Live Blogging Gramercy Park Hotel :: Checking In

Where: 2 Lexington Avenue [map], New York, ny, United States, 10010

8/14/2006 at 9:49 AM
Tags: Hotel Openings, Hotel Hype, Ian Schrager, Gramercy Park Hotel

How could we not live blog the Gramercy Park Hotel in its opening week? Last night we spent the night at Ian Schrager's place. This morning sit back and enjoy an extended live blogging session on our stay, live from GPH. Best place to catch up with the action is probably on the Gramercy Park Hotel page -- look for the "Live Blogging" stories.

Checking into GPH was great. The lobby is small but intimidating, with large pieces of art (mostly by Julian Schnabel) hanging on the walls and the smell of wood is strong. Like the Westin using white tea scents and the Four Points pumping manufactured a apple pie smell in their lobbies, Gramercy Park unintentionally jumped on the "scented hotel" train since this hotel smells a bit like a lumberyard, but its all natural--nothing manufactured here. And despite what we reported last week on the hotel's opening day, no fires were burning in the fireplace when we arrived.

As we strolled up to the desk, one of the many good-looking staffers at the hotel checked us in without incident. Furthermore, we were given a complimentary upgrade to a deluxe double bed room. "At no charge to you of course." (Disclaimer: we didn't go all Clooney on GPH and check in under an assumed name, but we didn't check in under HotelChatter either, just used our real name--so it is doubtful we were upgraded because of our hotel bloggin' gig.)

Next, we were given our room keys, along with a room ID card that allows you to use all the GPH facilities--the spa, the fitness center, the two bars--Jade and Rose--and receive the complimentary breakfast on floor 2 which was included in the introductory room rate of $250. For the city, this is a great price, but it isn't gonna last, the introductory offer ends September 4th and then the price skyrockets to $550 a night.

Finally, the check-in specialist asked the question we were waiting for--"Do you want a key to the members-only Gramercy Park?" We tried to control our emotions when the GPH hottie told us they have 12 keys to give to guests and were anxious to hand them out so people could experience the park. Not sure if he meant that no one was taking the keys or what, but we assumed that he was plunking a key inside our key card package--not the case. When we got up to the room to see if he had included the key, it wasn't there. Hmm. We called down to the front desk and got the scoop: When you want to go to the park you need to pick up one of the dozen park keys--if all 12 keys are being used then you have to wait your turn.

Up next: The Room.

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