4. The Oak Room

The Oak Room opened in 1939 as a cabaret supper club, but closed early on because of World War II. It wasn’t until 1981 that the venue reopened, ushering in a new era of the hotel. One of the three most famous supper cabaret clubs in the city, the club held performances by many distinguished artists, including Steve Ross, Andrea Marcovicci, Barbara Carroll, KT Sullivan, Julie Wilson with pianist William Roy, Mary Cleere Haran, Karen Akers. It also launched the careers of Michael Feinstein and Harry Connick Jr.

The Oak Room became an institution of sorts, a place the New York Times said one could “watch performers develop and mature.” But in 2012, after a 9-month, $5 million renovation, the Oak Room closed after 32 years and became a lounge for loyal guests part of a rewards program.