The New York Edition

Posted in Projects on 12 August, 2015

The New York EDITION opens its doors for the first time and Ian Schrager and his team have once again redefined luxury. Hamish Kilburn reviews the home-away-from-home experience…

After its London debut in 2013, The Edition Hotel empire is rapidly building. The latest edition to the brand is situated in the New York City’s Flatiron district. The exemplary Clocktower building, which was designed by the architectural firm of Napoleon LeBrun & Sons and completed in 1909, has been reborn into a beautiful hotel.

Over one hundred years since it was built, the property, which is otherwise known as the Metropolitan Life Insurance Company Tower, now houses the 273-room New York Edition hotel.

Introduced by leading hotelier, Ian Schrager and Marriott International, The New York Edition has changed the perception of luxury hotels and opened a pathway to the new age of American Glamour while redefining what it means to stay in luxury.

Luxury of simplicity

The concept of the hotel evokes luxury of simplicity. An impression that is near on impossible to create – yet Schrager and his team have crafted fine lines, timeless aesthetics and a striking, yet sophisticated ambiance throughout, topping the chart in modern and luxury hotels.

The hotel is inspired by New York City’s turn of the 20^th Century private clubs, Fifth Avenue’s guided age mansions and Stanford White’s architectural masterpieces. Its residential tone allows guests to escape from the metropolis whilst staying in the core of the city. Reminiscent of a private home, rather than a hotel room, it was essential for the designers to create the rooms in a modern and sophisticated design tone.

Lobby and Lobby bar

A spacious yet intimate oasis for guests to unwind, the Lobby and bar area has a palate of soft tones of oatmeal, silver and white in rich fabrics and leathers.

Upon arrival, guests enter the iconic building to classic Venetian plaster walls, which contrast the custom-cast oversized windows that look out over the Madison Square Park. Capturing much of the existing design, original dark wood on the walls and floors in the lobby area is dripping in designer influences from the likes of Jean-Michel Frank with his 1920’s inspired coffee tables and chairs. Christian Liagre-designed floor lamps imitate the simplicity that Schrager and his team has engaged throughout the entire hotel to create a tranquil feel that is both warm and inviting.

Guestrooms

In the guestrooms, dark-framed modest doorways juxtapose the smooth-cream walls. The rich view of the New York City skyline is perfectly framed by the building’s original windows. Many of the suites present 180-degree views of Manhattan. Each room has classic, extra long and deep-floating white oak desk, inspired by Jean-Michel Frank, and a bed with a dark walnut headboard and a tailor-made walnut platform with bespoke walnut nightstands. Custom-moulded stone composite sinks are featured in each bathroom with a custom illuminated vanity mirror.

The suites piece together specifically made sofas and chaise lounges with imported, ivory linen upholstery and silk back cushions, silver silk drapery and a walnut coffee table with espresso leather top.

Penthouse views

Located on the 29^th, 30^th and 31^st floors with 180-degree views of the city, are the three penthouse suites. Each 1,400 square-foot custom-furnished Penthouse form an ornate, modern and residential feel. Designed for guests who enjoy an expansive sense of privacy, the penthouses offer an exceptional retreat. Sophisticated furniture, hardwood floors and silk drapery and rugs have been meticulously chosen to echo the home-away-from-home impression that Schrager is famous for.

Each penthouse features its own private dining room with rift cut dark oak wood panelling and large bookcases, full kitchen, living room with two-toned palette of dark brown ivory, and a master bathroom with large shower and soaking tub. They connect to a king bedded room to create a two-bedroom suite.

Schrager explains his designs as one of the kind. The purpose of the hotel’s design is to evoke feelings and encourage guests to have experiences. He says, “It is impossible to label this look. And rightly so. We are never out for a look. We are out for a feel and an experience.”

Restaurant

Suitably playing on the concept between modern and period detail, the restaurant is inspired by the vibrant colours of Dutch Masters such a Vermeer and Rembrandt and has an ivory coloured ornamental restored plaster ceilings. Rose, green and blue velvet chairs and sofas gracefully compliment the space. Featuring original, restored oak floors stained in dark ebony, the theme of luxury in simplicity develops even further in this area of the hotel. Located on the second floor of the tower, guests enjoy views looking over Madison Square Park.

The hotel features all the signature elements of the Edition brand. Lasting comfort, extraordinary style coupled with exceptional level of service has meant that the hotel is at the forefront of innovation with its home-away-from-home style. Schrager and his team have designed and created the hotel so that guests can enjoy New York City from a different perception.

Edition Hotels has just touched the surface. With hotels in China, Bangkok and India all expected to open next year, the hotel brand is fast-becoming a dominant force in the luxury hotel market. By 2019 it predicts to have 13 hotels to its name, and if its authentic hotels that have already opened are anything to go by, the new hotels will challenge existing conventions in hotel design and continue to redefine luxury.

www.editionhotels.com/new-york