HotelChatter

The architects called in for the revamp, Stonehill & Taylor, are behind some of the newest and oldest properties in New York: they designed the Crosby St Hotel, are working on a conservatory-like property for Hampshire Hotels on the Upper West Side, and have been commissioned to do a spit-and-polish on landmarks such as the W Union Square, Essex House, and The New Yorker.

According to Stonehill’s website, their design for the President Hotel takes a cue from the property’s name and is a “light-hearted approach to the origins and current state of American politics.” Light-hearted—politics? On a day when the President is in town to address the United Nations, amid ongoing healthcare debate, we find this description kind of ballsy.

More on the political landscape of the hotel:

The scope included a new façade, lobby, lounge (aptly called Primary) and guest accommodations, including a fitness center, conference center and guestrooms. Design of the public areas focuses on the first republican and democrat U.S. presidents: Abraham Lincoln and Thomas Jefferson, respectively. The design palate draws materials and finishes that show the contrast of history to present day, as well as the split, and the commonalities, between the two political parties.

The Stonehill site also lets slip that the renovated hotel was scheduled “appropriately” to open prior to the 2008 presidential election. What a shame it didn’t. It would have been a great place to throw an election or inauguration party.

If you’re looking for a room in New York tonight but finding it hard with all those politicos in town, the Best Western President has availability—at $509.95 for a Spacious Deluxe Quality Room with a King. The rates drop to a more reasonable $270 a night this weekend, and are in the $230-a-night range from its official re-opening date, October 5.