Mission: Convert to Scientology

Okay, so one fine Tuesday night two intrepid yet outwardly demure young damsels (chicly attired in backpacks and white sneakers) hastened toward the Columbus Circle subway station. And on their way, what should they find but an outwardly staid brick building with a torch aflame above a dusky yellow door.

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“Hm,” thought these 30-something damsels, “Let us check this out!” And up they walked into the nameless building, with the monochromatic yellow toned lights and droning silver escalator heading up to a destination mysterious. Would our two heroines be abducted by aliens and forced into unprofessional probe-like situations?

“Perhaps,” said the one known as Ruth, “it’s a Masonic Lodge!” (She ignored the svelte woman who had preceded them up the anonymous escalator.)
“Or the Church of Scientology,” skeptically remarked she known only as Rebecca.

This thought prompted a frantic Ruth to begin to run down the upward climbing escalator. Rebecca’s silent disapproval (and backpack of girth) stopped her. And so they swiveled forth to face the Scientologists into whose clutches they had been funneled unawares.

But when the escalator reached the top, the yellow-chrome light disappeared, and the silvery-white walls ended, and the light was dim and mysterious. Trendy and chic were the inhabitants of this other world. And nary a Scientological book in sight. Our two heroines peered through the darkness, opening unmarked doors and clutching the shadows when they opened. Only when the stern man in the suit and revealing radio earpiece stood before them at the elevators did our two intrepid wayfarers run for the safety of the New York streets. (And thanks to one known as Rebecca, Ruth did not walk into the glass in front of said escape route.)

(See yellow escape route in strange Midsummer Nights Eve-meets Space Odyssey hall.)


In their Sydney Bristow/Alias investigations, our two intrepid ladies discover the name of the place in which they had lingered, and to which they decided to return:
Hudson.

Which features the following cool and sexy type places which we would like to linger in longer this Saturday eve, with our cohorts.



So, the stats:

The Hudson is a chic hotel on W 57th Street, a block from Central Park. It has several bars, including a roof-top bar. It serves food, and apparently has an incredible library where one can sit and drink coffee/whatnot as well (second picture above). It’s a mite (ahem) more trendy and hip than I am, but … wouldn’t it be fun to have a dress-up evening and linger in such extravagant design? And even MORE fun to try to get past the strange guard guy, who may be otherwise friendly to guests but secretly sensed that we were nothing but trouble.

From websites:

The hotel is designed by “Studio 54 creator Ian Schrager, with décor by Felipe Starck.” According to one website: “the lobby is draped by a 40-foot vine resting on a glass ceiling. A large chandelier hangs overhead while music plays in the background. The manicured and landscaped Sky Terrace offers sweeping panoramic views of the city. Angels are featured in the decor throughout the building. The Hudson Cafeteria, a cross between an Ivy League dining hall and a 1940s automat, features comfort food with healthy options. Private Park, centrally-located in the hotel's elevated lobby, mimics Central Park. Food and drinks are served among 45-foot trees and ivy-covered walls. Outdoor heaters and a glass roof make this hideaway enjoyable year round.” Oh, and “The bar's eclectic decor, and its impressive guest list, make this hotspot a stand out among New York City nightlife. With its hand-painted mural by Francesco Clemente and an illuminated glass floor, the bar takes on a futuristic look.”

Reviewers note that: “the Sky Lounge is beautiful and relaxing. With views of the city and river, together with the comfy furniture and layout, this is the best place to hang when you need to rest your feet and get a drink. The Cafeteria is really cool too, but expensive like everything else. It's convenient and the food was good. The outside park is just too cool, also. It was really nice sitting out at night on a comfy couch with candles and people just plopped all over. The other bar is a must see, too. It was packed with the after work crowd in the evening.” And “There are 5 different bars to relax with a cocktail, each with a totally different atmosphere. …The prices are a little steep compared to other bars in the neighborhood ($11 for a margarita that comes in a 3 oz wine glass).” And “the 15th floor sky terrace is a definate plus! -- one of the best roof-top bars of the city, make a dinner reservation at amazing Kittychai restaurant!”