Set in the heart of New York City’s famous Garment District, The Gregory Hotel New York wears its surroundings like a finely tailored suit. First opened as The Gregorian in 1903, the midtown Manhattan property underwent a $10 million renovation before reemerging as The Gregory in 2015.
Today, the 132-room hotel represents a classy tribute to the encompassing Garment District, long known for its big-name fashion retailers, designers, showrooms and production facilities. It’s particularly appealing to clients looking for handsome New York digs in a vibrant environment, says Claudia Del Greco, the hotel’s complex director of marketing.
“The Gregory Hotel welcomes the domestic and international travel community who seek an authentic New York experience and who want an alternative to the formal, less intimate, traditional hotel options,” Del Greco said.
During my recent stay at The Gregory, I kept gravitating to its lobby, which exudes a 1940s-style, New York-townhouse aura. The public areas boast a curated collection of artifacts such as classic sewing machines and hotel photos dating as far back as a century ago. During our property tour, Del Greco pointed out genuine architectural touches, including mosaic tile detailing and massive columns with crown molding. And those grand marble staircases throughout the hotel? All original, Del Greco adds.
My guestroom at The Gregory continued the old-world vibe with vintage bay windows and high ceilings. At the same time, it sports a fresh palette of white, black and gray, with modern furnishings such as a writing desk, a flat-screen television and a full-length mirror. Enlivening the walls is clever, fashion-inspired artwork, such as a sectionalized suit pattern and the silhouette of a jaunty top hat. The bathroom has a window, something I rarely have seen in urban hotels.
The Gregory’s lobby spills into The Liquor Cabinet, an attractive bar and lounge where free artisanal coffees and teas await guests each morning, along with pastries for purchase. In the afternoon, the bar presents a concept called “Raid the Liquor Cabinet,” inviting clients to stop by from 4 to 8 p.m. daily for unique cocktails at discounted prices. It serves as a social hub for guests as well as entrepreneurs who work in the area.
With loads of tourist highlights at its doorstep, The Gregory’s location is a huge selling point. Reaching glamorous Fifth Avenue requires only a short walk, with the Empire State Building just a few steps farther. Equally close is Herald Square, a remarkably peaceful oasis in the midst of the buzzing city. The hotel also stands within walking distance of Penn Station, Madison Square Garden, several subway stops and Times Square.
Looking ahead, The Gregory is finalizing details on a Fashionista package for February 2017, during which it will partner with a number of stylists for special events. In addition, The Gregory is revamping its bar layout so that it can feature live music, guest DJs and pop-up fashion shows. Del Greco says her team wants to keep travel agents in the loop every step of the way.
The Garment District has plenty of stories to tell, past and present, and so does The Gregory. As the hotel creatively honors the legacy of its neighborhood, it offers a fashionable address for today’s New York visitors.
The Details
The Gregory Hotel New York
www.thegregoryhotelnewyork.com
