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Jumeirah Essex House is part of the National Trust Historic Hotels of America; a program of the National Trust for Historic Preservation. Jumeirah Essex House is one of more than 200 hotels and resorts throughout the country that is recognized by Historic Hotels of America for preserving and maintaining its historic integrity, architecture and ambiance. "The trend of cultural travel in America continues to grow," said Thierry Roch, executive director of Historic Hotels of America. "By inviting Jumeirah Essex House into our collection of distinguished properties, we are continuing to encourage historic preservation while at the same time showcasing this hotel's rich history. Our goal is to bring these historically special hotels and their authentic experiences to the attention of the traveling public." To be selected for membership to National Trust Historic Hotels, a hotel must be at least 50 years old, listed in, or eligible for, the National Register of Historic Places, or recognized locally as having historic significance. "Jumeirah Essex House is currently celebrating over 75 years as one of Manhattan's premier landmark hotels given its prestigious location on Central Park South," said Scott Dawson, General Manager, Jumeirah Essex House. "Safe-keeping the prominent heritage of the hotel is essential to being true to our exciting evolution. This evolution involves a major refurbishment program which is going to re-establish the property as one of New York City's finest luxury hotels," Dawson added. Jumeirah Essex House is rich in history and architectural integrity; welcoming its first guests in October 1931. In January of 2006, Dubai-based Jumeirah Group announced plans for a comprehensive refurbishment program beginning later in the year, that would specifically enhance the facilities and services of the hotel and re-establish its status as one of Manhattan's premium luxury hotels. The Jumeirah Essex House has just completed an ambitious, $90 million-plus, soft-goods makeover project, in which all of the hotel's 515 guestrooms, suites, corridors and lobby were completely redesigned with a spectacular new look to bring the hotel into the 21st century, while paying homage to the hotel's Art Deco heritage. Atlanta-based hospitality design firm, Hirsch Bedner Associates, created and developed an innovative new design schematic that complements and builds upon the hotel's original Art Deco theme, with 21st century contemporary design nuances. The newly redesigned guestrooms will combine the comfort and functionality of the modern era, with the style and sleekness of the heyday of international travel in the 1920s and 1930s. As part of the hotel's overall refurbishment program, work is progressing on an exciting and ultra-modern new restaurant, 154 South Gate, designed by Tony Chi that is scheduled to open this Fall, featuring cuisine that is "comfortably American, and culturally inspired," by renown Chef Kerry Heffernan. The new restaurant will add a unique approach to world cuisine with a distinctive New York style. Developed as one of the city's premier Art Deco masterpieces of the 1930s, Jumeirah Essex House celebrates and re-interprets its heritage for today's sophisticated, internationally attuned traveler; providing an exciting and welcoming setting for distinctive dining and socializing, and offering the finest in amenities and warm, personal service. With all of Central Park on its doorstep, the hotel is at the very heart of midtown Manhattan's vibrant, nonstop cultural, business and social life. Established in 1989 with 32 charter members, National Trust Historic Hotels of America is a diverse collection of properties ranging from large luxury hotels in major cities to small-town inns, country retreats and polished resorts throughout the country. Historic Hotels of America is a program of the National Trust for Historic Preservation. Reservations made through Historic Hotels of America support the National Trust.