HotelChatter

For anyone who's stayed at the Andaz WeHo, the check-in process is one of the coolest bits about arriving to the hotel as there's no front desk--only this handheld tablet. Sure, some folks get confused since they are expecting a proper front desk but we appreciate the Andaz's modern twist on check-in.

Guest rooms will also have free WiFi, complimentary minibar treats and non-alcoholic drinks, and free local phones calls. Judging from the renderings, a peek-a-boo bathtub will be placed in the rooms as well.

A fitness center, a spa and an Andaz Studio--a meeting space with high tech toys, residential-style furniture and a communal kitchen where Andaz chefs prepare cooked-to-order dishes--round out the offerings. Oh and yes, let's not forget the all-important restaurant and bar. Tentatively titled the Andaz Lounge, the bar is where "lounge meets library meets light-fare bar." Large windows will allow guests to glimpse the hustle and bustle on Pearl and Water streets while long communal tables are meant for newspaper reads in the morning and drinks with friends (and strangers) before going out.

The Andaz restaurant will take up 3,550-sq.ft. of space and true to the Andaz philosophy of localizing each hotel's identity, the restaurant will feature "market-to-table" flavors from the Hudson Valley.

Needless to say, we're very excited. But we're not the only ones. How excited is the internet for this hotel to open? It already has a TripAdvisor page.