Morgans Hotel Group Co.
A creator of stylish "boutique" hotels, Morgans Hotel Group ran design-forward properties like the Delano, Mondrian, and Hudson, popular with travelers who wanted lobbies that felt like nightlife destinations. It was founded in 1984 by Ian Schrager and Steve Rubell, the duo behind the legendary Studio 54 nightclub, and their first hotel—named after the Morgan Library next door—is widely credited as the world's first boutique hotel. Working with designer Philippe Starck, they helped turn hotel lobbies into social hangouts.