uptown: the plaza hotel

downtown: the crosby street hotel

What’s Your NY State of Mind?

Whether you relish tradition and classic design or prefer cutting-edge interiors with an artsy touch, we’ve just the place for your stay in the city.

By Judi Rothenberg

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NJSL 25

26 NJSL

Uptown Girl

Since opening in 1907, the Plaza has been embedded in

our hearts and psyches as the epitome of elegance and the

epicenter of high society. The Plaza’s storied past turns up

in fact and fiction, from Truman Capote’s fabled “Black

and White Ball” to the movie “Bride Wars” in which Anne

Hathaway and Kate Hudson vie for the Grand Ballroom.

And then, of course, there’s Eloise, the privileged, sassy

fictional six-year-old who called the Plaza home. Genera-

tions of readers have enjoyed her mischievous adventures

in a series of books by Kay Thompson.

The legendary address, now a mix of 282 guest rooms and

181 condos, underwent a three-year, $450-million renova-

tion. It culminated with the reopening of the beloved Palm

Court, a “vinotherapie” spa (treatments are based on the

restorative properties of grapes) and — in homage to Eloise

— with the launch of a fanciful suite (as well as a playful

boutique) capturing her feisty spirit designed by the equally

feisty Betsey Johnson.

The time-honored ritual of taking tea in the Palm Court

is enhanced by the re-creation of the original stained-glass

lay light, which was covered up in the 1950s. There are

several tea services to choose from: a traditional tea of

scones, dainty tea sandwiches and pastries presented on a

three-tier display; a chocolate tea with a decadent choco-

late fondue as its centerpiece; and for the younger set, an

Eloise-themed tea.

The philosophy of the on-premise Caudalie Vinothera-

pie Spa was born in a French vineyard when the owners

discovered the grape seeds they were throwing away con-

tained powerful anti-oxidants. A product line was devel-

oped, followed by the establishment of two spas in France,

one in Spain and one in the United States at the Plaza.

The treatment menu includes indulgences like a crushed

Cabernet scrub, a honey and wine wrap and a fresh grape

massage. For post-treatment, a sommelier meets you in

All photos courtesy of the Plaza Hotel and the Crosby Street Hotel. Above, Caudalie Vinotherapie Spa and Betsey Johnson’s Eloise Suite.

the French Paradox Wine Lounge where you can

relax (yes, still in your robe) with a glass of wine.

Lavish guest quarters are elegantly appointed

with Beaux Arts-inspired décor, sparkling chan-

deliers, sumptuous Italian linens and gleaming

24-karat gold-plated bathroom fixtures. Suite

guests are welcomed by a white-gloved butler

who assists with everything from unpacking lug-

gage to drawing a bath. Coveted rooms include

those on the ninth floor with private terraces

ringing the interior courtyard. Those with a pen-

chant for pink and merrymaking should book

Johnson’s one-of-a-kind Eloise Suite with its can-

dy-striped walls and striking zebra carpet.

The Plaza hoTelFifth avenue at Central Park South, 212.759.3000, theplaza.com

downtown cool

The intersection of hip and urban cool, the art-

sy Crosby Street Hotel is a riot of color, textures

and styles that somehow fuse into a welcoming,

relaxing space. Its unique look, created by owner

and designer Kit Kemp, is a curious mix of an-

tique and modern pieces grounded with organ-

ic touches. There’s a guest room with a private

“meadow” and a plant-filled patio with a petri-

fied tree sculpture. Kemp curates the space with

wit and whimsy. Her choices include re-purpos-

ing antique telephones as lights, a ten-foot-high

Jaume Plensa steel sculpture of a human head,

and oil paintings by Francois Bard.

Kemp’s personal aesthetic follows through to

the boudoir. All 86 bedrooms and suites are in-

dividually designed and a feast for the eyes. One

room has walls upholstered in grey flannel and

a Mona Lisa print embellished with sunglasses.

Another is painted lime green (accented with a

Count on Christy’s It’s been 31 years now and Christy is still

here, serving the avant-garde woman

looking for the up-to-date fashions.

You’ll find everything from casual outfits

to high-end evening gowns in a full range

of sizes. Come to Christy’s for quality

fashions, personal old-world service,

and complimentary alterations.

CHRISTY’S ADDED TOUCH761 Bloomfield Avenue, West Caldwell973-226-6800ChristysAddedTouch.com

Appointments necessary for cocktail and evening wear.

NJSL 27

Interior Design

Custom Woodwork

Furniture

Lighting

Carpets

Window Treatments

Original Art

Accessories

Fabric

Dinnerware

British Home Emporium91 Main Street • Madison

973-443-0303 • BritishHomeEmporium.comTrade Inquiries Welcome Photograph by Marisa Pelegrinni

magenta settee) and has a chintz headboard.

All are outfitted with a flat-screen TV, i-pod

docking station and WIFI.

The hotel bar and restaurant is a convivial

place to hang out. The staff is friendly (good-

looking too!) and the host, Randall, greets

you warmly with a huge smile. The space is

urban chic and the menu offerings are var-

ied. Small plates include bacon-wrapped dates

stuffed with green olives and flatbread served

with hummus, babaganoush and guacamole.

Entrees run the gamut from coriander spiced

tuna with bok choy and ginger to a pistachio-

crusted Colorado lamb chop with purple yams

and tamarind jus.

There’s no need to lament the end of the

weekend at the Crosby. The Sunday Night Film

Club will keep you entertained with a current

flick preceded by a three-course dinner ($50

per person) or a cocktail and bar plate ($25 per

person). The dramatic screening room with its

bright orange leather chairs and violet walls

seats just 100 people. It can be rented for pri-

vate affairs.

The hotel’s location on cobble-stoned Cros-

by Street is ideal for exploring Soho, Nolita and

Greenwich Village. Shops have something for

everyone, from edgy and trendy to haute cou-

ture. An outpost of the MoMA Design Store is

literally steps away as is Balthazar’s, the popu-

lar French bistro and bakery. Classic menswear

with a twist is available at Nat Sherman, and

an eclectic collection of antique furniture,

black and white photography, vintage lighting

and objets d’art can be found at Aero Studios.

The CroSby STreeT hoTel79 Crosby Street, between Spring and Prince Streetsfirmdale.com, 212.226.6400

The Crosby Street Hotel screening room

28 NJSL

WESCOFine Furniture

Since 1955

Fine Furnishings for Every Room in the Home

214 Route 10, East Hanover, NJ 07936

973.887.0517www.wescofinefurniture.comHours: M-F 10a-9p Sat 10a-6p Sun 12p-5p