Barbizon Hotel Introduce
For New Yorkers, our city's buildings often hold more than just addresses; they hold stories. The Barbizon Hotel, located on the dignified streets of the Upper East Side, is a prime example of such a landmark. While it may no longer operate as a traditional hotel, its transformation into an Equinox residential property has preserved its architectural grandeur while ushering in a new era of modern wellness and luxury living. This isn't just a building; it's a piece of New York City's social and cultural fabric, a place where countless women, including literary giants like Sylvia Plath and Hollywood royalty like Grace Kelly, once found a safe and inspiring haven. Its enduring presence on East 63rd Street is a testament to its significant past and its evolving future.
The Barbizon’s journey from an exclusive women's residential hotel to a contemporary Equinox property is a fascinating one, showcasing the city's ability to adapt and redefine its iconic structures. For locals, this means appreciating a building that has played a unique role in pop culture and women's history. It was once a vibrant hub for aspiring artists, models, and professionals, offering a secure and affordable place to live in a city often perceived as daunting. Today, while its function has changed, its architectural beauty remains, offering a glimpse into a bygone era. Knowing that such celebrated figures once walked its halls adds a layer of historical intrigue, making it more than just a residence – it's a living piece of New York's rich narrative, constantly evolving yet forever rooted in its storied past. It’s a remarkable example of how historical buildings can be repurposed for modern life, offering luxury and amenities while retaining their inherent character.
The Barbizon Hotel is ideally situated in a prime location on the Upper East Side of Manhattan, at 140 E 63rd St, New York, NY 10065, USA. This address places it firmly within one of New York City's most elegant and sought-after neighborhoods, known for its beautiful architecture, upscale boutiques, and proximity to cultural institutions. Its position on East 63rd Street provides residents and visitors with direct access to the sophisticated charm of the Upper East Side, placing them within walking distance of Central Park, high-end shopping on Madison Avenue, and world-class museums along Museum Mile.
Accessibility to the Barbizon’s location is excellent, benefiting from the robust public transportation network that serves the Upper East Side and Midtown East. The closest subway station is the Lexington Avenue-63rd Street station, which serves the F and Q subway lines. This station offers convenient connections to Midtown, Downtown Manhattan, and Queens. The 4, 5, and 6 subway lines also have stops at Lexington Avenue-59th Street (for the 4/5/6) and Lexington Avenue-60th Street (for the N/R/W), which are just a few blocks south and easily walkable. Numerous MTA bus lines also traverse the Upper East Side, with stops conveniently located on Lexington Avenue, Park Avenue, and Madison Avenue, all within very close proximity to East 63rd Street. For those who prefer to walk, the neighborhood is highly pedestrian-friendly, with well-maintained sidewalks and a generally safe environment. This superb accessibility ensures that residents and their guests can effortlessly navigate the city, making the Barbizon's location truly desirable for New Yorkers.
While the Barbizon Hotel no longer functions as a traditional hotel, having been repurposed into an Equinox residential property, the "services offered" now pertain to the amenities and conveniences typically associated with a luxury residential building and an integrated Equinox fitness club.
Services Offered (as an Equinox Residential Property):
- Luxury Residential Units: Offers high-end residential apartments, featuring modern designs and premium finishes.
- Access to Equinox Fitness Club: Residents typically have direct access to a full-service Equinox gym, providing state-of-the-art fitness equipment, group classes, and personal training.
- Wellness Amenities: May include a swimming pool, spa services (massage, treatments), and dedicated wellness studios as part of the Equinox offerings.
- Concierge Services: High-end residential buildings often provide comprehensive concierge services, including package handling, dry cleaning, transportation assistance, and recommendations.
- Doorman/Security: 24-hour doorman and robust security systems ensure safety and privacy for residents.
- Valet and Parking Services: Convenient options for residents with vehicles.
- Building Maintenance and Management: Professional staff manage all aspects of building upkeep and resident needs.
- Potential for Resident Lounges/Common Areas: Many luxury residential buildings offer shared spaces for relaxation, work, or social gatherings.
The Barbizon Hotel, even in its current iteration as an Equinox residential property, retains several distinctive features and highlights that underscore its historical significance and modern appeal.
Features / Highlights:
- Architectural Icon: It stands as a significant "piece of ARCHITECTURAL history" on the Upper East Side, renowned for its unique Gothic Revival and Art Deco influences. Its distinctive façade and prominent position make it easily recognizable.
- Storied Past as a Women's Residence: Its most celebrated historical feature is its legacy as the "Barbizon Hotel for Women," a residential hotel that provided a safe and affordable home for aspiring young women moving to New York City.
- Connection to Famous Figures: It has a rich "pop culture" connection, having hosted notable figures such as "Grace Kelly and Sylvia Plath" among other prominent women. This adds a layer of intrigue and historical weight to the building.
- Modern Equinox Integration: Its current transformation into an Equinox residential property is a significant highlight, blending historical architecture with cutting-edge wellness and luxury living. This offers residents and guests a high-end, health-focused lifestyle.
- Prime Upper East Side Location: Situated in one of Manhattan's most desirable neighborhoods, it provides residents with unparalleled access to Central Park, luxury shopping, cultural institutions, and fine dining.
- Contemporary Interiors (Post-Conversion): While retaining its historic exterior, the interiors of the residential units and Equinox facilities are modern, offering updated amenities and stylish designs.
- Repurposed for Modern Living: It exemplifies how iconic New York buildings can be thoughtfully repurposed to meet contemporary needs while honoring their historical identity.
As a luxury residential property that now houses an Equinox fitness club rather than a traditional hotel, the concept of "promotions or special offers" for the Barbizon typically revolves around residential sales/rentals and Equinox memberships, rather than nightly room rates.
For prospective residents interested in the residential units, offers would align with the real estate market. This could include:
- Broker Incentives: Real estate brokers might offer incentives for new leases or purchases.
- Limited-Time Rental Concessions: During certain periods, building management might offer concessions like a month of free rent or reduced security deposits to attract new tenants.
- Inclusion of Equinox Membership: A key "offer" for residents is often an integrated or discounted membership to the on-site Equinox club, which is a significant value proposition given Equinox's premium pricing.
For those interested in the Equinox club located within the Barbizon, promotions would be consistent with general Equinox membership drives. These could include:
- Introductory Membership Rates: Special pricing for new members.
- Waiver of Initiation Fees: A common promotion to encourage sign-ups.
- Guest Passes: Equinox often provides guest passes for potential members to try the facilities.
To learn about current residential availability or Equinox membership promotions, direct inquiry with the building's leasing office or the Equinox sales team would be necessary. These offers are dynamic and depend on market conditions and specific campaigns.
For a historical landmark like the Barbizon Hotel, now an Equinox residential property, direct contact information would typically be for the building's management, sales/leasing office, or the integrated Equinox club. There isn't a general "hotel" phone number in the traditional sense anymore.
Address: 140 E 63rd St, New York, NY 10065, USA
Since it's primarily an Equinox-branded residential building, the most relevant contact would be for the Equinox club itself or the residential leasing/sales office.
For Equinox at the Barbizon (often referred to as Equinox East 63rd Street):
Phone: While a specific public phone number for this exact Equinox location might require looking up the individual club's contact on the Equinox website, the general Equinox customer service can be found via their main website. Local New Yorkers would likely visit the club in person for inquiries or find its direct number through the Equinox app or website.
For Residential Inquiries:
Contact for sales or leasing of residences would typically be managed by a real estate brokerage specializing in luxury properties on the Upper East Side. Information on available units would be listed through these channels. Potential residents would search for "Barbizon Residences for rent/sale" or contact a local luxury real estate agent.
New Yorkers interested in the building's historical aspect might also reach out to local historical societies or preservation groups for information, though not directly for contacting the current occupants.
The Barbizon Hotel, in its current incarnation as an Equinox residential property, holds unique suitability for New York locals, particularly those who appreciate both historical grandeur and modern luxury living. For a local, owning or residing in a part of this iconic building means being intrinsically connected to a rich vein of New York City's history and pop culture. The fact that it once housed figures like Grace Kelly and Sylvia Plath adds an unparalleled sense of prestige and a fascinating talking point, allowing residents to feel a part of the city's celebrated past. This historical cachet is something truly unique in the city's real estate landscape.
Beyond its historical significance, its transformation by Equinox speaks directly to the modern New Yorker's emphasis on wellness and convenience. Living in a building that directly integrates a high-end Equinox club means unparalleled access to fitness amenities, group classes, and spa services without ever leaving home. This seamless blend of luxury living and an active lifestyle is a significant draw for professionals and families alike who prioritize health and convenience in their busy urban lives. Furthermore, its prime Upper East Side location offers residents the best of New York: immediate access to Central Park, world-class dining, luxury shopping, and major cultural institutions, all within a safe and beautiful neighborhood. For locals seeking a residence that combines architectural heritage, contemporary luxury, and a vibrant, healthy lifestyle in one of Manhattan's most desirable areas, the Barbizon offers a truly distinctive and unparalleled living experience. It's not just a home; it's a piece of New York City living history redefined for the 21st century.
Barbizon Hotel Photos





Barbizon Hotel Location
Barbizon Hotel
140 E 63rd St, New York, NY 10065, USA
Barbizon Hotel
140 E 63rd St
Five Hundred & Fifty Five Park
555 Park Ave
Loews Regency New York
540 Park Ave
Bristol Plaza
210 E 65th St
The Gardens Sonesta ES Suites New York
215 E 64th St
The Lowell Hotel
28 E 63rd St
Hôtel Plaza Athénée
37 E 64th St
Roosevelt island tram
227 E 60th St
Loews Hotels & Resorts
667 Madison Ave
Oriana lLuxury Apartments
690 Madison Ave
Office For Parks Dept
24 E 61st St
372 West 11th Street
660 Madison Ave
East River Greenway
304 E 62nd St
Barbizon Hotel Reviews
Never stayed here, so delete this review if you like. Just commenting on what a great piece of ARCHITECTURAL history I recently uncovered. Both Grace Kelly and Sylvia Plath stayed here among other women. Exciting bit of pop culture. Now it's an Equinox
Oct 16, 2024 · J RI remember staying here when I was attending college in the 70s. What a great location and affordable and safe place to live. Reading about the famous women who also stayed here at certain times in history makes me feel as though I was part of that history.
Nov 16, 2023 · A MJust saw this place on an episode of the original Kojak TV series, “Secret Snow, Deadly Snow”… had to check if it was still in operation.
Apr 17, 2025 · Chris SaundersI lived at the Barbizon for Women back in 1962/63 while going to school. It was a beautiful hotel even back then. I always felt very safe there.
Nov 11, 2020 · Ellen BeckwithThis was a safe and very good clean place to live back in the late 70s.
Aug 03, 2023 · Gina A
More Scenic Spot

555 Park Ave, New York, NY 10065, USA

540 Park Ave, New York, NY 10065, USA

210 E 65th St, New York, NY 10065, USA

215 E 64th St, New York, NY 10065, USA

28 E 63rd St, New York, NY 10065, USA

37 E 64th St, New York, NY 10065, USA

227 E 60th St, New York, NY 10022, USA

667 Madison Ave, New York, NY 10065, USA

690 Madison Ave, New York, NY 10065, USA

24 E 61st St, New York, NY 10065, USA

660 Madison Ave, New York, NY 10065, USA

304 E 62nd St, New York, NY 10065, USA
Categories
Popular Camping Sites






Trending Camping Blog Posts





