US-based luxury hotel group, Kimpton, has announced plans to open its first New York property in the heart of Manhattan.

Located close to the Grand Central Station, the interior of the 205-room 70 Park Avenue site has been designed by Jeffrey Bilhuber.

The focal point of the hotel will be the lobby, which has a limestone fireplace that stretches along the length of the north wall.

Tom LaTour, chair, said: “We have been planning our debut into New York for years, as we recognise New York as the country’s premiere travel destination for both business and leisure travellers.”

Previously operating as the Doral Park Hotel, the Kimpton 70 Park Avenue has undergone a $19m facelift and will increase Kimpton’s number of hotel properties to 40.

Founded in 1981, Kimpton is also planning to open a site in San Diego by spring 2005.