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If you’ve been to London or Los Angeles lately, perhaps you’ve peeked in on Andaz Liverpool Street or Andaz West Hollywood. Each singularly stylish, these hotels have amassed devoted followings since their respective openings in 2007 and early 2009.
Next, Andaz (which is Hyatt’s new brand) will open two properties in New York in 2010. After all, while Gwyneth Paltrow might have homes in New York, L.A., and London, most of us are on the eternal lookout for a chic, comfortable, affordable place to rest our heads in this trio of cities.
Andaz Wall Street, opening in January 2010, is the only hotel on Wall Street. Designed by the Rockwell Group, whose portfolio includes F.A.O. Schwartz, Cirque du Soleil’s theaters, and Canyon Ranch Miami Beach, it will bring serious style and a lighter mood to Wall Street. A sculptural white staircase anchors the public spaces, which are decorated with warm bamboo paneling, veined marble tabletops, and a tree etched into a red lacquer wall. The restaurant, Wallnut, will have market-fresh cuisine and views of the East River, while the bar, named Seven Five after its 75 Wall Street address, will offer financial movers and shakers a watering hole where they can mix their martinis just the way they like them. The 253 guestrooms will start at a generous 345 square feet, with loft-like ceilings and swish marble bathrooms (they had us at ‘rainfall showerheads’).
Andaz 5th Avenue, which sits on the corner of 41st Street, across from the New York Public Library, will open in the second quarter of 2010. Designed by Tony Chi of tonychi and associates, the striking design includes elements like steel factory windows – jaw-droppingly tall – that will set off views across Manhattan and, for quieter moments, a garden retreat in the center of the hotel. Each of the 184 guestrooms will be full of natural light, plenty of space, and touches of whimsy such as clear hanging racks on an open-faced closet, a reference to the display racks in the nearby Fashion District, and cloisonné foot baths to fill after a day of city walking. More details to come on the two restaurants and bar…
But since we all love details, here are two telling ones about both properties: Red Flower, the New York-based company known for its organic, aromatic products, will provide the amenities, while Theory will outfit the staff in chic separates. Furthermore, there’s no nickel-and-diming of guests: non-alcoholic mini-bars, wireless internet, and local calls will all be complimentary. Both New York hotels will be inclusive, warm additions to their neighborhoods, where locals and guests alike can enjoy the open kitchens, fresh coffee and croissants in the mornings, and casual drinks over long communal tables at night.
A little more background…
Andaz
Hyatt created the Andaz brand to answer the needs of today’s busy traveler. The check-in and service is simplified, without the middlemen of doorman, bellhop, and concierge at the desk – just one “host” for each incoming guest. Andaz properties are placed in dynamic, evolving neighborhoods, where they can become stomping grounds for the film, fashion, media, literary, or finance worlds that surround them.
Andaz Liverpool Street
Andaz Liverpool Street was the first Andaz property on the globe when it opened in 2007. Close to the financial district, its location also straddles the edgy neighborhoods of Shoreditch and Hoxton. Charles Barry, an architect who worked on the Houses of Parliament, designed the original red brick Victorian structure in 1884; now with five bars and restaurants including a sushi bar, it draws an international, social set. To unwind guests at the end of a day, pajama-clad readers can come to guestrooms and read a nighttime story.
Andaz West Hollywood
Andaz West Hollywood opened in early 2009 on Sunset Boulevard. In its past life as the “Riot Hyatt,” more than a few TVs were tossed out its windows by rock-n-rollers of the 70s. Its top-to-bottom makeover transformed it into a beautiful, relaxed property with a 21st century edge. RH, its restaurant, nods to its wild past while serving up fresh cuisine from southwestern France. For a dose of R&R, guests can retreat to the Sun Deck to lounge poolside and enjoy views of the Hollywood Hills.
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