As a general rule, I am not a boutique-hotel kind of guy.  I take up a lot of space.  I pace; I walk; I change clothes multiple times each day (especially when it’s humid); I delight in finding the ice bucket filled regularly; and I crank my A/C at all times.

I enjoy options – like having housekeeping make-up my room twice (and sometimes three times) daily, ordering room service in the middle of the night, taking advantage of fast Wi-Fi, partaking of on-demand in-room pornography, sitting by the pool, and seeing pretty people in the elevator and lobby.  Multiple dining outlets and a stylish nightclub are just gravy (but always welcome).

So, I was absolutely delighted to find an ideal suite for my unique situation at a hip-hop-n-happening hotel, located conveniently (for my needs) in Chelsea; that while decidedly boutique-y, meets all of my stringent needs! 

Here’s the skinny…  I’m always on the lookout for someplace new to rest my head, so I called my pal, Amy Sacco for her recommendation.  She put me in touch with the folks at The Standard, High Line NYC (one of the André Balazs Properties), and I was off to the proverbial races.  Immediately upon being shown the Hudson Studio, I knew I’d found my new New York aerie.

Located at the westernmost end of the floor, the Hudson Studios are wrapped on three sides with floor-to-ceiling windows that allow unobstructed views south, of the Statue of Liberty; west, across the Hudson (taking advantage of some spectacular sunsets, over New Jersey); and north, over Chelsea and the West Side Highway.

Now, there are certainly bigger suites to be had, in New York – and at decidedly fancier hotels; but much in the same way my mother refused to stay at either Claridge’s or the Plaza Athénée (as they were my grandmother’s favorite hotels, in London and Paris, respectively), I enjoy staying at Andre’s hotels because there’s little-to-no chance of my running into anyone to whom I’m related – and sometimes that’s half the battle!

Throw-in the oversized plasma-screen TV, room service provided by The Standard Grill (the Ranch Burger with Bacon and Cheese is excellent, and the fries are nothing short of crispy salty goodness), a terrific rain-shower, an enormous freestanding bathtub; and free Wi-Fi (not to mention a surplus of cubbies, shelves, counter-space, power outlets, and a well-stocked mini-bar and refrigerator); it’s no longer about the mere battle, as you’ve won the war.  

Hudson Studios
The Standard, High Line NYC
Click HERE for info

Get into it!