The Four Seasons in Midtown Manhattan is set to reopen its doors this Friday after a four-year hiatus, reclaiming its status as New York City’s most luxurious and expensive hotel. The iconic property, located at 57 E. 57th St., had been shuttered since the pandemic, with billionaire owner Ty Warner reportedly engaged in a protracted dispute with the Four Seasons management company. Now, the swanky Art Deco tower is back, boasting room rates that are loftier than ever.

For instance, the Park Avenue Junior Suite, featuring a king bed and separate sitting area, is priced at $2,295 per night—$650 more than a comparable suite at the Mandarin Oriental and $550 higher than the St. Regis for a similar reservation. In its defense, the Four Seasons highlighted that its entry-level rooms, spanning 550 square feet, are significantly larger than those of its competitors, offering unparalleled space, privacy, and Central Park views.

The 368-room hotel, originally designed by architect I.M. Pei, has long been synonymous with luxury. Industry expert Sean Hennessey, a professor at NYU’s Tisch Center of Hospitality, remarked that the Four Seasons has historically commanded about 10% higher rates than its rivals, including the Mandarin Oriental, St. Regis, Lotte New York Palace, and The Mark.

One of the hotel’s most exclusive offerings, the Ty Warner Penthouse, has seen a dramatic price hike, now going for $80,000 a night—up from its previous rate of $50,000. At 4,300 square feet, the suite is poised to become the most expensive in the city, surpassing The Mark Hotel’s penthouse, which rents for $75,000 per night. The Four Seasons justified the increase by citing rising demand among affluent travelers for bespoke, private accommodations. However, some experts, like hospitality consultant Arthur Backal, remain skeptical about whether the suite will fetch its ambitious price tag.

The Four Seasons isn’t the only player in New York’s ultra-luxury hotel market. The Aman Hotel, which opened in 2022, offers a similarly lavish experience with its largest suite spanning 4,468 square feet and priced at $40,000 per night. The Aman’s suite includes three bedrooms, a media lounge, balconies with Central Park views, and perks like butler service and airport transfers.

During its extended closure, the Four Seasons underwent renovations, with updates focusing on lighting, technology, and other modern enhancements. The hotel has also introduced extended-stay residential rentals on its lower floors, converting 50 rooms into rental units. The revamped luxury accommodations now occupy floors 20 through 52, while floors five to 19 cater to longer-term stays.

The Four Seasons’ return marks a significant milestone for New York’s hospitality scene, but only time will tell if its ambitious pricing strategy will resonate with travelers. For now, the hotel is ready to once again dominate the city’s luxury market.