Greetings,
There are several facts that I am quite willing to state about myself; I have a great passion for all things tartan. My excitement about the new season of Mad Men borders on illness. When given the choice, I would always rather swim than run.
And, when in New York - I'm always an Upper East Side kinda guy. Much like San Francisco, each neighborhood in New York feels very specific. And my antique cuff-linked, bow-tie wearing, preppy soul usually lands quite comfortably on the UES. It's where I always stay when I'm in town. I know where the closest Sarabeth's is (Madison and 92nd!). And I can walk to Stubbs and Wootton.
"Do you have a reservation?"
But, this last trip had to be cobbled together quickly - so whilst hurriedly putting plans together - I thought I'd experiment a little, maybe be a bit adventurous, and head west. Way west. And frankly, a goodly ways south as well. To a different part of the city. So . . . without further ado . . . for the first few days of my visit . . . let me introduce you to . . .
It's way over by the Hudson in the west village. And frankly, it's kind of like staying on a set of a 1940's noir detective film - and seems to be somewhat proudly decrepit. In fact, I keep expecting to see Phillip Marlowe sprinting across the lobby on his way to solve another crime. Velvet curtains frame every window. But with young hipsters waiting for the elevator. Huge potted palms rise from every corner. But with hip-hop music streaming from the bar. And it doesn't just feel historic - it IS historic.
Built in 1908 and designed by William A. Boring - the renowned architect of the Ellis Island Immigrant Station - its original task was to house sailors in small 'ship's cabin-like' rooms. And those single bed rooms still remain. But, there are also larger "Captain's Cabins" . . . spacious and only somewhat spooky.
Here are some other images from my stay . . .
The "Jane Ballroom" Bar
Beautifully coloured and delightfully threadbare flame-stitched textile covers this 12 foot bench in the lobby.
Tile work, vintage lighting, and tapestries in the entrance.
And I LOVE these brass sconces in my room.
I have a client using a similar light fixture in his project - and I *know* his
head just exploded with excitement at seeing this installation.
"Captains Room"
An antique brass bed. Flat screen TV. WiFi. And I'm totally fascinated by the upholstered walls . . . in a beautiful peacock-feather woven textile. I took a few other pictures of the walls - but, couldn't quite capture its beauty on film.
Bottled water delivered by the charming man who operates the elevator.
Yes, Virginia, there's an elevator operator.
And a classic bathroom. With innumerous square-feet of
subway tile . . . and European bath fittings.
and I love having "tepid" as one of the temperature options in my shower.
Or you can choose one of the historic "Standard Cabins" -
which contain a simple twin bed - and with shared bath facilities down the hall.
Not for everyone - but, a great price for a simple night's rest.
nighty-night,
tartanscot
some images pulled from the New York Times article.
