With the influx of new hotels in New York this summer comes an increased inventory of chef-driven restaurants and spaces designed for events and meetings. Here are five of the latest properties:
1. For Functions in the Financial District
The much-delayed W New York Downtown finally opens its doors today, adding 217 hotel rooms to the area surrounding Wall Street. Just south of where the new World Trade Center towers are expected to stand, the building also offers nearly 2,000 square feet of dedicated meeting and event space, a bar and terrace for cocktails, and a bilevel BLT Bar & Grill.
2. Homey Surroundings in Midtown
Continuing the rapid expansion of Hyatt's Andaz division is the Andaz Fifth Avenue, a 184-room boutique hotel opposite the New York Public Library. Designed by Tony Chi, the new property follows the ideas laid out by the Andaz Wall Street, with residential-style rooms, a farm-to-table restaurant, and flexible studios for corporate functions. The largest event space measures 1,478 square feet and can be split into three sections.
3. A Businesslike Hub in Times Square
Much like its properties all over the world, the InterContinental Times Square has an array of meeting-friendly amenities, including a 20-seat boardroom, a 4,000-square-foot ballroom, and a business center equipped with computers, copiers, and Internet access. What distinguishes this 607-room hotel from others is Ça Va, a 125-seat French brasserie from Todd English that opened in July and has a private dining room for 56 people.
4. Contemporary Finishes in an Architectural Landmark
Earlier this month the Lambs Club, former home of one of the city's oldest theatrical organizations and a Stanford White-designed landmark, became Sant Chatwal's new 88-room hotel, a property embellished with a mix of Art Deco details and modern touches. Positioned as a luxury venue, the Chatwal New York caters to diners with a 90-seat restaurant from Geoffrey Zakarian and appeals to planners with a banquet area for 120 and a handful of other meeting spaces.
5. A SoHo Boutique With Art Connections
The New York sibling to the James Chicago is expected to debut in September with 114 rooms, a rotating series of artwork from local artists, and a lobby overlooking LentSpace, an exhibition site from the Lower Manhattan Cultural Council. At the corner of Grand and Thompson Streets, the James New York will also offer a rooftop lounge and bar with a pool, an indoor/outdoor event space with built-in videoconferencing, and a restaurant from an unnamed celebrity chef.
