Tour the New York Edition Hotel, Carved From a Clocktower

From 1909 to 1913, the Metropolitan Life Insurance Company Tower bordering Madison Square Park was the tallest building in the entire world. Sure, it was eclipsed by the Woolworth Building after that four-year stint, but MetLife called the glorious building—modeled after Venice's campanile in St. Mark's Square —home until 2005. After that, Marriott and hotelier Ian Schrager snatched it up and started converting the landmark into a boutique hotel. As of opening day on May 11, it's officially the New York Edition hotel.

The third Edition outpost, following ones in New York and Miami, it has 273 rooms and opening rates that start at $675/night. The vibe is classy, artsy, and comfortable, with an attractive lobby bar and lounge, and a fancy restaurant, The Clocktower, courtesy of top British chef Jason Atherton that graces the gorgeous second floor. (It's an interior landmark that was once home to MetLife executives' offices, so the molding and doorknobs and details are stellar.) Up in the rooms, much of the historic detail is absent, but subtle touches like the wooden headboards and the inclusion of original scalloped ceilings "wherever possible" help remind visitors of the clocktower's rich history. Plus, there are apparently rooms on the 27th floor with secret doors that actually open up onto the mechanicals of the clock faces on each side of the building. Someone scout that out and report back, please.

· New York Edition Hotel [official]
· MetLife Clocktower's New York Edition Hotel To Open May 11 [Curbed]
· Jason Atherton's First NYC Project Is a Fancy Clubhouse Along Madison Square Park [Eater NY]
· Beloved Clock Tower Goes Dark While Marriott Hotel Is Built [Curbed]
· All New York Edition Hotel coverage [Curbed]