Ian Schrager on the New Luxury and a New Hotel

“I wanted to create a hotel for my generation, not my parents and one that reflected my tastes and sensibilities as well as popular culture at the time,” says legendary hotel mogul Ian Schrager of his new hotel,Public.The thinking behind Public is that as time, people, the culture, and concepts of luxury inevitably change, hotels must, too.  These were the catalysts for  the introduction of Schrager’s Morgans, Royalton and Paramount hotels.Schrager  over 25 years ago. “I was responding to cultural shifts that were emerging.  I see the exact same opportunity now,” says Schrager.

Public’s fundamental premise promises to be a disruptive one: Luxury for all, “I truly believe that everyone deserves a one-of-a-kind experience that lifts their spirits and makes their heart beat faster, one that elicits an emotional response…and to deliver this at a reasonable price point is even more on the mark for today’s savvy and sophisticated traveler,” says Schrager.

Observing that travelers today only want things that matter, are convenient and make their lives easier, Schrager adds, “ It’s about inclusivity, not exclusivity. “I recognized that there are things people just don’t need or want anymore at a hotel…services and amenities that are pointless and no longer matter.  We live in a modern world.  The services should reflect our modern way of living.  People want a really comfortable bed, but they could care less about sheet thread count.  They want great coffee, but delivered fast and hot, not in fine bone china,” Schrager says.

Even tech needs were carefully scrutizined.“We didn’t just put an iPad in every room under the guise of being a “tech hotel” like so many other brands are doing. Every interaction with technology was considered for ease, efficiency and effectiveness,” says Schrager.

The hotel says it offers the fastest WIFI in the city (free for all throughout the entire hotel), cell phone service that works everywhere, mobile and self-check in, mobile key, Apple TVs in every guest room so you can watch what you want, when you want from your own device. There’s online food ordering, 12 easy to reach outlets and USB ports in all guest rooms, and communal workspaces within the public spaces.

Schrager, known for his keen sense of style, says about the hotel’s design, “There is no pretense with Public. It’s invisible design done with honesty, conviction, love and passion…Effortless, timeless, purist design, providing a relaxed vibe and familiar atmosphere that feels like home, but better,” c