Real-estate mogul Morris Moinian’s Fortuna Realty Group (FRG) is assembling a powerhouse team for the upcoming launches of two new hotels in Manhattan. Bolstered by the success of Hotel Hugo in SoHo, the company has its sights set on Chelsea and is finalizing the boutique conversions of two existing properties into Hotel Hayden, opening February 1, 2017 and Hotel Henri, opening March 5, 2017.
The first lifestyle-driven, boutique properties to open on these northern Chelsea blocks, Hotel Hayden and Hotel Henri are addressing the needs of local creative, fashion, and tech agencies that, until now, were competing for space in crowded boutique hotels in the NoMad area. Fortuna also has ambitious plans to expand its footprint in Manhattan with a number of future hotel developments in the pipeline.
ÒWhen we opened Hotel Hugo, we wanted to create an approachable, but luxurious, design-focused retreat for the artists and creative types that were starting to flock to the surrounding Hudson Square area,Ó said Morris Moinian, principal and founder of Fortuna Realty Group. ÒWith Hotel Hayden and Hotel Henri, we’re looking to replicate that same aesthetic and vibe to bring a new lifestyle element to the Chelsea neighborhood.Ó
Joining the team as Vice President of Operations is Grady Colin, who oversees operations for Fortuna’s current and upcoming hospitality portfolio. Colin also serves as General Manager of Fortuna’s iconic asset, The Garden City Hotel on Long Island, where he led the hotel through a complete $30 million renovation that re-established the famed property as the preeminent luxury hotel in the region. Prior to Fortuna, Colin gained a deep knowledge of the hospitality industry through managerial positions at several notable NYC hotels including Executive Director of Food and Beverage at the legendary Waldorf Astoria and Executive Assistant Manager at The Hilton New York, among others.
Fortuna Realty Group has also tapped Lisa Grossberg as Chelsea Area General Manager for Hotels Hayden and Henri. Lisa brings over 20 years of New York-area hospitality experience to her new role, with past positions including Area General Manger for Denihan Hospitality Group and General Manager of the Buckingham Hotel. Lisa’s track record of success in driving revenue, guest retention and overall profitability, as well as her proven leadership in expertly managing change make her an ideal candidate to oversee Hotel Hayden and Hotel Henri.
ÒHaving worked with Fortuna Realty Group over the past five years, I’m excited to expand my role to ensure the success of all of the company’s hotels, especially the newest properties being added to the portfolio,Ó said Mr. Colin. ÒAnd with Lisa Grossberg chosen as General Manager, I know Hotel Hayden and Hotel Henri are in great hands.Ó
ÒI’ve been brought up working in the New York City hotel market and it’s always such a thrill to be a part of a new hotel projectÓ said Lisa Grossberg. ÒAs I watch the renovations of Hayden and Henri coming together, I’m confident that guests are going to love these sister properties that offer access to all of the action in the Chelsea, Flatiron, and NoMad neighborhoods.Ó
Upon completion, Hotel Hayden on 28th Street and 6th Avenue, will bring a much-needed boutique offering to this Chelsea block. The hotel pays tribute to Manhattan’s iconic Flower District through living walls installed within the restaurant, lining the building’s exterior, and surrounding the reception desk in the bright, Carrera marble-clad lobby. Other highlights include a rooftop lounge, Hayden’s Rooftop, with impressive views of the Freedom Tower and a signature cocktail menu, unique meeting spaces and an upscale Greek restaurant, Mykonos Blue, an extension of the Ethos restaurant empire, featuring traditional dishes such as Moussakas and Brizolas, over 80 Greek wines, and spirits with a modern twist.
Hotel Hayden’s sister property, Hotel Henri on W. 24th Street, currently closed for renovations and reopening in March, will feature guest rooms complete with Italian-designed wood paneling and graffiti-inspired artwork, as well as a reimagined penthouse space launching in May that will offer a range of programming that transitions from daytime to nightime (to be announced). Hotel Henri is home to a new restaurant that opened Fall 2016: Shay & Ivy. As the second culinary establishment by Dan Rieger and Evan Rosenberg (the duo that opened Atwood Kitchen & Bar Room), Shay & Ivy features local, primarily organic dishes and imaginative cocktails made with infused liquors, and is a recent favorite of hip-hop legend Ja Rule
