Last Updated on August 26, 2025
The opening of Hilton’s The George at Columbia, Harlem in New York City this fall marks an iconic moment for the borough and its long-standing cultural legacy. World renowned for its major role in African-American culture, politics and activism, arts, and identity, the hotel will be a welcome addition to this hub of Black creativity, soul food, and birthplace of bebop, gospel, and hip hop.
As the first Hilton hotel ever built in Harlem, the Tapestry Collection property brings together the neighborhood’s vibrant culture, the prestige of its globally prestigious university, and Hilton’s trusted comfort.
The George is surrounded by cultural landmarks such as Columbia University, the Apollo Theater, Morningside Park, the Studio Museum in Harlem, and the National Jazz Museum. The hotel’s name nods to both George “Shorty George” Snowden, the Harlem dance legend, and King George II, who chartered Columbia in 1754.
Other notable figures from the neighborhood include writer Langston Hughes, author-anthropologist Zora Neale Hurston, jazz great Duke Ellington, blues-singer Bessie Smith, Jamaican American writer and political thinker Claude McKay, and famous activist Malcolm X.
With its elevated design, The George features an expressive aesthetic. In the main spaces, rich earth tones, matte blacks, deep greens, and warm neutrals are layered with art deco finishing, brass accents, soft light, and plush seating. Its 139 guest rooms offer a quiet retreat, with more natural textures and floor-to-ceiling window views of the city streets along with a sprawling pool deck and urban courtyard.
Amenities include a heated outdoor pool, fitness center, terrace lounge, lobby bar, complimentary high-speed Wi-Fi and 2,000 square feet of flexible meeting space. Two restaurant concepts are slated to open in Spring 2026.
The George introduces a beautiful, design-conscious hospitality experience that honors Harlem’s artistic soul. Its arrival symbolizes recognition of the neighborhood’s significance not just as a tourist stop, but as a thriving center of culture, scholarship, and daily life. The George will serve as a property inviting global visitors to immerse in Harlem’s unique energy while providing local residents with a welcoming place of gathering and pride.
“The George is more than a place to stay. It’s a neighborhood hub,” says Andrew Nkunku, Regional Director of Sales & Marketing. “From local hiring to community-focused programming and public spaces, we’re creating something rooted in Harlem’s history. Our goal is to make the storytelling as dynamic and immersive as the guest experience and truly immerse ourselves into a community that is dear to my heart.”
Guests of The George benefit from Harlem’s legacy of artistry and creativity, and the comfort of Hilton’s trusted brand, including Digital Key, exclusive direct booking perks and Hilton Honors rewards.
The George will be the neighborhood’s first Tapestry Collection by Hilton hotel, a global portfolio of independent hotels, each with an original, vibrant personality. Every hotel’s unique story comes to life through elevated design and food & beverage inspired by the locale, offering guests authentic experiences across an array of destinations worth exploring.
