St. Moritz Hotel The Ritz-Carlton Hotel 50 Central Park South New York, NY 10019 * Google Maps street view

History - written by Chris Buchner (used with permission)
The St. Moritz was located on a site originally occupied by the New York Athletic Club until the late 1920s in a building designed by W.A. Cable. The firm of Emery Roth & Sons designed and built the hotel as it stands today. It became known as the bargain hotel of Central Park South, running a famous sidewalk cafe and Rumplemayer's, it's famous ice cream parlor.

In the 1990s when the city was in the midst of a major real estate boom, a bidding war erupted over the hotel. Donald Trump had announced plans to add it to his portfolio, but was beaten out by former Studio 54 co-owner, Ian Shrager. In 2000, a new deal was announced and the hotel was renovated with 12 new floor-through apartments developed by Millennium Partners to become part of the Ritz-Carlton chain.

The Ritz-Carlton is a 33-story building with 227 guestrooms and 11 luxury residences with an Atelier restaurant, exclusive Ritz-Carlton Lounge, upscale New York bar and a world class La Prairie Spa. The Hotel also boasts the best service in the city.

Hell Up In Harlem (1973)
Tommy Gibbs (Fred Williamson) fights some police officers outside the St. Moritz hotel.

The movie is available on Blu-ray and DVD. The 1920x1080 HD Trailer can be viewed on YouTube or purchased on the Drive-In Delirium: With A Vengeance Blu-ray (reviewed here)

Outside Links

• Official Site: Ritz Carlton
• The City Review: The Midtown Book - 50 Central Park South