New York's new fashion hotel opens its doors

Wyndham has joined the fashion-conscious hotel world by launching Fashion26, a new concept in New York City's trendy Chelsea neighborhood.

The chain hopes Fashion26 can propel it into the high-fashion world of brands such as W, which recently hired its own fashion director, and the properties opened by brands such as Moschino and soon, Armani.

The 22-story glass and steel tower is the setting for a rotating "art program", featuring photography created by students at the Fashion Institute of Technology, just across the road. Designer Glen Coben took inspiration from the hotel's area, modeling the lobby's reception desk after a fashion studio cutting-room table.

Staff uniforms, of course, have also been subjected to the fashionista treatment. The merino wool knits take inspiration from design houses such as Faconnable, Pink and Ralph Lauren, whilst doormen will be dressed in Kangol knit hats.

"Fashion 26 - A Wyndham Hotel makes an exciting statement about architectural imagination, refined service and unique amenities in one of the city's most vital and vibrant neighborhoods," said Jeff Wagoner, Wyndham Hotels and Resorts president.

The 280-room hotel says that it has paid as much attention to the amenities as it has the style, promising extras such as cupcakes from the nearby Crumbs bakery at check-in, free wireless internet, and premium Frette linens and terrycloth towels for guests. The hotel's rooftop bar, Rare View, will open in late spring.

Symbolically, the hotel is offering 26 percent off its usual room rate until June 31, 2010 - rooms start at $299 (€220).

http://www.wyndham.com/