Welcome to the #AtoZ Blog Challenge and a Tour of Hotels & Inns
It may have an unassuming facade, but with my imagination and heart for writing, The Inn at Irving Place seems the perfect place to squirrel away and write a novel. I would love to try and capture the period and lifestyle of those who have lived in two landmark townhouses transformed to recreate a bygone era of gracious living. The Inn at Irving Place is in the heart of New York’s historic Gramercy Park area. It is within walking distance of Union Square, to Midtown. There are ten rooms. The Inn has a classically timeless interior, a tranquil and relaxing atmosphere. Period features throughout the property include fireplaces, antiques, Tiffany lamps, cherry wood floors and floral rugs, all reminiscent of the Victorian era; a perfect setting for a novel full of interesting characters.
I am fascinated with the history represented here. Originally built in 1834, three single family brownstones sat at the corner of 17th and Irving Place. Over the years, the corner brownstone was torn down and a small apartment building was built in its place. The two remaining brownstones have stood the test of time, and they now create The Inn. While once combined as a single family home, the brownstones also housed apartments, The Ingersol Mens Club, a Speak Easy, and a Beauty Parlor and Day Spa. After completion of a three year renovation, The Inn at Irving Place opened its door in December of 1994.
Even without spending the night, there is tea at Lady Mendl’s Tea Salon, rated the best and most romantic Tea Salon in New York City. Guests enjoy a five-course tea, consisting of a variety of classic finger sandwiches, fresh baked scones with clotted cream and jams, and a large selection of fine teas. The Victorian style architecture and furnishings recreate a sublime elegance. While in New York City, tea at Lady Mendls‘ has got to be a satisfying way to enjoy a few hours immersed in a gone by era; participating in the endearing ritual of tea. I hope I get there one day and find you there too.
Looks like the kind of place I’d like to visit! Our only stay in New York City so far was a single night at the NY Athletic Club, courtesy of a friend. That was rather special, even though neither of us is at all athletic.
Keith Channing A-Zing from http://keithkreates.com
I haven’t visited NY but am planning to. The tearoom sounds just like um my cup of tea 🙂
Best wishes for the rest of the challenge,
Nilanjana.
Ninja Minion, A-Z 2016
Madly-in-Verse
Put it on your “to Do” list. If you get there, please think of me.
The history and luxury of the hotel sound wonderful. I would enjoy a traditional tea in NYC to break up the pace of the city.
My goodness, now that’s a fancy tea time!
What an interesting place. I’d love to hole up anywhere to write.
Just goes to show that writers need a place to retreat. Wish all of us that are leaving comments could find a place to share. WOuldn’t that be fun?
Might be too much fun, with little work getting done. However, count me in, I’ll bring the Margaritas.
You’re on and thanks for offering the Margaritas.
I would really like to visit this place. Thank you for such a great post. I found you on the a-z challenge list
And I’m glad you did. Hope hotels and inns is of interest to you. Come back when you can.
This looks great! It’s a brilliant place to have tea!
i’ d love to stay there – but I bet it’s a bit pricey. Maybe when I win the lottery?
I’d love to write a novel there!
Stormy’s Sidekicks!
@LGKeltner from
Writing Off the Edge
Parallels
Certainly sounds like a lovely place – and the perfect spot for a writing retreat.
In my imagination I can see myself writing every morning. Meeting a friend for lunch, returning to write mid afternoon. The novel would be populated with characters based on people living or coming and going from the hotel. I know t’s been done, but let’s have a mystery and ?????
What a fun theme! My parents live just outside of the city and there are so many reminders like this of just how little of the city we have explored during our trips in. Happy a-z!
Endless possibilities everyday in these large cities. It’s all waiting for you when you get back to NY. Wish we could have tea together in this Inn.
Scones and clotted cream…sounds a bit like my world at the moment! returning the A-Z visit!
Be sure to come back for the letter T and we will have some tea together then.