When its doors opened on September 4, 1904, the St. Regis wasn’t merely the tallest hotel in New York. Superlatives filled the hotel’s 18 stories. Innovations in decor, climate control, and hygiene all prompted The New York Times to call “The Palatial St. Regis…The Most Richly Furnished Hotel in America.” But readying the property wasn’t all glittering headlines. Ceaseless gossip, political hurdles, and neighborhood discord all came into play as the St. Regis, its founder, John Jacob Astor IV, and its pioneering first president, R.M. Haan, all rallied to put the hotel on the map. Author Lesley Blume and historian  A. K. Sandoval-Strausz return to the podcast, along with design expert and Armature Projects founder William Li.  They join host Tina Edmundson–Marriott International President, Luxury–to share what made this hotel opening unprecedented, fascinating, and resonant, even 120 years later. Plus, best-selling author Michael Hainey shares his elevator story.