The Intercontinental New York Barclay History

Since opening its doors in 1926, InterContinental New York Barclay has been intertwined with the city’s vibrant history. Originally part of Grand Central Terminal’s urban design plan, our luxury hotel in New York has helped shape one of the world’s most important commercial and financial centers. It has hosted legendary guests and has even served as the New York headquarters for a presidential campaign. And as the city continues to evolve, so does The Barclay, with spectacular renovations and sustainability initiatives. Be a part of New York City history. Be a part of InterContinental New York Barclay.

Share your Story

Journey to 100

As we countdown to our 100th anniversary, we ask you to share your #MyBarclay story with us via mybarclay@ihg.com. We will collect your memories, treasure them, and select 100 of the most influential submissions to join us in the centennial celebration of InterContinental New York Barclay in 2026.

A Landmark is Born

Midtown East is one of the most important and influential neighborhoods not just in the city, but in the world. Everything changed here in the early 1900s, when the New York Central Railroad — owned by the Vanderbilt family — decided to electrify its rail tracks and place them underground. This sparked a building boom on the streets north of Grand Central Terminal, giving rise to sleek Park Avenue penthouses, gleaming skyscrapers, and some of the most elegant hotels in the world — including InterContinental New York Barclay. Take a look at the timeline below to see how the hotel has evolved over the years.

Timeline

2016

Introducing the new InterContinental New York Barclay

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A Secret City

The InterContinental New York Barclay embraces quintessential Park Avenue residential style. The design focuses on the heritage details of the original 1926 hotel with a grand staircase, Federalist-style details and an elaborate lobby ceiling.

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