Visitors to New York City’s Upper East Side will soon have another choice of luxury accommodation. The Carlyle, A Rosewood Hotel, which dates back to the 1930s, is being renovated by a team led by interior designer Tony Chi, who has also overseen changes to the brand’s London and Hong Kong properties.

“Our studio’s focus with the design of The Carlyle is a ‘passage of time’,” says Chi, who wants to combine the hotel’s glorious past and future. Some of the hotel’s 130 rooms will be given a contemporary makeover.

The property’s famed F&B space, Café Carlyle – the home of jazz and cabaret – has hosted the likes of pianist Bobby Short, Hollywood director Woody Allen, actress Elaine Stritch and singers Eartha Kitt and Judy Collins. The cafe and Bemelmans Bar, will not be affected.