Lexington New York City Joins Autograph Collection

NEW YORK, Aug. 19, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- The historic Lexington New York City, located in the heart of midtown Manhattan, officially joins Autograph Collection, announced today by DiamondRock Hospitality Company and Highgate Hotels, the property's ownership and management groups, respectively. Exactly like nothing else, the Autograph Collection is an upscale portfolio of hand selected independent hotels offering individualized and distinct travel experiences. The 725-room Lexington New York City, most widely recognized for its rich history and noteworthy roster of guests and residents, joins this elite, global collection as it completes a $46 million renovation that will wrap in October 2013.

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"We are elated that the Lexington New York City has become a member of the Autograph Collection," said Jim Marino, General Manager, Lexington New York City. "It is an honor to join such a respected group of hotels and we feel confident that our history, commitment to service and values align seamlessly with Autograph Collection's overall philosophy."

The refurbishment for the Lexington New York City restores the extravagant property's jazz age glamour by combining its historic elements with a modern appeal. David Ashen of New York-based Dash Design is leading the design charge by transforming the public spaces and guestrooms into a vision of a completely updated 21st century destination for luxury business and leisure travelers. A newly redesigned bar will offer a fresh, modern take on seasonal cocktails in an Art Deco-style locale. The hotel features an expansive art collection curated by industry expert Paige Powell and anchored by works by Ruben Toledo and Alba Clemente. Heightened services and amenities will cater to guests in this boutique-style setting located in the center of bustling Manhattan.

The Lexington New York City has played host to some of the country's most notable personalities and exclusive groups, including actor Arthur Godfrey who entertained in The Hawaiian Room and Joe DiMaggio and Marilyn Monroe who lived in a suite on the 18^th floor. Originally opening in 1929 during the height of New York's hotel boom, the 30-story building towered over an emerging strip that would eventually become lined with residential and commercial skyscrapers. Imagined as an escape from Manhattan's buzzing business world, the hotel was the work of the period's architectural royalty, Schultze and Weaver, the masterminds behind iconic properties such as The Biltmore in Miami, The Breakers Palm Beach and the Waldorf Astoria in New York.

The Lexington New York City is located at 511 Lexington Avenue at 48^th Street in New York City. 212-755-4400. www.LexingtonHotelNYC.com

About The Lexington New York City
The Lexington New York City is centrally located in Manhattan's midtown neighborhood and provides guests with immediate access to the city's key business and entertainment areas. A storied hotel that originally opened in 1929, the property underwent a $46 million renovation that restored the jazz age glamour that made the Lexington New York City famous among celebrities, dignitaries and other notables. A new design concept that blends the hotel's legacy with modern appeal will be showcased throughout the public spaces, as well as the 725 guest rooms and suites. Catering to the luxury business and leisure traveler, the Lexington New York City will house a collection of unique artwork commissioned by art aficionado and industry expert, Paige Powell, feature more than 1,000 square feet of flexible function space with state-of-the-art wireless technology, as well as a selection of on-site dining options that includes gourmet Chinese eatery, S. Dynasty; Raffles, an American-style bistro with a jazz flare; and the hotel's Starbucks outpost. www.LexingtonHotelNYC.com

About DiamondRock
DiamondRock Hospitality Company is a self-advised real estate investment trust (REIT) that is an owner of a leading portfolio of geographically diversified hotels concentrated in top gateway markets and destination resort locations.  The Company owns 27 premium quality hotels with over 11,500 rooms. The Company has strategically positioned its hotels to generally be operated under the leading global brands such as Hilton, Marriott, and Westin. For further information on the Company and its portfolio, please visit DiamondRock Hospitality Company's website at www.drhc.com.

About Autograph Collection
Exactly like nothing else, the Autograph Collection is an evolving ensemble of strikingly independent hotels. Each destination has been hand selected for its quality, bold originality, rich character and uncommon details. From near to far, iconic to historic, the result is an array of properties that is nothing less than unique, nothing short of collectively exceptional. For more information please visit www.autographhotels.com.

SOURCE DiamondRock Hospitality Company and Highgate Hotels