~Hotel Debuts Penthouse Suite and Other Finishing Touches~
NEW YORK CITY (February 26, 2015) – Chesapeake Lodging Trust (NYSE:CHSP) (the “Trust”) and Real Hospitality Group hosted an event last night at Hyatt Herald Square New York to welcome the property to their portfolios. The more than 120 guests in attendance enjoyed an evening filled with live entertainment, flowing Champagne and cocktails, and market-fresh passed dishes prepared by the hotel’s Executive Chef, Gunnar Steden. The 122-room hotel, which first opened its doors in October 2014, celebrated its final touches and updates at last night’s party including the property’s new Penthouse Suite, a permanent art installation in the lobby and additional pieces of art placed throughout the hotel.
Attendees included executives from Chesapeake Lodging Trust, Real Hospitality Group, Hyatt Hotels Corporation, NYC & Co.’s Vice President Borough of Promotion & Engagement, Marty Markowitz, as well as Manhattan District 3 Council Member Corey Johnson’s Chief of Staff, Erik Bottcher. Additionally television personality and philanthropist, Aviva Drescher, was on hand as were neighborhood and industry guests. The event celebrated the neighborhood’s historic publishing and fashion industries, which provided the inspiration for the property.
“After more than a year of carefully selecting the area, planning and executing our plans for the property, we could not be more excited to share our completed property with everyone,” said Ben Seidel, President and CEO of Real Hospitality Group, the hotel’s management company. “Last night was all about celebrating and we want to thank everyone involved in making it happen as well as our neighborhood friends and guests for their support.”
At the event, attendees enjoyed passed food, creative cocktails and Champagne while listening to live music from the New York Jazz Workshop. A selection of passed hor d’oeuvres were served throughout with dishes including Fig & Marscapone Phyllo, Poached Shrimp with Cocktail Sauce, Rosemary Marinated Lamb Chops and Tomato, Brie & Walnut Brioche, along with a selection of beer, wine, vodka, whiskey and house-infused cocktails.
Apart from the lobby space where much of the party took place, guests had the opportunity to visit the newly debuted Penthouse Suite on the 18th floor of the hotel where they sipped on Champagne and for those that were willing to brave the cold, the hotel’s rooftop bar, Up on 20, offered spectacular views of the Empire State Building, Freedom Tower and surrounding midtown skyline for partygoers.
James Francis, President and Chief Executive Officer of Chesapeake Lodging Trust, the hotel’s ownership company, said, “We have thoroughly enjoyed working with Hyatt Hotels Corporation on this project as we continue to grow our relationship with them. Selecting the Hyatt brand for this boutique hotel project was a smart choice for all parties involved and we feel that the Herald Square location is an ideal location and is one of New York’s fastest growing neighborhoods. We are confident that the Hyatt Herald Square will exceed expectations and bring incredible value to our shareholders.”
Guests have been enjoying the hotel’s outstanding service and amenities since it opened in the fall as well as a free-flowing library-inspired lobby lounge with a restaurant and bar (The Den); an espresso bar (Espresso Bar); and a stunning rooftop bar (Up on 20) with views of the Empire State Building and surrounding Midtown skyline, all of which offer local cuisine and seasonal menus of creative cocktails and market fresh dishes. The hotel’s design, which exudes a mixture of fashion and industrial printing elements is also a standout feature with bright pops of colors, glass, custom fabrics, reclaimed wood, letterpress blocks, pounded metal and other nuanced details.
“Hyatt Herald Square provides authentic hospitality, outstanding guest service, and we strive to make a difference in the lives we touch every day,” commented George Vizer, Vice President, Franchise Operations, Americas, for Hyatt Hotels Corporation. “Hyatt Herald Square is perfectly located for travelers to explore the local community — from the city’s renowned garment district to the iconic Macy’s department store, we look forward to welcoming both guests and local New York residents.”
For reservations and more information about the Hyatt Herald Square, visit http://www.heraldsquare.hyatt.com.
