The Barclay first opened its doors on October 26, 1926 with a regal dinner-dance for Manhattan high society, hosted by Eliot Cross, chairman of the hotel's Board of Directors. The pre-opening advertisements for the hotel were intended to attract guests seeking long-term residence in New York City. Rates ranged from $1200-$5550 for annual rentals, allowing The Barclay to open with an image of prestige as the hotel of choice for the upper-class. The hotel immediately made an impact with tenants and critics alike for its atmosphere of comfort and elegant domesticity.