Travel Tuesday – Old World Hospitality, Modern Luxury

It’s kind of late in the day on Tuesday and it’s been a while since I’ve done a Travel Tuesday post, but wanted to share three places I’ve just learned about that exude both old world hospitality and modern luxury.

 The Jane Hotel – New York City

I was introduced to The Jane Hotel in a recent episode of The Late Late Show’s Day Drinking Segment – where host Seth Myers does, you guessed it, some day drinking with various celebrities. In this episode, Seth and Rihanna spent the afternoon at The Jane Hotel. Watching the segment, I just wanted to know more about where they were. A little investigating did not disappoint. But first, let’s do a little day drinking:

It’s very “Grand Budapest Hotel”, which I could have sworn I posted about here on my blog, but can’t find the post.

Really, all I can say is that The Jane Hotel is the epitome of old world hospitality “swank”.  The reviews look quite good, though many say it’s a bit rundown and the rooms are small – they actually call them “cabins” which is a hint. Only the Captain’s Cabin has ensuite bathrooms, the tiny Standard and Bunk Cabins do not have private bathrooms, which is something to consider. But, the rates are super reasonable for New York City.

 The Garrison Inn – Newburyport, MA

So, I was going to make this post just about The Jane Hotel, but this weekend, I came across this intriguing photo on Instagram by photographer Chris Disario and I had to know where this beautiful room is! Turns out, it’s part of the newly renovated Garrison Inn in Newburyport – my favorite city!

I stayed at the Garrison Inn a little over five years ago and it was quite lovely, old world, small. The only hitch was that I’d had to park in the overflow parking across the street and there had been a blizzard overnight and I had to shovel my car out – which wasn’t a pleasant end to a lovely stay. But not the end of the world either.

You may guess, if you’re a regular reader, that the image I referred to was a photoshoot done in this amazing pink tea room called The Ladyfinger Lounge. The hotel is definitely feminine and sexy (they even have a lingerie shop) but it’s also clearly feminist in their messaging. The ladies are definitely taking center stage and owning it.

Currently, the tea lounge is only for hotel guests, but they did let me know that they will be opening to the public for tea at some point. Hopefully soon! This room is too pretty to be hidden away!

When I stayed, the main floor was dark and very old-school. On a snowy winter’s evening, it was warm and inviting. But I do have to say that I love the renovations. The designer is Assembly Design Studio which focuses on hospitality projects, interior design, branding and photography. For any design job – whether it’s residential or commercial/hospitality – it’s so important to hire a professional who is well versed in the style and type of project at hand.

The guest rooms look generally the same as when I stayed – maybe refreshed a bit. Very low-key chic, comfortable and quiet. The bathroom was lovely as I recall. Unlike The Jane, the Garrison Inn is a much pricier hotel, but you do get your own lovely bathroom – which is kind of a big deal for many of us

 Sketch London – Old World Hospitality

Sketch London is a dining venue in Mairfair part of London with several luxurious looking dining spaces. When I posted (and gushed) over The Ladyfinger Lounge on my Instagram a couple of my followers mentioned that it reminded them of Sketch London, so I checked it out, and there is a definitely similarity to The Gallery (though on a tiny scale).

I’m not sure if the designer’s of the Ladyfinger Lounge took old world hospitality inspiration from this room – though it’s hard to imagine they didn’t. Interior designer Miles Redd has said that there aren’t that many new ideas, it’s only in how you interpret them for the space at hand that really matters. A concept with which I tend to agree.

The upholstered-looking walls in The Lecture Room are the real standouts for me, as is the carpet.

I think The Glade is my favorite. As much as I love the pink Gallery, I love smaller more intimate spaces and this is just so delectable in palette and style.

Sketch London‘s website, I must say it, is the worst. I guess I’m not cool enough for it, because I cannot navigate it at all. There is some interesting info on the history of the building and the new owners/chef on Wikipedia. Apparently they change their decor frequently, so who knows how long these beautiful rooms will be there is anyone’s guess.

So, who’s loving old world hospitality and booking the reservations?

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