Searching for a special hotel with a conversation-starting backstory? Read on …
The Chelsea Hotel, New York
First, a note on fashion: the mini Chelsea collection from Queens of Archive will appeal not only to fashionistas who like an edgy aesthetic, but also those who enjoy historic hotels.
“Our Chelsea dress (€405) takes its name from the iconic Chelsea Hotel; a legendary hub for artists, musicians and creatives. Like the hotel, the dress embodies a sense of bohemian chic, blending vintage design elements with a cool edge”, explains Sarah Plunkett, co-founder and director of the Archive.
The midi Chelsea dress is one of three pieces inspired by the hotel, which reflects the artistic ambience for which the Chelsea is famous There’s also the Merle mini-dress (€360), which is a tribute to the renowned dancer, choreographer and longtime resident of the hotel, Merle Lister. This A-line velvet dress has a distinctive 1960s vibe.
The Niki blouse (€227) was named after Niki de Saint Phalle, the “Nouveaux Réalistes” artist and another former resident. She was known for her daring sculptures, so the blouse captures her bold spirit.
For over 140 years, The Chelsea has been a cathedral to bohemia and a sanctuary for intellects. Among its early residents were writers O. Henry and Mark Twain, while during the 1940s to 1960s the “big three” Beat writers – Allen Ginsberg, Jack Kerouac and William S. Burroughs – all lived at the hotel, where legend has it Kerouac wrote On The Road. Andy Warhol was another of the lobby lizards and famously shot The Chelsea Girls there.
Last year, the 158-room hotel reopened after after being redesigned by Sean MacPherson, Ira Drukier and Richard Born, who have worked together on other hotel projects including The Jane, The Bowery and The Maritime. Their aim was to refresh the interiors, while keeping the original spirit of the hotel. The 1884 structure, once the tallest in NYC, was kept intact and features an original restored red brick facade, iron balconies and the iconic neon Hotel Chelsea sign.
Art is a key feature of the lobby area and, of course, the rooms; most of which came from the minds of past residents including Donald Baechler, Maryan S Maryan, Ching Ho Cheng, Sandro Chia, Ultra Violet, Robert Lambert, Stan Brakhage, Alain Jacquet, Philip Taafe and Hiroya.
If visiting New York, pop in to see the new redesign in the Lobby Bar, which doubles as a living room for the hotel. There’s also a new restaurant called Café Chelsea in addition to El Quijote, inspired by Miguel de Cervantes’ novel Don Quixote. It serves Spanish food inspired by dishes from Catalunya, the Basque region and Valencia. There’s also a spa, where the belief that healing is an art form is reflected in holistic treatments such as chakra realignment, reiki, cupping and reflexology. www.hotelchelsea.com
The Clarence, Co Dublin
However, there’s no need to travel as far as New York for some authentic rock ’n’ roll hotels. In Ireland, Mick Jagger has been a guest of Carton House, Co Kildare, while The Clarence (and the previous Kitchen Nightclub) has hosted A-listers such as Freddy Mercury and Queen, David Bowie, Oasis and Kylie Minogue. Famously, U2 performed a segment for Top of the Pops from the hotel’s rooftop. It’s a glamorous haunt, with a Dine & Unwind offer from €279 per person for an overnight stay with cocktails in the Curious Mister bar, followed by dinner in Roberta’s restaurant. Breakfast is served in Cleaver East. www.theclarence.ie
Barberstown Castle, Co Kildare
Barberstown Castle, another in Kildare, is a member of Ireland’s Blue Book and is notable for its connection to rock legend Eric Clapton, who owned the property from 1979 to 1987. During that time, he hosted several music events in the Castle’s Green Room and Keep, with many famous musicians visiting and performing. The property blends historic charm with the spirit of these memorable music gatherings. A midweek stay with breakfast is €215 in one of its fourposter bedrooms. www.barberstowncastle.ie.
Castle Leslie Hotel, Co Monaghan
Castle Leslie Estate has a notable musical history, too. It’s famous for hosting Sir Paul McCartney and Heather Mills’ infamous wedding in 2002, and has been a retreat for other celebrities and musicians seeking privacy on its extensive grounds. Overnight stays at The Castle are from €300 per room with breakfast and from €130 per room at The Lodge. www.castleleslie.com.
Dunowen House, Co Cork
Dunowen House has solid music credentials as the former home of Noel Redding, bass guitarist with the Jimi Hendrix Experience. For more than 30 years, Noel entertained music legends there between the ’70s to ’90s. After his death in 2003, his ashes were interred in the garden. To honour his heritage, the house has been decorated with memorabilia linked to Noel Redding and Jimi Hendrix including original concert posters, vintage magazines and music. The main house, which sleeps up to 15 guests, is from €1,250 per night for short stays and from €5,000 for weekly stays. Orchard Cottage, on the grounds of the House, is from €200 per night and sleeps up to five guests. www.dunowenhouse.ie
The Leinster, Dublin
One relative newcomer is The Leinster, where its Collins Bar has quickly become one of the places to be seen. Decorated with a Murano chandelier and in gorgeous shades of coral (so flattering after dark!), its new Champagne Cha Cha brunch with generous serves of Mumm Champagne and cocktails, bathed in cool tunes from The Sing Cats band, is good value from €41.73. It’s available every Saturday from 12pm to 4pm and is one way to channel your inner rock chick! www.theleinster.ie.