A place to rest...

my weary head and tired feet, after the wedding!

I'm super excited about this, Mr. C thinks I'm crazy because I've been talking about this place nonstop, but when you see the pics, you'll know why.

While researching blocks of hotel rooms for our guests, I had a "Hey, wait a minute, where are we going stay?" moment. I was struggling with this because the morning of the wedding will be spent at my parents' house in Queens for the tea ceremony, but in between that and the reception, I need to get into "Big White" and take pictures. I really didn't want to do this at my parents' house because nice as it is... it won't look grand enough. I know most bride's get ready at a bridal suite at their hotel, but I couldn't think of a place that would either be convenient to the venue or the house. I was seriously racking my brain out over this.

Then over the weekend, Mr. C's mom pointed out that the venue is actually very close to Gramercy Park and we could look into hotels for our guests in that area. Duh! I didn't even consider the East Side since our venue is on the West Side, but really it's not that far at all. A straight shot across town... well, in New York, nothing is ever a straight shot.

I've always loved the Gramercy Park area with it's old New York brownstones and cute bars and restaurants. And of course, who isn't intrigued by the only private park in the city?

So I googled "Gramercy Park" and "hotel" and the first thing that comes up is the Gramercy Park Hotel (another duh) an Ian Schraeger property. Mr. C was in the room when the page was loading and I immediately called him over... the things we said included "Wow!... HOT HOT HOT!... Perfect!" :)

From the pictures it was perfect... I loved the details in every room. The colors and furniture are all amazing. And I just couldn't help thinking of the way our photographer, Angelica Glass, uses color and how these rooms would really pop in her photographs.

I called the next day and spoke to one of the nicest reservation consultants ever. He was so well informed about every room and when I told him what my needs were, i.e. I'm getting changed in the room and plan on taking pictures... he provided great suggestions for what room layout would work within my budget.

I happened to be in the Gramercy area earlier this week and couldn't help stopping by the hotel to check out the rooms. From the minute I stepped into the lobby, I loved the atmosphere. The whole place exudes elegance and old time glamour. There are two fabulous bars in the hotel, one with a billiards table-- which will be a great place for all the boys to hang while I'm upstairs getting pretty with the girls.

The staff is very personable and friendly despite the upscale atmosphere of the hotel. I was greeted by the sweetest people and they were not at all bothered when I asked to see a few rooms for comparison. I wanted to make sure I picked the best room and check out lighting, layouts, and furniture (I'm detailed... what can I say? ;)). One of the lovely front desk girl got the keys and showed me three rooms and the private guests-only rooftop terrace.

The rooms are phenomenal. Fantastic furniture and great layouts. I was torn between the Loft and Suite, because the lofts face Gramercy Park and get great light. The rooms are just flooded with light and would give Angelica ample room to move around. The con is that there won't be much room for everyone else to just hang, which I think is really important. Plus, there is no separate door for the bedroom in the loft, so I won't get as much privacy while I change.

Onto the rooftop terrace. AMAZING! It's just beautiful. You can see the Empire State building. There is a private bar/lounge upstairs. This will be the perfect place for Mr. C and I to have a few cocktails after the wedding... I think we'll need it.

Another thing that I love about the hotel (not that I don't love it enough already!) is that they have original paintings and work from some of the biggest contemporary artists like Andy Warhol and Damien Hirst.

The hotel also has its own events department if you want to rent out their spaces and use their catering. It's very pricey, but if it's within your budget... it'd be magnificent place to have a rehearsal dinner or wedding.

So enough yacking... here are photos of the phenomenal space as well as some of the Gramercy neighborhood. Enjoy!

All interior hotel images from www.gramercyparkhotel.com

The lobby and entrance to the hotel. Very glamorous!


The billiards table in the Rose Bar (that's an Andy Warhol in the background!)

The sitting area of one of the larger suites. All the rooms are either pink, blue, or green.

A pink room! Our room will probably be pink as well.

The rooftop terrace at night. Smokin!

Gramercy Park (from behind bars). The park is locked but if you stay at the hotel, you get access to it. It's pristine!

The hotel from the outside. You can see the terrace on the topmost floor.

Local Gramercy architecture. So beautiful! This is actual The Players, another great wedding reception space.

Other great NYC options:

• The Hudson Hotel. Sleek and sophisticated. Ultra-modern. They have the most beautiful old school library.
  
• The Dylan Hotel. A W Hotel alternative with a real boutique feel.
• The Mercer. Total NYC loft feel. White, light, and airy.
  

Are you staying anywhere special on your wedding night? If so, how did you decide on where?