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uptown: the plaza hotel
What’s Your NY State of Mind?
Whether you relish tradition and classic design or prefer cutting-edge interiors with an artsy touch, we’ve just the place for your stay in the city. By Judi Rothenberg
downtown: the crosby street hotel NJSL 25
U pt own Gir l Since opening in 1907, the Plaza has been embedded in our hearts and psyches as the epitome of elegance and the epicenter of high society. The Plaza’s storied past turns up in fact and fiction, from Truman Capote’s fabled “Black and White Ball” to the movie “Bride Wars” in which Anne Hathaway and Kate Hudson vie for the Grand Ballroom. And then, of course, there’s Eloise, the privileged, sassy fictional six-year-old who called the Plaza home. Generations of readers have enjoyed her mischievous adventures in a series of books by Kay Thompson. The legendary address, now a mix of 282 guest rooms and 181 condos, underwent a three-year, $450-million renovation. It culminated with the reopening of the beloved Palm Court, a “vinotherapie” spa (treatments are based on the restorative properties of grapes) and — in homage to Eloise — with the launch of a fanciful suite (as well as a playful boutique) capturing her feisty spirit designed by the equally feisty Betsey Johnson. The time-honored ritual of taking tea in the Palm Court is enhanced by the re-creation of the original stained-glass lay light, which was covered up in the 1950s. There are several tea services to choose from: a traditional tea of scones, dainty tea sandwiches and pastries presented on a three-tier display; a chocolate tea with a decadent chocolate fondue as its centerpiece; and for the younger set, an Eloise-themed tea. The philosophy of the on-premise Caudalie Vinotherapie Spa was born in a French vineyard when the owners discovered the grape seeds they were throwing away contained powerful anti-oxidants. A product line was developed, followed by the establishment of two spas in France, one in Spain and one in the United States at the Plaza. The treatment menu includes indulgences like a crushed Cabernet scrub, a honey and wine wrap and a fresh grape massage. For post-treatment, a sommelier meets you in All photos courtesy of the Plaza Hotel and the Crosby Street Hotel. Above, Caudalie Vinotherapie Spa and Betsey Johnson’s Eloise Suite.
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Interior Design Custom Woodwork Furniture Lighting Carpets Window Treatments Original Art the French Paradox Wine Lounge where you can relax (yes, still in your robe) with a glass of wine. Lavish guest quarters are elegantly appointed with Beaux Arts-inspired décor, sparkling chandeliers, sumptuous Italian linens and gleaming 24-karat gold-plated bathroom fixtures. Suite guests are welcomed by a white-gloved butler who assists with everything from unpacking luggage to drawing a bath. Coveted rooms include those on the ninth floor with private terraces ringing the interior courtyard. Those with a penchant for pink and merrymaking should book Johnson’s one-of-a-kind Eloise Suite with its can-
Accessories Fabric
British Home Emporium
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Photograph by Marisa Pelegrinni
dy-striped walls and striking zebra carpet. The Plaza Hotel Fifth Avenue at Central Park South, 212.759.3000, theplaza.com
downt o w n co o l The intersection of hip and urban cool, the artsy Crosby Street Hotel is a riot of color, textures and styles that somehow fuse into a welcoming, relaxing space. Its unique look, created by owner and designer Kit Kemp, is a curious mix of antique and modern pieces grounded with organic touches. There’s a guest room with a private “meadow” and a plant-filled patio with a petri-
Count on Christy’s It’s been 31 years now and Christy is still here, serving the avant-garde woman looking for the up-to-date fashions. You’ll find everything from casual outfits to high-end evening gowns in a full range of sizes. Come to Christy’s for quality
fied tree sculpture. Kemp curates the space with
fashions, personal old-world service,
wit and whimsy. Her choices include re-purpos-
and complimentary alterations.
ing antique telephones as lights, a ten-foot-high Jaume Plensa steel sculpture of a human head, and oil paintings by Francois Bard. Kemp’s personal aesthetic follows through to the boudoir. All 86 bedrooms and suites are individually designed and a feast for the eyes. One
CHRISTY’S ADDED TOUCH 761 Bloomfield Avenue, West Caldwell 973-226-6800 ChristysAddedTouch.com
room has walls upholstered in grey flannel and a Mona Lisa print embellished with sunglasses.
Appointments necessary for cocktail and evening wear.
Another is painted lime green (accented with a
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magenta settee) and has a chintz headboard. All are outfitted with a flat-screen TV, i-pod docking station and WIFI. The hotel bar and restaurant is a convivial place to hang out. The staff is friendly (goodlooking too!) and the host, Randall, greets you warmly with a huge smile. The space is urban chic and the menu offerings are varied. Small plates include bacon-wrapped dates stuffed with green olives and flatbread served with hummus, babaganoush and guacamole. Entrees run the gamut from coriander spiced tuna with bok choy and ginger to a pistachiocrusted Colorado lamb chop with purple yams and tamarind jus.
The Crosby Street Hotel screening room
There’s no need to lament the end of the weekend at the Crosby. The Sunday Night Film Club will keep you entertained with a current flick preceded by a three-course dinner ($50 per person) or a cocktail and bar plate ($25 per person). The dramatic screening room with its bright orange leather chairs and violet walls seats just 100 people. It can be rented for private affairs. The hotel’s location on cobble-stoned Crosby Street is ideal for exploring Soho, Nolita and Greenwich Village. Shops have something for everyone, from edgy and trendy to haute couture. An outpost of the MoMA Design Store is literally steps away as is Balthazar’s, the popular French bistro and bakery. Classic menswear with a twist is available at Nat Sherman, and
Fine Furnishings for Every Room in the Home
WESCO Fine Furniture Since 1955
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an eclectic collection of antique furniture, black and white photography, vintage lighting
214 Route 10, East Hanover, NJ 07936
973.887.0517 www.wescofinefurniture.com Hours: M-F 10a-9p Sat 10a-6p Sun 12p-5p
and objets d’art can be found at Aero Studios. The Crosby Street Hotel 79 Crosby Street, between Spring and Prince Streets firmdale.com, 212.226.6400