Wedding Blog

…my weary head and tired feet, after the wedding!

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 know most brides 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.

Then Mr. C’s mom suggested Gramercy Park which is cross town from our venue.  It’s an area I’ve always loved with its old New York brownstones, cute bars and restaurants. And who isn’t intrigued by the only private park in the city?  So I googled “Gramercy Park” and “hotel” and the first thing that came up was the Gramercy Park Hotel.

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 happened to be in the Gramercy area earlier this week and stopped 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. They were not at all bothered when I asked to see a few rooms for comparison. I wanted to check out lighting, layouts, furniture (I’m detailed… what can I say? ) to make sure I picked the best room. One of the lovely front desk girls showed me three rooms and the private rooftop terrace which is AMAZING! You can see the Empire State building, and there is a private bar/lounge. 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 is that they have original paintings and work from some of the biggest contemporary artists like Andy Warhol and Damien Hirst. The hotel 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 yakking… 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 actually 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?