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Morgans Hotel

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Last Updated: September 02,2008 10:44:58 am

or every The Dark Knight there are countless New Cokes. Updating a beloved entity can prove disastrous. Expectations must be circumvented, purists placated, and reactionaries mollified. In the case of famed New York boutique pioneer, Morgans Hotel, the idea of a redux is intriguingly contentious.

Opened in the mid-80s, the elegant Madison Avenue lodge famously ushered in the boutique era. While renovating Morgans isn't the same as revamping a historical landmark (i.e. repainting the Sistine Chapel), it is a risk. However, considering Morgans original function as an innovator, it was definitely do for a zeitgeist recharge.

From Studio 54 originators, Ian Schrager and the late Steve Rubell, Morgans has always valued on aesthetics. Redesigned and refreshed by legendary French designer, Andree Putman -- who’s responsible for Yves Saint Laurent boutiques in the States -- it now blends French chic with American classic. Suites effuse a romantic boudoir feel for getaway couples.

The joint that famously incorporated cutting edge artwork (i.e. photographs from local luminary, Robert Mapplethorpe) still places an emphasis on artistic pursuits. Currently, French collective Trafik has an exhibition on display. Thus, the hotel continues to please aesthetes.

Morgans offers 113 contemporary chic rooms housed in a 1920s Beaux Arts building. Onsite attractions include the appropriately named restaurant, Asia de Cuba, an in-house gym, a laid-back bar, and business facilities.

Closed since May of this year, rooms in Morgans 2.0 are finally available (incidentally, you better have boutique dollars).