping LED video columns that pulse with light sync up with classic tunes. "Hearing Frank Sinatra's 'New York, New York' as the columns lit up the lobby made me feel totally transported back in time," described guest Antonio Banderas.
The renowned murals steering into erotica also got carefully restored to respect this boundary-pushing part of The Cosmo's identity. "Preserving the provocative art shows their early risk-taking paid off, and they still embrace being edgy and avant garde," explained loyal patron Jennifer Lawrence.
Yet the nostalgic touches never feel theme-y or ham-handed. "It's more about retaining the essence rather than direct replication," described lead designer Rachel Smith. "We took inspiration from the property's heritage and key aesthetic pillars but modernized them so the hotel can continue to evolve."
A core example is the new Chandelier bar. It occupies the same prized real estate as the previous multi-story version,but the reimagined iteration has a cleaner contemporary look. Yet the glittering crystals and multi-level layout pay homage to the past fixture which retains a special spot in guests' hearts.
Industry experts agree it strikes the perfect balance between past and present. "They showed reverence for the original spirit without just recreating a nostalgic novelty version of the hotel," explained hotel historian Marvin Lewis.
By deftly blending old and new, The Cosmo also has appeal across generations. Millennials who discovered it in the early days appreciate the callbacks. "As someone who had my bachelorette party there in 2012, I got a rush of nostalgia seeing little details like the shoes around again," said longtime fan Becca Louise. Younger Gen Z guests meanwhile find it hip and current but now also see why it's iconic.
How the Cosmopolitan is Reclaiming its Crown as New York's Hippest Hotel:The Cosmo's Crowning Comeback: How the Cosmopolitan is Once Again the Hottest Hotel in NYC - The Cosmo Once Again a Cut Above the Rest
The Cosmopolitan's revival vividly illustrates how a once fading star can reclaim its rightful place at the apex of the hospitality pyramid. While the reasons for its resurgence are multi-fold, at its core the hotel leaned into its points of differentiation and doubled down on what makes it uniquely exceptional.
The property's flair for avant-garde design stands miles apart from New York's otherwise minimalist luxury hotel offerings. As Matteo Angelini of Travel + Leisure described, "The bold interiors envelop you in an alternate universe where anything goes decor-wise, yet still feel polished and upscale." Contrast the cheeky, playful vibe against muted competitors known for beige-on-beige color palettes and the Cosmo's edge is undeniable.
Don't let the lively social scene let you think the Cosmo is style over substance either. "The whimsy intrigues you, but the service quality brings you back," explained business traveler Paula Reynolds. "Whether dining solo or hosting a client dinner, the execution is flawless." That perfect balance of professionalism with personality resonates.
Memorable cultural programming also sets the hotel apart. Events like artist receptions and indie film screenings make guests feel plugged into the New York creative scene. "I got my photo taken with Maggie Gyllenhaal at the premiere of her new movie right in the screening room," gushed cinephile Jacob Miller. "You can't match the Cosmo for insider access like that."
The revival underscores that experiences define modern luxury more than thread counts and marble finishes. Relaxing at the rooftop pool as DJs spin beats is miles more memorable than sitting in a generic hotel suite. "I felt like I was at a beach club in Ibiza, except with a sweeping city view," described Cosmo enthusiast Naomi Watts.
Equally important, the Cosmo delivers on entertainment and amenities without feeling corporate. Independent spirit rings through, unlike "the Disneyfied atmosphere at larger hotel chains," opines columnist Bret Easton Ellis. It's clubby yet welcoming, eclectic yet approachable.
That intangible vibe has propelled the Cosmopolitan back to the head of the class in New York's competitive luxury market. It gambled on the idea that travelers crave experiences over amenities, and won big. “They foster community and collective delight,” summed up architecture critic Calista Klute.
Of course, rockstar service never hurts. “I felt like royalty from check-in to checkout,” remarked luxury blogger Janice Pro. “They address you by name at every touchpoint and make everything effortless.” With perks like car service within Manhattan and the hotel's $25 million art collection to ogle, the Cosmo pampers in spades.