Ed Hamilton of Living with Legends writes:

Though we've long argued that rates should be lower in order for writers and artists and other creatively minded individuals who genuinely want to stay here.

This policy flies in the face of what's being going on with the Board pressuring Stanley to raise rates to make more money. So what gives? Are they trying to turn this place into a bonafide flophouse? Also disturbing is the fact that another resident spotted an apparently homeless woman camping with her bags in the hallway.

On the other hand, perhaps they are trying to compete with other hotels that are offering lower rates to attract people during the sweltering month of July.

But since when has the Chelsea had to compete? Maybe since they lost customers who don't want a corporate experience.

Back in late December/early January the Bards ran a special where they lowered the rates but it was not nearly so drastic as this one -- more like a normal hotel discount -- and what's more it was specifically targeted to people on their mailing list, that is fans of the hotel. Who are we targeting now?

Or, is this just a ploy to get the occupancy rates up so they'll look good on paper?

The blog is urging anyone who wants to stay at the hotel to avoid dealing with anyone working for the new management. However, a long time patron has run into a a dilemma--should he take the new rates listed when he stays there? The blog advises that it's ok to ask for the new rates but it would help if you could wear "a tee-shirt or a badge or do something else creative" to show support for the old hotel manager Stanley Bard.

Yikes! Well, you can't really have those rates for nothing. You have to deal with some drama.

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