Photo © New York Public Library

City Hotel

Formerly, The Tontine Hotel

Description

Constructed, 1794

The City Hotel, was the first functioning hotel in the U.S. It offered luxury accommodations, shops, dining, and entertainment. It became New York City's main venue for social functions and concerts until the early 1840s. Owned by notable figures like John Jacob Astor, it closed in 1849 and was replaced by the Boreel Building in 1850. The hotel was renowned for hosting prominent guests and events in its time.

Closed, Apr 30, 1849

In 1849–50 Sarah Langdon, the then owner replaced it with a block of stores called the Boreel Building, and in 1878–79 replaced that with an office building, also called the Boreel Building

Factoids

Aug 16, 1824 -During his three 1824 visits to New York City, one in August and two in September, Lafayette was headquartered at the City Hotel. On August 16th, after the parade and reception at City Hall, Lafayette proceeded here to the City Hotel, where he was to dine with city officials and other guests.

Related People & Organizations

Ezra Weeks,The City Hotel was owned by Ezra Weeks

John Jacob Astor,John Jacob Astor bought the City Hotel from Ezra Weeks in 1828, and gave it to his granddaughter Sara Langdon.

Related Sites

Astor Building-City Hotel was the most famous in New York until the opening of the Astor House, in 1836, built by John Jacob Astor.

Holt's Hotel-The City Hotel, the only fashionable hotel in New York in 1832, faced competition with the opening of Holt's Hotel in 1833.

United States Realty Building-City Hotel was located where the towering United States Realty Building now stands.

Nearby

American Institute of Architects founded

118 feet