Maybe some of New York City’s social elite are finally coming around. The grand opening of the W Hotel lured hundreds of New York’s glitz-and-glamour crowd away from Manhattan island and into the mile-square city, with celebrity guests like Shannen Doherty, Erin Lucas of MTV’s The City, and America’s Next Top Model winner Whitney Thompson.
New York-based Mark Birnbaum, owner of the Chandelier Room, a trendy lounge inside the W, said he was happy to come across the river.
“Hoboken is right in our neighborhood,” said Birnbaum, who also owns the popular nightclub Tenjune in Manhattan’s meatpacking district. “Ten minutes from my house.”
Doherty and her guest posed for pictures on the packed “red carpet” – actually, it was black and sparkly – before briefly sobbing, telling press her dog had died the day before.
Later, she told the New York Observer that she was impressed at how “cute” Hoboken was.
“I’d rather live in Hoboken than any of the five boroughs.” – Joe Pantoliano
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When asked about opening his newest venture in today’s tough financial climate, Birnbaum looked and sounded unconcerned.
“I appreciate this economy more.” Birnbaum said. “People are looking to save money and are staying close to home – [to get] more affordable drinks with a New York style atmosphere.”
In the lobby, known as the “living room,” DJ Cassidy kept the crowd dancing as a sleek blonde model sporting a black cocktail dress spun around on a large rotating martini glass.
Although the event drew hordes of New York City’s social elite, many past Hoboken residents like Sopranos star Joe Pantoliano also attended.
“I grew up here,” Pantoliano said. “I’d rather live in Hoboken than any of the five boroughs.”
Sean Allocca can be reached at current@hudsonreporter.com