The Benjamin Royal Sonesta recently announced that it has been named Hotel of the Year by the Hospitality Sales and Marketing Association International (HSMAI) Greater New York Chapter at the organization’s 2025 Awards of Excellence, held during the 30th Annual Frank W. Berkman Tourism Achievement Awards Gala in June.
Presented annually by HSMAI Greater New York, the Awards of Excellence recognize outstanding hospitality professionals and organizations whose leadership, innovation, and commitment continue to elevate New York City’s tourism and hospitality landscape. The Hotel of the Year award recognizes The Benjamin Royal Sonesta’s continued commitment to exceptional guest experiences, innovative programming, and excellence in hospitality.
Accepting the award on behalf of the hotel, General Manager Simon Chapman dedicated the recognition to the entire team behind The Benjamin Royal Sonesta.
“This award belongs to 209 rooms worth of stories, and to the people who make those stories possible every single day,” said Chapman. “From our front desk and housekeeping teams to engineering, security, revenue, sales, operations, and marketing, every member of our team plays a role in creating Royal Moments for every guest who walks through our doors. As we prepare to celebrate The Benjamin’s 100th anniversary next year, this recognition is an incredible honor and a testament to the legacy we’re proud to continue.”
The recognition comes following a transformative chapter for the landmark Midtown Manhattan hotel. In 2024, The Benjamin Royal Sonesta completed a multi-million-dollar renovation that reimagined every guest room and suite, refreshed the lobby, introduced the new Beverly Penthouse in tribute to the property’s original name, debuted The Parliament restaurant, and expanded its meetings and events offerings with flexible spaces designed for everything from executive gatherings and corporate meetings to private celebrations.
The hotel now features modular meeting rooms accommodating up to 100 guests, intimate business suites including the newly added Sonesta Work Suite, and distinctive venues such as the Benjamin Penthouse and Beverly Penthouse for private events. Curated catering menus by The Parliament’s Executive Chef Rakmin Lee further enhance the hotel’s elevated meeting and event experience. The investment honors the hotel’s rich history while positioning the iconic property for its centennial celebration in 2027.
Originally built in the 1920s and designed by renowned architect Emery Roth as the residential-style Beverly Hotel, The Benjamin Royal Sonesta represents the early evolution of New York City’s skyscraper design. Designated an official New York City landmark in 2017, the Neo-Romanesque building remains one of Roth’s most recognized works and continues to blend historic character with contemporary luxury through residential-inspired accommodations, custom artwork celebrating New York City, and thoughtful amenities tailored to today’s traveler.
The hotel also celebrated the recognition of Andrea LoPiccolo, Area Director of Sales & Marketing for The Benjamin Royal Sonesta and Fifty Sonesta Hotel New York, who received HSMAI Greater New York’s President’s Award for her exceptional leadership and service to the hospitality industry.
The awards were presented during HSMAI Greater New York’s 30th Annual Frank W. Berkman Tourism Achievement Awards Gala, which brought together hospitality, tourism, sales, marketing, and business leaders from across the region to celebrate excellence within the industry.