Ian Schrager passed on the Hotel Chelsea, but another boutique hotel kingpin is kicking the tires on the bohemian landmark. Page Six reports that Andre Balazs (the Standard, the Mercer, etc.) was spotted "poking around the lobby" and meeting with management last week. The hotel was put on the market late last year, and the board reportedly wants around $90 million to give up the 250-room property and all the headaches that come along with it?like the long-term tenants who revel in the misfortunes of management and get a little upset when the building's ghosts get disturbed.
Balazs has circled the shabby hotel before, and he could polish the old gal up and turn it into a celebrity hot spot, just like what he did with the Chateau Marmont in Hollywood. At least that's what Page Six's sources speculate could be in the works. Balazs's rep had no comment. Would a Balazsian makeover of the Chelsea help restore it to its former glory? Courtney Love lived in the Mercer and Lindsay Lohan lived in the Chateau Marmont, so at least he's got the substance-addled starlet thing down pat.
· Balazs wants Chelsea next [Page Six]
· Hotel Chelsea coverage [Curbed]
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