NEW YORK, NY (MARCH 21, 2011) -- At Gramercy Park Hotel, new General Manager Scott Koster’s eye is focused on a firm goal: service excellence.  “We all believe in striving for perfection, but we are willing to settle for excellence,” he smiles.

Taking on the role of general manager for a property with close to 85 years of history in one of Manhattan’s most storied neighborhoods is one for which Koster is well prepared.  After earning a degree in hotel and restaurant management, he embarked on a progressive career that gave him hands-on experience in all aspects of hospitality.  Most recently Koster served as director of operations at The Plaza Hotel, where he was instrumental in the final stages of its $400 million renovation, including the relaunch of the Palm Court.  Prior to that, he was director of rooms at Waldorf Astoria, with direct oversight of front office, housekeeping and guest services.

As part of his evolution plan for Gramercy Park Hotel, Koster has already bolstered service with added staff at the front desk, the concierge team, and the bell team.  New five-star services include complimentary newspapers and turndown services in all rooms, and thoughtful touches such as carefully chosen books at the bedside, fresh flowers, and top-end amenities by Red Flower, Devines and Mario Badescu.  For today’s travelers, modern upgrades to the historic property include enhanced business services such as a selection of iPads, iPods, and other functional improvements.

One thing that won’t change is Gramercy Park Hotel’s unique environment, created by the artist and filmmaker Julian Schnabel in 2006.  Bold colors, an eclectic mix of materials and furnishings, and striking artworks are a setting that attracts Manhattan’s creative community, and international visitors who want to stay at a place that inspires.  “Throughout, we are making enhancements in keeping with the Hotel’s character, and the needs of sophisticated travelers – upgraded lighting, more comfortable couches, and changing displays of artworks on loan to us from private collections.”

Original, romantic, surprising, poetic, and whimsical: Gramercy Park Hotel embraces its Haute Bohemian heritage by reinventing it for the 21st century and offering guests the chance to step into a work of art.  The hotel is an original combination of styles, a study in careful contradictions that juxtaposes great pieces of furniture, rich textures, artwork by renowned contemporary masters, and the extraordinary use of color to evoke an emotional response from all who visit.  Each of its 185 guest rooms and suites are uniquely designed in this fashion and feature original creations by Julian Schnabel and Maarten Baas, among others.  The Rose Bar and Jade Bar each offer classic aperitifs, fanciful drinks and modern classics that hearken back to the golden age of the cocktail hour and are complemented by light dining menus, while Gramercy Terrace is an oasis 18 stories above the city streets that combines the charm of London's private gentlemen's clubs and the Bohemian bustle of Viennese coffee houses.  The award-winning, Roman-style trattoria, Maialino, completes the hotel’s F & B offerings.