Mondrian NYC Sets Its Plans

The still under construction Mondrian on South Lafayette still hasn't locked down an opening date as of yet, but that doesn't mean the folks at Morgans aren't busy little hoteliers. We have heard that they are close to locking down a deal with a restaurateur for the hospitality space. Most importantly, a Little Birdy tells us Morgans is working with "a great creative mind on a new lounge concept." Too bad it's not DBTH. Wouldn't that be something. As always, we will keep you posted

Sub Mercer Books Up

We stopped by SubMercer for a repeat visit over the weekend and had a chance to scope their revamped cocktail menu, featuring the Tequila Mockingbird, a literary take on a the traditional margarita. Featuring maraschino liqueur, grapefruit and lime juice, it's the perfect tequila cocktail to keep you refreshed when drinking in a sub basement during the summer - if Stefan ever lets you in.

Ian Schrager's Next NYC Project

Above, please find a gorgeous parking lot located on the corner of West 19th Street and 10th Avenue. Glorious, right? Really reminds you of colonial times. Anyway, what is now a parking lot is soon to be a new hotel project from the genius that is Ian Schrager. It's a bit of old news, but Schrager's plans to open a "combination of high-end hotels and less expensive hotels" on this site by 2009 seems doubtful. You know, credit crunch and all. But at least we all still get to use that parking lot, and then one day, people paying a lot of money and people paying a bit less will all get to stay right next to each other.

· An Interview With Ian Schrager [Portfolio]

On the Circuit: Downtown Meets Uptown

Belvedere kicked of their Downtown Meets Uptown party series last night at the new Rose Club at the Plaza Hotel. DBTH hasn't been that far uptown since... we'll we don't know when, but it was a pretty fancy soiree and we are still nursing our nosebleed. It was a mix of tuxedoed uptown society types, mixed with a handful of downtown hipsters. This was more than an event - this was a pah tay! The Belvedere and rose champagne were flowing (and mixed vodka drinks served in cute mini-Belveder bottles) and Citizen Cope performed an intimate set for the 200 or so guests. The A-List celeb crowd was out in full force and we spotted Harvey Weinstein (literally half the man he used to be), Matthew Perry, Malcolm Gladwell, James Gandolfini and enough models to bang all the Russian billionaires who reportedly bought all of the apartments upstairs. Judging by the female escorts these gentlemen had on their arms it is safe to say that if you get famous, you have it made.

For those of you who missed out, have no fear. This is the first of a series of events, and lucky for you, we will be there to cover them all. More like lucky for us.

Dear Rose Bar

To: Rose Bar; Syndicate PR
From: DBTH
Subject: Congratulations!

Dear Rose Bar,

We at Down By The Hipster would like to congratulate you on winning our first ever DBTH poll. With 52 votes cast out of a total of 195 , our readers have voted Rose Bar as having the most attractive female clientèle in New York City! YAY! It's not a majority, but it's not too shabby either. Obviously, your strategy is working, and we encourage you all to keep doing what you're doing.

Humbly,

DBTH

PS: Please share this with Sir Ian. Thanks!

Blogging For a Flogging: Greenwich Hotel

Looky what's back? The Flogging. Its been a while since we've been naughty, but when we are bad, we need to be punished. Now that the Greenwich Hotel and Ago are open to the (paying) public, David Rockwell and his firm have gotten a lot of credit and praise for the design. Undeserved credit, as Rockwell really had nothing to do with the exceptional work. It's time to set the record straight.

We’d like to set the record straight on the proper design credits for Robert De Niro’s new Greenwich Hotel and Ago restaurant. While Rockwell Group originally developed a proposal for the site, those plans were abandoned over 4 years ago. Our firm, Grayling, designed the new building’s exterior, Ago restaurant, all of the Greenwich Hotel’s public spaces and guest corridors and one of the duplex suites (the other duplex suite was done by Rockwell Group).

The building has a rich and detailed creative story that unfolded over several years and involved many talented people (Samantha Crasco, Mikio Shinegawa, Paul Alter of Skolnick Architects, Matt Markowitz). It would be a shame not to give proper credit where it belongs.

We couldn't agree more and apologize for the mistake. In fact we had already discussed this way back when. But let the world know, Grayling did the work, and they did a heck of a job.

Pumping Up the Greenwich Hotel

Celebrity owners, celebrity fueled Italian restaurants, starchitects, and hand crafted bricks, it seems that Robert De Niro and Co. newly opened Greenwich Hotel had just about everything going for it. So as opening day approached, those of us who had been closely tracking the project were anxiously awaiting a chance to get inside and see what the fuss was about. But we (and every other website) was basically denied, with PR and staff saying the first look had been promised to an international publication. Turns out it was just a page in this month's Vanity Fair which spouts what all of you already know, hand-cut bricks, the corked ceiling Ago, pricey suites and all that jazz. One interesting point - all of the lobby art you see behind Bobby D. was painted by his late father. From what you can see, the place does look pretty sweet. David Rockwell and his team certainly delivered the goods, but it seems that we won't be getting inside to see for ourselves any time soon.

For more frustrating fun, check out their revamped website which offers a few glimpses of what up to $1300 will get you.

All images courtesy of Vanity Fair.

André Balazs' Not Doing 14th Street

Contrary to popular opinion, the three apartment buildings at 320-324 West 14th Street are not being converted into an André Balazs owned hotel. How do we know? Well, because we do. (What's up dude? What's up?) Anyway, a Little Birdy confirmed this, saying "The rumors about the Balazs hotel are completely false. The Icon Development Group said there is no deal for any hotel. They plan to convert them to condos." There you have it. The apartments stay.

· Is This the Site of André Balazs' Next Hotel? [Curbed]

An Evening At: Submercer

Ah Submercer. We missed you buddy. In the door, past Simonez, down the elevator, down the hall, make a left, through the door, in the door on the right, down the hall, and through the door. Got it? Good. Walk inside and there you have it. Submercer.

It's still small, it's still smoky, and it's still fun. That's right. Fun. The night was a celebration of Radar Entertainment's merger with Plug, and celebrate we did. Albert Hammond Jr.(the Strokes - Duh) manned the music for the early part of the evening, mixing in classic rock, 80's dance, and 60's soul expertly. No BS, everyone was having a great time. Drinks, dancing, cigarettes, whatever. It was good.

So it's back. Submercer is back. But good luck getting in. This door is guaranteed to be tough.

PS - Astragirl - there is your Submercer post. Sometimes you just have to be patient.

Midtown Gets A Sanctuary

Our friends at ICrave have been very busy Midtown beavers. First, they design Highbar, the newest roof bar option from Greg Brier at 48th and 8th. Now, they have redesigned the Portland Square Hotel in Times Square and helped transform it into the Sanctuary Hotel. Our friends at Hotel Chatter had some intel on this last year, but when perusing the ICrave site, we came across the mockups for the stylish lobby and bar, which will allow guests to "experience an atmosphere of tranquility and energy within the lobby's intimate alcoves, warming fireplaces, and hip lounge." Sounds cozy, especially if you are in Times Square and want to get a drink and sit next to a fireplace. Look for an opening early 2009.


Images courtesy of ICrave

More Monday Madness

After announcing a fourth Monday evening party, Star Lounge's little gittee up, one of our lovely commenters deftly explained the scene like this:

"Butter" is like the NWA of Monday Night Parties, The O.G. if you will. "Utah's" and "Upstairs" are like Snoop Dog and Dr. Dre.. "Star Rm"? More like Vanilla Ice...

Everyone follow that? Good. So with 4 parties already established on Monday, can the City possibly support one more? We will find out soon, as a Little Birdy has told us that the Hudson Hotel in Midtown will be launching their very own Monday night soirée, very exclusive, very media and arts centric. Apparently it starts next week, so check back next week for the exciting conclusion.

The Woes of Socialista

There are thousands of cabs in Manhattan, but last night we stepped into the best. After giving our driver our cross streets, not only did he speak New York English, but also knew what was at that address. Our cabbie then began to regale us with stories about New York City nightlife, both past and present, and by the end we wanted to hire him to join this here site.

One of the most interesting tales we heard involved Socialista, Armin's snazzy little Cuban joint in the far West Village. According to our cabbie, even before the Hep A incident, Socialista was having trouble drawing the nightlife elite. It wasn't because of the location, the tight door, or the prices (although they probably all contribute), but because Armin ran such a clean joint. He has actively kept any known drug dealers out of the club, which means that his customers who dabble in that thing either choose not to come, or have to leave when the booze starts to make them sleepy. The club was in trouble before that, and this Hep A scare will either be the nail in the coffin or a real wake up call for him to change his ways.

Now, this was just the story that our cabbie told us. But the guy knew his stuff. A lot of stuff. And from our experiences at Socialista, the place is definitely on the level. But we will let you our readers make up your own mind. And don't feel too bad for Armin, Harvey W. and Cirpriani - we know a few hotel guys that would probably be happy to take that lease off their hands.

And when we asked the cabbie for his card, he politely told us "no", saying "you either already have it or you get lucky enough to get in my cab. I don't give my number to no one." And that's that.

Glassing Up Grand Street

Grand Street is definitely getting glassed. Brack Capital has thrown up the first rendering of its Grand Street Hotel and we are happy to share it with you. The project will bring an additional 114 rooms to the neighborhoods, complete with restaurant, bar and space space. If you would please direct your attention to the roof, you can clearly see a space designed for the rooftop pool. All righty then.

Bonus Tip: Brack has recently signed a deal to do a second downtown hotel project. More details to follow.

Village Innsanity

We love to talk Manhattan hotels around here, with their numerous roof bars, glitzy restuarants, spas, and over the top design. But all that luxury comes with a steep price. Today, we take you in a different direction. Behold the Village Inn, a brand spanking new hostel on East 7th Street, just a few doors down from McSorley's. Hostels.net has the intel:

The Village Inn is a totally renovated 5 story walk-up building that can comfortably accommodate travelers looking for the fun and history of the neighborhood. The dormitory rooms can sleep 8 to 12 people, and they all have private facilities. Private rooms are also available for those who demand a little more privacy. Next to our fully equipped kitchen, a flat screen TV entertains our guests in a large common area. Here, guests wake up to our well known "two thumbs up" free continental breakfast, an assortment of bagels, muffins, fruits, cereal, coffee, milk and orange juice. In our lounge, you can watch TV while you check your emails, lock up your luggage, wash your clothes, or just chill with other fellow travelers.

Prices range from about $40 - $50 a night, depending on if you go private suite or dorm room. Since you are going hostel, we suggest going whole ham and shacking up with the rest of your new friends from Belgium. Happy hosteling.

Riverview Getting It's Demo On

Courtesy of our friends at HotelChatter, things are moving right along at Eric Goode and Sean MacPherson's newest hotel venture, the Riverview. Interior demolition has begun, and we have to believe they are making moves to try and clear the remaining tenants. We have also come to learn that the dynamic duo is going to turn the magnificent tower overlooking the water into a lounge. Very cool, if they decide to let anyone in or serve non-guests drinks. But we also wonder what their tenants at Socialista are feeling? More on this to come.

Is it or Isn't It?

A few weeks back, a reader fired off an angry salvo regarding some rude treatment in the lobby bar at the Bowery Hotel. You can read all about it here. It touched off a rather spirited debate in the comments, with many readers sharing experiences of being turned away or simply not served, even while hoping for an afternoon cup of tea. Other comments lamented the state of New York City, saying "WE HAVE BECOME A CITY AND A WORLD OF PARIS HILTONS. GOD HELP US." We posed the question to the hotel itself but received no response. We may have to gear up for a stealth run inside the quiet lobby ourselves to settle this once and for all. God help us indeed.


Got a complaint or a question? Please do let us know.

Trouble at the Bowery

A reader fired off an angry salvo last night from outside the Bowery Hotel after apparently not being allowed to enjoy a drink in their lobby bar. Our reader writes, "Fuck the Bowery Hotel. From mellow and cool to pretentious and lame. Fuck that place. Telling me I can't sit down and its their policy to only let guests sit. Place was empty and I kindly offered to get up if guests came and they needed to seat them. They were rude for the sake of being rude." Wow. Tell us how you really feel reader. We had heard the same line a few times, but they were always accommodating, especially if the lobby was empty enough. But in 2008, the Bowery don't play. That's two of their three bars which are now off limits most of the time. We'll always have Gemma though.

DeNiro's Hotel Hits the Web

Newyorkology (via Eater) comes through with the recently launched website for Robert De Niro and friends Greenwich Hotel. Ressies are being accepted for the first 3 weeks of April, when the hotel will then become the de facto home of out of town stars during the Tribeca Film Festival. Glamorous. Metro Travel Guide supplies the rest of the gory details about the rooms and property, including the Shibui Spa that "features a lantern-lit swimming pool and a lounge area". Best news - Ago will be delvireing room service to guests 24/7. Osso bucco all night. That's worth the $725 per night intro rate, right? Right.

Goode and McPherson Buy a Riverview

After some joint work by DBTH and our friends at HotelChatter, the HC crew comes in with the final blow. Eric Goode and Sean McPherson, the hottest boutique hotel company this side of Jason Pomeranc, have apparently come to terms on the Riverview Hotel. According to an HC tipster:

The Riverview Hotel was purchased by Sean and Eric for approx $33.0 Million recently. The Hotel is an SRO (Single Room Occupancy), which means that none of the rooms have their own bathrooms, sinks, kitchens or even basic amenities.

The reason they are not accepting any reservations is b/c they would like to begin the process of removing any and all long term residents, most of which are homeless, drug addicts and drunks---similar to those you would find in the Whitehouse on the Bowery.

By not allowing any new "guests" they limit their risk and exposure for new problems. They will have a very difficult time removing most of the long-term stays, especially since there are strict laws prohibiting the harassment of such individuals.

Excellent point. But when there is a financial will, there certainly is a physical way. May we suggest hiring the Pinkertons, who we hear have been slowly rebuilding their forces somewhere in the mountains of West Virginia, waiting to be called on once again.

DBag Thursday: Part 1

Hey everyone! Today is D Bag Thursday, a very special feature brought to you in at least two parts? Why today? Why not. Part 1.

It's Wednesday night. You (or DBTH) is at the oh so swanky Rose Bar enjoying an $18 cocktail or two, and a group is seating at one of the side tables. And in this group, you notice many of the gentleman wearing the same hats. That's when you realize it's Scott Sartiano and his Butter posse, all wearing Butter hats. To the layman, it may seem they really just love butter. But we know it to be some kind of D baggy gorilla marketing campaign or whatever. And if you are going to wear a hat with the name of your restaurant and lounge on it, wouldn't it be 1OAK, your new space that's poised to open tonight? Those hats probably never made it back from the glitter factory so they went with the standby.

In anther twist, we travel in the way back machine to the last time 1OAK was set to open. Well, they had to cancel their events and put the hype machine on hold for a bit. Our Little Birdy said at the time, "saw Richie Akiva at Rose Bar last night. . . Anyway, I was expecting Richie to be doing something else when his new club is supposedly opening tomorrow night. I'm putting my money on December... if they're lucky." Ditto LB. Ditto.

Photo from NY Times