Cocaine used to be delivered like room service at NYC's Gramercy Park Hotel

The iconic Gramercy Park Hotel has a storied history of hosting rock stars, artists, and literary figures amid a culture of excess.

Published on Feb. 25, 2026

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The Gramercy Park Hotel in New York City has long been synonymous with bohemian glamour, hosting famous figures like David Bowie, The Clash, and Madonna over the decades. The hotel's reputation as a haven for counterculture grew in the 1970s and 80s, with reports of room service delivering not just instruments, but also illicit substances to guests. The hotel has undergone various transformations, including a luxury makeover in the 2000s, but its rich history and unique character continue to attract travelers seeking authentic experiences.

Why it matters

The Gramercy Park Hotel's story reflects the evolving identity of New York City, from its bohemian roots to its current status as a luxury destination. It highlights the broader trend in hospitality towards boutique hotels that prioritize design, personalized service, and a strong sense of place, catering to travelers seeking unique and immersive experiences.

The details

The Gramercy Park Hotel's reputation as a haven for rock stars, artists, and literary figures was cemented in the 1970s and 80s, when it became known for its tolerant atmosphere and the ability to discreetly fulfill unusual requests, including delivering instruments and, reportedly, illicit substances to guests' rooms. The hotel's appeal extended beyond the music world, attracting a diverse range of prominent figures, from J. Edgar Hoover to Steve McQueen.

  • In February 1973, David Bowie transformed the Gramercy Park Hotel into 'the city's royal residence of rock 'n' roll.'
  • In 2004, Ian Schrager and Aby Rosen purchased the hotel, initiating a significant transformation.
  • In 2023, MCR, a hotel owner-operator, acquired the Gramercy Park Hotel for $50 million and plans to reopen the hotel later in 2024.

The players

David Bowie

A famous musician who stayed at the Gramercy Park Hotel during his 1973 'Aladdin Sane' tour, establishing the hotel as a place where boundaries were pushed.

Ian Schrager

A hotelier who, along with Aby Rosen, purchased the Gramercy Park Hotel in 2004 and initiated a significant transformation of the property.

MCR

A hotel owner-operator that acquired the Gramercy Park Hotel in 2023 for $50 million and plans to reopen the hotel later in 2024.

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What’s next

MCR plans to reopen the Gramercy Park Hotel later in 2024, marking a new chapter for the iconic New York City institution.

The takeaway

The Gramercy Park Hotel's rich history and unique character continue to attract travelers seeking authentic experiences, highlighting the growing appeal of boutique hotels that prioritize design, personalized service, and a strong sense of place.