The reopening of the Four Seasons Hotel New York has been postponed until later this year

It seems the conflict between Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts and a billionaire hotelier, who gained his wealth from Beanie Babies, has finally come to an end.

Agreements have been made between Ty Warner Hotels and Resorts and Four Seasons, with plans to reopen the Four Seasons Hotel New York this fall, and the Four Seasons Resort The Biltmore Santa Barbara in spring 2025. Both establishments have been closed since March 2020 due to the pandemic's impact on global hotel operations.

Last year, signs indicated that both properties were gradually moving towards reopening, yet revitalizing two ultra-luxury hotels after extended closures is a complex process. The company has announced that both hotels are "undergoing enhancements" and more details about their reopening will be disclosed in the upcoming months.

A Bloomberg report from last year highlighted that the reopening required bringing back furloughed staff at both hotels. Additionally, the New York hotel’s website indicated significant "infrastructure and maintenance work" was in progress. The same report mentioned that the prolonged closure was due to a disagreement between Warner and Four Seasons regarding pricing expectations and operating costs, with Four Seasons reluctant to increase rates for the two hotels, as per Bloomberg.

Given the soaring hotel prices in New York City post-pandemic — particularly after the introduction of the nearby Aman New York — there’s little reason to hesitate in elevating the nightly rates of an ultraluxury hotel to new heights.

Warner, who amassed much of his wealth through the launch of Beanie Babies in the 1990s, acquired the 368-room Four Seasons Hotel New York in 1999 and followed up by purchasing the 206-room Four Seasons in Santa Barbara the next year.

"For over thirty years, both legendary properties have welcomed sophisticated travelers and locals, and Ty Warner's team, in partnership with Four Seasons, eagerly anticipates the return of guests to these distinguished hotels," states the company announcement.