The Star Diamond Standard
by Joe Cinque
Rhode Island and New York City each became the first ever state and city, respectively, to receive the Star Diamond Award. The brand new $1.3 billion Yankee Stadium also earned the unique distinction of being the first ever sports venue deemed worthy of this prestigious award. Of course there were also plenty of great hotels to be recognized too, so consider these first class accommodations for your 2010 travel plans.
Hotel Plaza Athenee, New York
37 East 64th St. at Madison Ave.
New York
212.734.9100
www.plaza-athenee.com
The haute factor: The address. Located on the Upper East Side, surrounded by draping trees and historic townhouses, Hotel Plaza Athenee is just blocks from the Museum of Modern Art, the Whitney Museum, the Frick Collection, Barney’s, Bloomingdale’s, and Bergdorf Goodman.
Crash pad stats: The hotel recently unveiled renovated guestrooms with marble baths and suites showcasing elegant hardwood floors that contribute to the European townhouse ambiance throughout the property. In a few months, the completion of two 2,000-square-foot Presidential suites will offer elite travelers ultimate class and style.
Let the feast begin: The amber-lit Bar Seine lounge features exotic artwork from faraway lands, accompanied by plush furnishings accented with rich velvet curtains, red lacquered walls, onyx sconces, animal print fabrics, and leather floors, making it one of the most romantic spots for cocktails in the city. Additionally, the French-American cuisine and ambiance at Arabelle has earned accolades galore, including esteemed recognition for the Sunday brunch.
The official launch of Versace’s newest fragrance, Versace Yellow Diamond, has us all eager to run and experience it first hand; but the House of Versace, with its unmatchable levels of customer service, is willing to bring it to you—for free.
For all you golf enthusiasts, feast your eyes on most extravagent putter to grace the fairways–the new diamond encrusted golf putter from Odyssey Golf. This 2-ball putter is the most expensive golf club to date, and features an 18-karat white gold head with about 378 diamonds and 240 rubies in all...
Hotel Chatter reports that the Cooper Square Hotel is now officially rebranded as Andre Balazs' Standard East Village.
Page Six confirmed that master hotelier Andre Balazs will be turning the Cooper Square Hotel into another Standard Hotel
A $1.5 million yellow diamond that was stolen in 2007 from Graff Diamonds in London has resurfaced in a Hong Kong pawn shop, according to the Daily Mail.
Today, De Beers Diamond Jewelers has expanded its market by opening its first outpost in Mainland China. Known as the quintessential diamond jeweler that is independently managed and operated by LVMH Moet Hennessy Louis Vuitton, the brand has opened a 734-square-foot store at Shin Kong Place in Beij...
It was confirmed some weeks back that Hotelier Andre Balazs was closing on the Cooper Square Hotel for $90 million. But just today, the hotel's website proudly proclaimed "WE ARE VERY PROUD TO ANNOUNCE THE 5TH ADDITION TO OUR STANDARD FAMILY WITH THE STANDARD, EAST VILLAGE!"
Back in 1989, Vegas was a gambling town, but didn’t have the glitz and glamour it has now. That is, until Steve Wynn came along and opened the Mirage. When it opened, it was the most expensive hotel and casino ever built at $630 million. Aside from shark tanks in the lobby and a pair of tiger tami...