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NYC openings: Distrikt Hotel
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One of Chris Rubino's collages
I tend to approach themed-hotels with great hesitancy, unless I am at a place like Disney World, where they are thoroughly acceptable. However, I must say that I am slightly giddy at the prospect of visiting Midtown Manhattan’s new Distrikt Hotel, and although I have yet to see it, what I do know about Distrikt is enough to trigger my Pavlovian response.
Distrikt’s attempt at embracing a theme, in this case the theme is “New York City,” couldn’t be more fitting. Yes, fitting because the hotel is located in Manhattan, but also because of the sheer amount of material to draw from. Plus, the property is claiming to be the area’s “first New York-inspired hotel.” Fitting indeed.
So, what can we expect from the Distrikt Hotel? With NYC as its sole motivation, the property is outfitting each of its 31 floors with Manhattan-influenced design elements. Ten of the city’s most recognizable neighborhoods (or “distrikts”) will be represented and displayed prominently via impressive photo collages by artist Chris Rubino. The collages – huge, back-lit pieces – will be divided amongst the floors’ hallways, with the Financial District starting on the lower levels and Harlem finishing up at the top. Clever.
Perhaps one of the most intriguing components in the hotel is the lobby entrance, which houses a 14 foot “living” wall fashioned after Central Park. Other New York-esque highlights include elevator banks adorned with subway maps and a wood-carved wall installation representing the city’s streets at the reception desk. So far, it seems as if the hotel may just pull off its “theme scheme” without getting too carried away. However, rest assured that I will report back upon visiting the property after its official opening.
I happen to think that a New York neighborhood-centric hotel is rather genius, especially for tourists enamored with the city’s boundless energy and spirit. And although largely concocted, it does provide a great medium in which guests can vicariously “experience” the different neighborhoods through unique pieces of art. If it’s done well, Distrikt will certainly attract the crowds… and keep them.
Manhattan enjoys such an immense pop culture status that modeling a hotel after the borough and all of its intricacies just makes sense.
The Distrikt Hotel, which is part of Choice International’s Ascend Collection, is slated to open in December 2009. Rates start at $275. They are located at 342 West 40th Street, between 8th and 9th Avenue.
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