Hotel Claridge, hotel in New York, N.Y.
Hotel Claridge was a sixteen-story brick building constructed in the Beaux-arts style at the corner of Broadway and 44th Street. It contained 240 guest rooms and occupied a substantial footprint in Times Square, featuring detailed stonework and classical architectural elements that made it a recognizable landmark.
The building opened in 1911 as Hotel Rector, named after its owner George Rector and his famous nearby restaurant that attracted wealthy patrons. Following a scandal and financial troubles in 1913, it was renamed Hotel Claridge and under new management hosted the founding of the American Society of Composers, Authors and Publishers in 1914.
The hotel's name was borrowed from the famous Claridge's in London to convey elegance and sophistication. It served as a meeting place for theater performers, musicians, and business people who gathered there after shows and used it as a social hub in the heart of Times Square.
The hotel was located at the corner of Broadway and 44th Street in the heart of Times Square with direct access to theaters, shops, and restaurants. Its position made it a convenient base for visitors exploring the theater district and surrounding entertainment venues.
The hotel served as headquarters for a group of organized crime figures including Lucky Luciano and Meyer Lansky who used it to plan illegal operations during Prohibition. Under the mentorship of Arnold Rothstein, they learned to move between the criminal underworld and high society circles, becoming known for their charm and sophistication alongside their illegal activities.
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