We thought we were special because we couldn’t get into Star Lounge, but it turns out no one else can 
either! Since we can’t get in we’ll have to get our review material second hand:
1. Décor: The NYT reports that it looks like a “fancy submarine” which is appropriate, situated as it is beneath this notorious Ship of Fool’s. But wouldn’t it be better in the Martime Bldg – over in the Meat Market where it belongs.
2. Bottle service: What a scam! And apparently they ask you for your credit card at the door and won't let you in until you drop several hundred on a bottle. They should be run out of town for this. Or at least out of the building.
3. The VIP lounge is called Room 100! In a word: Tacky! (For those of you in the dark on this, Room 100 of the Chelsea Hotel is where Sid killed Nancy.) I’m sure it won’t be long before someone gets knifed in there too – especially with the vibes the management seems to be creating with their door policy.
4. Stars: Strictly B-list. The best they could come up with was Sienna Miller, Heather Graham, and Josh Harnett. Sienna, of course, had to be there for the opening of her movie “Edie: Factory Girl.” As for Heather, she’s apparently the owner, Charles Ferris’s girlfriend, and so doesn’t really count either. And I’ll bet Josh Harnett was really looking for El Quixote. The real stars, of course, are upstairs in the Hotel!
5: Dress Code: The one bright spot. I was once sitting I the Chelsea lobby when the hostess of Serena’s burst in, shrieking that a drunk from the hotel was trying to get into her club – wearing a sweatshirt. But at Star, apparently, you can get in with your shirt untucked (In fact, it reads like this is required.) Women are enjoined to bare their midriffs, always a plus.
Well then, no stars for Star! I hope this answers the question for the person who keeps googling: “Star Lounge: Why put a club like this in the basement of the Chelsea Hotel?” -- Ed Hamilton
Recent Comments