The Shoreham and The Mansfield, two popular West Side hotels, will introduce brand-new bars, business and fitness centers. The Shoreham will also open 88 new guest rooms and four penthouse suites with terraces, bringing its room count to 178, and it is introducing a new restaurant. The Shoreham's expanded facilities, ready for occupancy Sept. 1, 1999, bring to 619 the number of rooms Unique Hotels & Resorts services in New York City.

"The goal of our collection of intimate hotels is to give a luxury experience to value-conscious travelers," said Carlos C. Lopes, Managing Director. "By focusing our ongoing upgrade strategy first on these two hotels that enjoy prime Manhattan locations, we're setting flagship standards for the entire collection."

In conjunction with Credit Suisse First Boston, Unique Hotels & Resorts acquired this collection of New York boutique hotels in July 1998. 

Since acquiring this collection, Unique Hotels & Resorts has installed a state-of-the-art central reservation system, upgraded its phones, and put staff training and guest services programs in place to enhance the quality of service. 

The Franklin, Hotel Wales and the Roger Williams Hotel complete the New York portfolio. Other properties in the Unique Hotels & Resorts portfolio include The Beverly Crescent in Beverly Hills, and, opening this fall, The CuisinArt Resort & Spa in the British West Indies. 

The 72-year-old Shoreham, located at 33 West 55th Street, will introduce its new 92 rooms and suites, as well as its new bar, restaurant, business and fitness centers on Sept. 1, 1999. The new rooms are located in an adjacent building recently acquired by the hotel company. The facades of the two buildings have been artfully combined by the architectural and design firm of Pasanella and Klein, Stolzman and Berg. 

The design of the new guest rooms continues the work of Henry Stolzman who conceived the original concept. The Shoreham's motif melds metals, glass, lighting, textures and color to create a modern, attractive and comfortable style. The application of ultra suede panels which wrap walls and ceiling evokes a silver green cocoon. Artist Sandy Feldman has created 100 botanical-inspired murals with sinuous themes in black and white which, when bound in protective covering, become the "head boards" drawing the eye to The Shoreham's signature beds swathed in high thread count and down.

Space is exaggerated by the application of shoji-style translucent glass separating bed from bath -- without sacrificing privacy. Brushed stainless steel sinks set in slate provide lighter alternatives to traditional washbasins. Closets are cedar-lined, creating instantaneous ensuite "aroma therapy." 
 Public space as sensuous space is the operating motif of the new 45-seat bar and restaurant which will enjoy views overlooking the intimacy of 55th Street which retains a strong neighborhood presence in bustling midtown. Fluid lighting will change the mood of the room throughout the day and evening, with colors playing off of a stone floor and black steel bar.

THE MANSFIELD

The new bar at the 124-room Mansfield, which has enjoyed a prestigious 12 West 44th Street location since 1904, will push traditional Edwardian into the 21st Century when it opens on Sept. 1, 1999. Taking design cues from a coffered ceiling, padded banquettes and chairs embrace square and round cocktail tables along two long walls, drawing the eye to an elaborate back-lit bar. Lighting will be purposefully subdued but enough so that guests can peruse a book from nearby library shelves or invite a chess, backgammon or other gaming match.

WORLD-CLASS, VALUE-ADDED AMENITIES

Five-star services, intimate surroundings and affordable luxury are redefining the boutique hotel experience with Unique Hotels & Resorts setting the standards.

Traditionally boutique hotels have been high on style and low on substance, offering little more than pretty surroundings, convenient locations and a place to sleep. 

"We're changing this perception with amenities and services like those doled out by world-class hotels. Our clients in fashion and film, from Los Angeles, or London or Milan, expect the style we're committed to. They're looking for that rare combination of luxury, service and value -- components sometimes hard to find in New York City."

At Unique Hotels & Resorts these include sound therapy machines to secure a good night's sleep, cedar closets, a 24-hour espresso and cappuccino bar, delicate orchids and complimentary bottled spring water in guest rooms, specially catered European buffet breakfast with irresistible breads and pastries from Le Pain Quotidien, an Upper East Side bakery/cafe. All beds are swathed in Belgian linens and down comforters. There are complimentary video and CD libraries, and free shoe shines. Thanks to extensive staff training, doormen greet guests by name, helping to create a "clubby" ambiance while taking the edge off travel stress.