MurphGuide.com - And Then What Happened

May 11, 2007
Finding Class Despite the In-Between
And then I went to Ava's Rooftop Lounge and the new Rm. Fifty5
By Stephen Bailey

After a long week at work, nothing is better than a few stiff drinks on the roof of a classic NYC hotel. Well what used to be a classic hotel that is. The former Majestic is now called Dream and much of the warm, old-world charm has been replaced by a pseudo-dreamscape meets fetish club meets shopping mall decor. The two things that survived this butchery are the buildings outer facade (just ignore that neon yellow restaurant awning) and the fabulous Ava Lounge.

My good friend Liz Hartman, and event planner for Ava, called me to celebrate what I've come to equate with the beginning of the summer season; the opening of Ava's Rooftop Lounge. I don't get to spend as much time as I'd like at this lounge, but I can always count on that first sip under the sun. As the rest of the hotel underwent its unfortunate morphing, Ava has maintained that classy Rat Pack-era hang out feel that made me love it in the first place.

Ava Lounge
210 W. 55th St.
New York, NY
212 974 1934
AvaLoungeNYC.com

Its safe-distance views of Times Square, perfectly concocted drinks and friendly staff also add to why this place, despite no advertising or corporate sponsorship, has remained a very happening joint. Not an easy accomplishment in this ever-changing city. And speaking of change; Liz and her team have taken over control of the lounge in the hotel's lobby creating another warm, classy space for folks to relax and enjoy good company.

The Dream Lounge—as it was called when it first opened—was this absolutely horrible experiment in bright colors and forced character. I once described it as the Fruit Striped room. Others called it the Burt and Ernie room for its resemblance to their Sesame Street sweaters. There were even some hotel guests that wanted to throw children's' parties here. This injustice on NY nightlife was recently resolved when designer Jody Singleton was given the task of creating something new.

And so was born the now renamed Rm. Fifty5. A brand new space with a wonderfully sophisticated, eclectic ambiance, it is a complete change from that past atrocity. Dimly lit and accented with a moonlit ocean view over the bar, this room is warm and inviting as is the soft, white furniture. Just like Ava Lounge, Rm. Fifty5's success will be ushered by the details of fine drinks, people and atmosphere. Jody did an absolutely amazing job of reinventing this space.

So, by simply ignoring the cold in-between at the Dream Hotel, a fine night can be had for those wanting to sit on top of the world (or at least Times Square) and those who just want to relax after work in a petite lounge. I also heard that Liz's team has regained control at the Time Lounge. Another of my favorite rooms in the city that they once managed. More on that soon.