Biltmore Hotel, New York City

The old Biltmore Hotel was a luxury hotel in New York City, occupying the entire block between Vanderbilt and Madison avenues, 43rd and 44th streets. It was an strategic location, in the center of NYC's shopping and theatrical activities and adjoining the Grand Central Terminal. The Biltmore opened in 1913 and was demolished in 1981.

The 26-story building, designed by the firm of Warren and Wetmore, was constructed by New York Central Railroad and the thousand-room hotel was managed by John McEntee Bowman. Later, he also took control of the lease of the hotel. Other hotels around (then called Pershing Square Hotels) under his direction were Hotel Commodore, Murray Hill Hotel and Belmont.

The hotel closed its doors on August 14, 1981, and was demolished shortly thereafter. It was replaced by the Bank of America Plaza, currently known as 335 Madison Avenue. The iconic Biltmore clock went to the lobby of the new office tower.

Biltmore Hotel in a vintage postcard, about 1917 (right).

Below, the Biltmore in a photo by Byron Company, about 1920, from the New York Public Library.