One of my dirty little secrets (PN regulars will understand that I have many...though, ironically, most are no longer secret) is that I love hotel bars. They usually have a staff as transient as their clientele, a decor that recalls Miss Hannigan's orphanage, and prices that are about twice market rates (no buybacks, natch) for a drink menu that's nothing special. But I still love the near-religious experience they provide; when there's so little else to enjoy, you must stare into the abyss and ask yourself just how important drinking is to you. I like the answer to that question.
That said, Gramercy Park Hotel is not a typical hotel bar. The newly renovated lounge area is a cavernous room full of gorgeous, trashy antiques and seldom very crowded (including tomorrow, hopefully), there's attentive table service, and the drink menu (prices a little on the high side but not out of line) includes some tasty specialties.
Citysearch.com says: "For years, this low-rent lobby bar was something of an inside joke, with artists and media types drinking alongside ancient hotel residents, European travelers and the odd piano player. Then the management caught on, promising a major renovation that had regulars scared. The result is a happy medium: A casual front area, expanded standing room in the now TV-less bar section and a large, candlelit back lounge, in which Belle Epoque furnishings and red velvet curtains are tempered by a still-shabby carpet and ceiling. Waitresses in skimpy black dresses scream "upgrade." Though the menu now offers dozens of beers, snazzy cocktails and an extensive by-the-bottle list (some choices cost more than a room at the hotel), the crowd remains mixed and casual. There is usually seating to be had for all, from large parties to privacy-seeking couples, and even when packed, it's not impossible to have a conversation. Alas, the Goldfish crackers have been replaced by bowls of fancy peanuts."
See you there!
-Mike, Kris, Petro, TK and Jay