Chelsea Hotel Goes Live

So maybe the Hamptons aren't your scene. Believe us, we understand. Perhaps Atlantic City is more your scene? If so, may we direct you to the newly launched website of the Chelsea Atlantic City - the first boutique hotel without gaming to open in AC. Featuring two Steven Starr restaurants, party pool and kitschy design, the real summer draw will be the Fifth Floor, described as

Like a delightfully unpredictable house party, guests can roam from room to room endlessly exploring a flowing space punctuated with nooks, crannies, and hotspots such as the Terrace Lounge, the “must go” location for the over-21 crowd on the lookout for a sophisticated, hip experience outside of the casinos, the Living Room, the Bar, and the Game Room.

Very interesting concept - but is it enough to bring guests to a hotel that lacks a gaming floor? We say yes - as AC suffers from a lack of quality hotel space to draw weekend guests. The Chelsea positions itself as a serious contender for the young and affluent who are more than willing to hop in a cab and pop over to the Borgata for gambling, MurMur, and Mixx.

Apparently opens for Memorial Day. Book now!

Quick Hits: Stephen Starr Goes Taavo in Philly

You live in a house or apartment, but you only stay in a hotel room for a few nights. Damn that's a quick visit. This is a hotel edition of Quick Hits. Do you have a tip or link that may rock our world? Our telefax is always plugged in.

1. Stephen Starr, everyone's favorite Philly blowhard, is reaching into Freeman's Alley to bring a little Hell Square cachet to the Ill D. Starr has signed up Freeman's own Taavo Somer to help redesign his space at 706 Chestnut in Philly, which has been the home of a few previous Starr concepts that have bit the dust. Not only that, but Starr is planning to turn the rest of the property into a very intimate boutique hotel. Wonder where the Wonder Boy got that idea?

2. The Kor Group, the LA based boutique powerhouse, is expanding the Viceroy Hotel brand way beyond the beach. After a lengthy and difficult battle, the company recently got approval for the Viceroy Snowmass. As in Aspen. As in boo yah.

3. Our friends at Curbed don't believe there's any chance that Gild Hall can open its door by the end of this year. Oh yeah? Then why are they hiring?