Today, September 1, 2026, marks a proud and defining moment for ARTIC in New York City: the official flagging of Crowne Plaza Manhattan Times Square—Crowne Plaza’s new flagship property in the Americas and a powerful expression of the brand’s vision for the future of blended travel.
Following a transformative investment of nearly $100 million by
Al Rayyan Tourism Investment Company (ARTIC), this iconic 22-story Manhattan hotel has been reimagined from the ground up. The transformation reflects ARTIC’s long-term commitment to enhancing its assets, strengthening their competitive positioning, and creating sustainable value in the world’s leading hospitality markets.
As Mr.
Tarek M El Sayed , Managing Director and CEO of ARTIC, shared: “New York is one of the world’s most dynamic and iconic cities, and Times Square sits at its very heart. Our ambition was to transform this landmark hotel into a destination that captures that energy while delivering the comfort, quality and experience expected by today’s international and U.S. travelers. This transformation is much more than a renovation; it represents our long-term vision for the asset and our confidence in New York and the strong U.S. hospitality market.”
Located in the heart of Midtown—steps from Times Square, Rockefeller Center, the Broadway Theater District, and Central Park—the hotel features 685 city-view guestrooms and suites, including the exclusive Broadway Suite; flexible spaces designed for work, connection, and relaxation; elevated meeting and event facilities; and Fifty First Street Social, a vibrant new all-day restaurant and bar that moves with the rhythm of the city.
We are immensely proud of the exceptional partnership between ARTIC, IHG Hotels & Resorts, and Highgate. Together, our teams have brought new life to a New York landmark while creating a modern premium experience that blends the vibrancy of Times Square, the spirit of Broadway, and the unmistakable character of New York City.
Above all, this milestone belongs to our associates. Their resilience, dedication, and passion carried the hotel through every stage of this extraordinary journey. Seeing the pride on their faces as the Crowne Plaza flag is raised—and as they prepare to welcome guests from around the world—is what makes this achievement truly meaningful.
My sincere gratitude to every associate, partner, consultant, designer, contractor, and leadership team member who helped transform this ambitious vision into reality.
The flag is flying, the team is ready, and the future is bright. We look forward to welcoming New York City—and the world—to Crowne Plaza Manhattan Times Square.
#ARTIC #CrownePlaza #IHGHotelsAndResorts #Highgate #TimesSquare #NewYorkCity #HospitalityInvestment #HotelTransformation #Hospitality #BlendedTravel Mohamed El Sayed Michael Shepard Al Rayyan Tourism Investment Company (ARTIC) Crowne Plaza® Hotels & Resorts IHG Hotels & Resorts HighgateHighgate Merav Segev Jeff Harvey Ingrid High
Merav Segev Jeff Harvey Ingrid High