W New York Downtown Unveils “New York in Film,” Classic Movies Chosen and Introduced by Isaac Mizrahi and Spike Lee

We love seeing movies in hotel screening rooms. Big screen, plushy seats, popcorn, perks – you can’t sip champagne in a flute at the multiplex. So why do most hotels restrict their screening rooms to private parties? Read more

Rolling Out the Summer Ice Cream Cart at The Standard East

Warm weather food cart.

On its website The Standard East, the hotel formerly known as the Cooper Square, says that it’s quietly transitioning into the spirit of its new name. Read more

So Long, Hotel Roger Williams — Hello, Roger New York: A New Look (and Name) for a Classic Midtown Hotel

The spruced up Roger.

Roger Williams always seemed an oddball name for a New York City hotel, especially one with a breezy, modern air. We’re not in Rhode Island, after all. And just when I finally discover what’s behind the name, they go and change it. Read more

A First Look at The Algonquin’s Refurbished Lobby

A few weeks ago, while the Algonquin was still closed for renovations, we passed by the hotel. The front door was open, so we walked in.

The lobby was a construction site. But looking beyond the drop cloths and ladders we saw what we’d always seen – dark wood-paneled walls, stoic wood columns and hand-painted sconces straight out of the Edwardian era.  As we scampered out, a workman yelling that we didn’t belong there, we smiled.  It was clear the Algonquin hadn’t gone minimal or modern or been reimagined by Philippe Starck. Maybe they’d even keep the cat. Read more

7 Great Decorating Ideas to Steal from the 2012 Kips Bay Show House

Designer James Rixner’s sitting area adjoins a kitchen.

If you love plucking decorating ideas from hotel rooms  – and the cleverest properties serve up plenty – you probably love show houses. Read more

Weekend Drink (And Hold the Alcohol): Zero-Proof Cocktails at the Grand Hyatt

Yuzu-Raspberry Thyme Sparkling Lemonade is this weekend’s drink. It’s a sweet/tart mash-up that’s tasty and alcohol-free, but first an explainer.

Not so long ago an intriguing zero-proof drink was as likely to be served at a hotel bar as a hot fudge sundae. We know. We drank a lot of Shirley Temples when we were pregnant.

But increasingly alcohol-free drinks have leapt past snoozey staples like ginger ale and club soda with lime and muscled onto the cocktail menu brandishing A-list ingredients, stylish glassware and, no surprise, champagne prices (hold the champagne). Read more

Check Out New York’s First Pop-Up Hotel – Lords New York Takes Up Residence at Hotel on Rivington

Rendered in Nespresso capsules.

Pop-up shops open – and close – almost daily around New York City. But pop-up hotels? Read more

Pass the Popcorn: The Most-Watched Hotel Room Movies in May 2012

Once again we’re back with two of our favorite top-10 lists – the Hollywood movies most watched by guests in hotel rooms in New York City and across the nation. Read more