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If you’ve been following us for a while, you’ll know that at RIU we firmly believe that buildings without people are just that: buildings. It is the people who fill them with experiences and memories. We are fortunate to have 98 hotels steeped in the stories of our guests. But we also know that a fair few of those stories were written long before we arrived. This is the case of the Riu Plaza Manhattan Times Square hotel, located in the vibrant centre of New York.
This hotel conceals a charming family history within its foundations. Over 100 years ago, the Hotel América stood on this very spot, witness to the adventures of a young man named Alejandro Cortés. On 3 October, 1919, Alejandro arrived in New York by sea from Cuba in search of new opportunities, after the Great War had left everyone facing very difficult times.
Like many immigrants of the time, he arrived on Ellis Island with little more than determination and hope. He spent the first few days staying at the Hotel América, right on the spot where our Riu Plaza Manhattan Times Square stands today. Interestingly, at that time, the hotel was home to one of the city’s most famous Spanish restaurants.
Thanks to his determination and hard work, that young man managed to make his way in the United States. For several years he lived in New York, New Bedford and Boston. As a result of his dedication and tenacity, he was able to return to Spain years later with a wealth of experience, speaking perfect English and a fortune that allowed him to become a businessman. The legacy of his endeavours lives on today: he built an apartment building in the centre of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, which is part of his lasting contribution.
Alejandro González Cortés, grandson of Alejandro, with his wife and daughter at the Riu Plaza Manhattan Times Square.
Alejandro González Cortés, Alejandro’s grandson, told us this story 106 years later. Alejandro, a commander in the Air Force, stayed at the Riu Plaza Manhattan Times Square hotel with his family. It was an emotional trip filled with memories. It was not just a city break, but a tribute to his grandfather, his difficult beginnings and the American dream that, in his case, became a reality and is still part of the family today.
At RIU, we are delighted to be part of this wonderful family story and to know that our buildings hold so many important memories for our guests.
Thanks for sharing it with us, Alejandro! And you? Do you have a story that connects you to us? We’d love to hear from you!
