Anything But Standard - The Standard New York
If Manhattan’s ultra-trendy Meatpacking District had a ground zero it would probably be The Standard Hotel. Sitting at the nexus of hip LA style and NY glam this intriguing and inspiring destination attracts a mash up of the cool and wanna be cool, all seeking a slice of the high life on the high line.
Designed by Todd Schliemann of the New York firm Polshek Partners Architects, The Standard opened in 2009 and was granted instant classic status by all comers from celebs to hangers on. There's no doubt that Andre Balaz's vision of an ultra trendy, cutting edge and somehow retro hotel oozes cool that many say exemplifies New York itself. Neatly perched above the now world famous High Line urban park, with commanding views of the Hudson River, Manhattan and the Financial District, The Standard is anything but standard.
Upon arrival, there is an instant star quality to the lobby with its large yellow revolving doors and endless stream of posing guests and visitors. The guest suites, while not big (this is Manhattan) are intimate with quirky, Mid Century inspired interiors by Roman and Williams, and feature exposed showers and floor to ceiling windows - this is definitely not a stuffy business hotel unless you're in the business of fun, romance or exhibitionism. One can only imagine the stories that these walls could tell!
In the King Deluxe Suite, the rich use of wood creates a warm and Scandinavian feeling to the curved and restrained interiors that feature some nicely contrasting black and white details. It is black that pervades most of the wet areas of the bathroom room with the said black tiles making the shower impossibly dark. Given its revealing nature this is no doubt purposeful, so too the complimentary prophylactics. The room is appointed in way that says you're here to stay for a good time and not necessarily a long time, but if you're stay is more than a one nighter (which is a must) you'll be more than pleased to see a healthy array of bar snacks, sweets, drinks, socks, a scented candle, blue-tooth speaker, earphones and a host of bespoke toiletries, along with a book of short stories - all ensuring that you are prepared for whatever the Meat Packing District can throw at you. Oh, and a welcoming bottle of champagne is also classy move, signally that this is not budget conscious stay.
The king size bed is plush and comes with the requisite, crisp, clean and inviting linen and pillows, affording you the precious Z's you'll need from the endless exploration of the city. In the morning, the unfurling of the curtains unveils a view to die for.
The hotel’s inviting public spaces include a bustling German beer garden at ground level, the rooftop discothèque Le Bain, the legendary Top of The Standard (Roof Top Bar), and an outdoor public plaza with rotating art installations, along with the award-winning Standard Grill which melds a brasserie atmosphere with new American cuisine and does one heck of a breakfast.
As far as local attractions, the list really is endless. Of course there's the High Line directly below which takes you all the way to the Hudson Train Yards which makes for a beautiful early morning or evening walk. There's the Chelsea Market, Whitney Museum of Art right next door, boutique fashion stores galore and more food options than you can imagine - from Dos Caminos to Catch, The Red Cat and Scarpetta to name but a few.
One of the very cool parts of the experience is your ability to select Standard Time - essentially you can choose your own check in and check out times - which is more than a gimmick, it's actually very helpful.
This is a hotel bustling with energy and a people watchers dream come true. A ten minute sit in the lobby will offer you a perfect insight to modern New York pop theater, and the mixed cast of characters that this entails. This is a 24 hour show - which means that there can be long waits for the elevators and they will get a little crowded as well. The downside of all of this, is that some of the front of house staff have probably been in the show for a little too long and while somewhat friendly, mostly come across as either trying to be uber cool or just plain pretentious.
Bottom Line:
The Standard is a kaleidoscope of a venue offering a cheeky, irreverent and fun filled platform to explore and consume Manhattan to the fullest.
