Living with Legends

i’ve been planning my first trip to new york for what seems like forever. i live in dallas, and am a music hound. i’ve done research, reading, etc. on the chelsea…i’ve always known when i finally make it to new york….this is where i would stay. picking up on a lot of negative press though, change in command etc. do suggest i still plan on staying? or look in to somewhere else? i really want to be in the les/chelsea area. i appreciate any feedback, as you seem to be most knowledgeable. Kelly

      Well, Kelly, I have both good and bad news for you.  The good news is rooms are cheaper than ever, as BD Hotels has slashed prices in an attempt to achieve a high occupancy rate. The bad news is they’ve done it by filling the place up with tourists who know nothing of the history of the building.   
     Add to that the fact that the legendary Stanley Bard is gone, replaced by a crew of kids with degrees in hotel management, and I’m sure you can understand why I say that the vibe has changed and the Chelsea is not what it once was.
     But you definitely should visit anyway – we need more people like you staying here – and if anyone at the front desk will listen to you, be sure to tell them why you chose the Chelsea, rather than some sterile, generic, corporate hotel.  And be sure to drop by Dan’s Chelsea Guitars, a part of the Chelsea that – for now – remains unchanged.  (It’s in a storefront that has been a music shop of some kind or other since the 30s.) — Ed Hamilton

Check back tomorrow to find out if Kelly follows our advice.