Last week, Dick Evans and I had the opportunity to check out new NYC hotspot The Standard Hotel, and the property is anything but standard. You know the one I’m talking about, with the upside-down signage. The Standard is part of the Andre Balazs Properties group, which includes three other Standards (two in LA, one in Miami), the hip Chateau Marmont (LA), the Mercer  (NYC and the site of the Russell Crowe phone-throwing incident) and Sunset Beach (Long Island). The NYC Standard is the the newest property, nestled in the city’s trendy Meatpacking District.

We were attending a cocktail reception at the property for Visit London. I was excited to finally catch a glimpse of the High Line, old elevated railroad tracks that have been converted into a park. Luckily for me, The Standard is built over the High Line, so the floor-to-ceiling windows in the event venue gave me just the opportunity I was looking for to check out the new park. The property has several meeting/event spaces, including a seasonal Biergarten, two Garden Rooms, the High Line Room and space on the top levels of the hotel, which has become some of the most sought-after event space in the city.

One quirk that might creep you out a bit? The screens in the elevator, which showcase a fantasy/Alice in Wonderland-ish world. They certainly draw your attention; but the images, while colorful and bright, are a little on the weird side.

The food was fantastic. Dick and I particularly enjoyed the sliders. Other tasty options include mushroom quiches, mini lobster rolls, Ahi tuna, a full cheese spread, a bean salad, ham, prosciutto and pepperoni. Much to our dismay, there were no desserts on offer. The hotel’s restaurant, The Standard Grill, has become extremely popular since the hotel’s hard opening in September. Other on-site dining options include The Living Room and the Biergarten.

I didn’t get a chance to view any of the guestrooms, but I hear the views in each room are quite impressive. Of course, locals did not necessarily appreciate the views when the property first opened. The buzz about town was that many hotel guests failed to realize the windows were not tinted, nor were they covered. The whole situation certainly created a buzz for the newly opened property.

Next time you are in NYC, check out this hip new property.

— Kimberly Krol, eFlyer editor, circulation and public relations executive