Instead of hanging out in cozy bars, young New Yorkers are rediscovering a hidden nook in Grand Central Terminal, where they’re sneaking kisses away from the spotlight.
There was a time when the Biltmore Room, affectionately called the “Kissing Room,” provided a private space for travelers to share tender parting moments without the stress of a busy train platform.
Back in its prime, this accommodating alcove, designed in 1913 and situated beneath the now-nonexistent New York Biltmore Hotel, had a playful notice: “No kissing for more than five seconds.”
After being obscured by construction for a long while, the Kissing Room is now visible again, looking larger and more inviting than before, conveniently located on the main floor near the Grand Central Oyster Bay Bar. Historian John Freer, who has spent years exploring Grand Central’s hidden stories, notes that spotting the Biltmore Room’s sign often sparks curiosity among locals.
“Many people envision these storybook romances, and the city continues to create spaces for them,” he shared.
Freer believes the Kissing Room is primed for a revival since its reopening in May 2023, following extensive renovations that included updates to the Long Island Rail Road at Grand Central.
“I find it remarkable each time a young New Yorker unearths a piece of the city’s history,” he remarked.
Noelani Buonomo, at 25 years old, found visiting the Kissing Room with her boyfriend, Dustin Chase, felt like a refreshing break from today’s digital dating culture.
“As our world becomes more digital, maintaining spaces meant for real connections is essential,” she expressed.
She admits the irony is not lost on her; she met Dustin via Tinder, but quickly embraced offline experiences filled with museum visits and strolls around the city.
Discovering the Kissing Room’s romantic history added weight to their shared moments.
“It’s also a bit bittersweet,” she noted, “reminding us of couples reuniting after wars, which makes it evoke a deeper history.”
“It reflects something profoundly human about the city… a gentle reminder that beneath its busy exterior, there are warm, human connections.”
Freer believes it’s this blend of historical context and genuine connection that draws in young locals.
“To really grasp why kissing rooms were a thing, we must understand the era they thrived in,” Freer explained.
“This room was simply a place for lovers to express their affection while navigating the constant flow of commuters.”
Back then, public displays of affection were heavily regulated.
“Kisses were limited to five seconds, tongues were off-limits, and the kissing had to happen exclusively in the ‘kissing gallery,'” Freer clarified.
The chief engineer of Grand Central, George Kittridge, even referred to the Kissing Room as a rather unremarkable spot.
Freer’s fascination with the Biltmore Room sprouted from the small details commuters often overlook.
“When traveling to Long Island, I would walk past Grand Central Madison and noticed a sign with train times behind the glass. That sparked my interest, leading me to delve deeper,” he recounted.
This relic of a pre-digital age still showcases the names of trains that once ran regularly.
“The train names you see today are the same ones from the 1960s, like Murray Hill, Yankee Clipper, and Knickerbocker.”
For Jenna Murray, living in Sunnyside, Queens, the charm of the Kissing Room lies in its portrayal of romance that seemed to be missing in contemporary dating.
“It’s romantic to think that New York once had a dedicated space in Grand Central for kisses,” she reflected.
“What feels absent today is that thrill of anticipation; it’s comforting to rendezvous in a space built just for that.”
Jenna, along with her husband, Brian Murphy, recalls their low-key dates within the terminal, appreciating the genuine connections they observed.
“I love seeing real couples parting before trains—it’s not just for films anymore,” she said, adding, “Knowing the space was designed for that purpose amplifies its significance.”
More than a century since its inception, the Kissing Room is again fulfilling its role: providing a sanctuary to lovers amidst the fast-paced energy of New York City.
This weekend, people will have even more opportunities to mingle in the Kissing Room during a special “speed dating” event and a Valentine’s Day themed market.
Freer encapsulates this hidden gem’s essence, highlighting how it offers a rare moment of stillness in a constantly moving city.
“In these small, deeply romantic instances, while the city rushes by, it feels like time is wholly yours.”
