Reduxe: Mondrian Hotel

We recently revealed MHG's plan to open the Mondrian at 150 Lafayette, which is Chinatown's answer to the Bowery Hotel Row. But why now? And why the Mondrian? And why there? When in doubt, turn to your hotel guru to drop some wisdom. We did, and HG says:

Morgans wouldn't exist if it weren't for Ian Schrager's vision and creativity. But he got bought out and Morgans was taken public. Since then, they have announced grand plans for expansion, including franchising some of their brands- unthinkable under Schrager. The Mondrian Scottsdale was the first to open. I was there on opening weekend in January and was disappointed with the quality of the renovation of the Old James hotel. The next Mondrian to open will be in SoBe, followed by the NYC property, then Vegas (which Shrager is obligated to be a part of). No doubt Morgans will be bringing in the big guns for the NYC. The competition is stiff and they want their old leader to be slain by his own child.

Well, it's more bastard child. Or step. No matter, the battle lines have been drawn, with Morgans ready throw down against the Gramercy Hotel with its premiere brand. If hipsters had money to gamble, we'd be taking Shrager all the way. You know why?

Because Ian Shrager is an original, just like us.