Renaissance Hotel, Restaurant Now Open At Former Victoria Theater Site

HARLEM, NY - Harlem’s first full-service hotel in 100 years is now taking reservations at the site of the former Victoria Theater.

Renaissance Hotels, part of the Marriott Bonvoy portfolio, opened its first Harlem location following six years of construction in November, complete with an on-site restaurant, over 9,000 square feet of event space and 211 guest rooms and suites decorated with verses from Langston Hughes.

Located steps away from the Apollo Theater at 233 West 125th St., the new hotel features a restoration of the theater’s historic façade and lobby, plus iconography honoring Harlem-area legends honoring musical legends such as Billie Holiday, Josephine Baker, Louis Armstrong and Cab Calloway, the hospitality brand said in an announcement. The new construction is now touted as the tallest building north of Central Park and boasts expansive views of Harlem and Central Park.

"Harlem is a historical epicenter of art, cuisine, music, and culture and is of the upmost [sic] importance that we stay true to the authenticity of the locale,” Jennifer Connell, global brand leader of Renaissance Hotels, said in a statement.

“From the details in the design to our daily programming and entertainment. In bringing the Renaissance Hotel brand to this famed neighborhood, we are inviting travelers near and far to enjoy all that this community has to offer.”

The hotel’s restaurant, dubbed The Victoria, is helmed by Silk Hospitality Group (of Highkey Rainforest Rooftop, Sour Mouse and Mira Sushi fame) and features lounge seating, a marble bar and a menu created by executive chef Bobby Bouyer offering a “creative twist on modern global cuisine told through the lens of classic technique with nods to the cuisine of the Gulf Region of the American South.”

Expect signature dishes like shrimp n’ grits, hot chicken sandwiches, pepper pot beef briskets and more. You can view more details and make a reservation here.

The hotel is slated to host nightly jazz performances at the bar’s signature grand piano and local arts performances for travelers and locals alike.

“We are thrilled to announce the opening of Renaissance New York Harlem Hotel, a project that not only aims to revitalize the neighborhood but also honor the cultural legacy of the Harlem Renaissance,” said Lewiston Murray, General Manager, Renaissance New York Harlem Hotel.

“Our vision is to create an inviting space for the community and guests alike to experience Harlem in its fullness through unexpected dining, celebratory beverage rituals, jazz performances, original artwork and more.”

The hotel was constructed as part of the larger Victoria Theater project, which also includes 191 mixed-income rental apartments at The Victoria Tower Residences, 25,000 square feet of retail space and 25,000 square feet of cultural and arts space. Read more: Affordable Apartments In New Central Harlem Tower Hit Lottery

The cultural arts space will feature two black-box theaters, with roughly 100 and 200 seats apiece, which will be managed by the Apollo Theater Foundation, state officials said. The entire development project is expected to create nearly 375 permanent jobs.