The Doubletree Metropolitan Hotel was designed by Morris Lapidus in 1961. It was originally known as the Summit Hotel and later became a Loews. When it first opened, it was called "the most hated hotel in New York" for its lavish use of color. In 2004, when these photos were taken, the hotel was being renovated as part of the Doubletree chain. The sign was altered later for the name change. Originally, the sign's first bubble read "The" and the other six bubbles spelled out Summit. The glazed brick façade is still the original sea-foam color. In 2005, the building was designated a New York City landmark. For more, see this website. [map]