The Stayton Room at the Lexington Hotel is now officially open. After a round of renovations just a few months ago, the space has now fully transformed into a jazzy, upscale bar.
Since March, little bits and details of the bar were fine-tuned in preparation for the grand opening event. The space stayed largely the same, but Abby Bullard, Associate Interior Designer with Stonehill Taylor, says a few things were tweaked.
“We did come across a few structural beams that we had to adjust—more structural and mechanical elements, but in terms of the design, the aesthetic and the integrity of the design, it has really stayed true to what it was from the very beginning of the design phase,” Bullard says.
The event celebrated, of course, the opening of the bar, but also the appointment of Frank Caiafa, a veteran in the beverage industry, as Beverage Director of the Stayton Room. His resume includes the Peacock Alley and La Chine restaurants at The Waldorf Astoria.
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Frank Caiafa says his work at the art deco hotel informs his role at the Stayton Room. “It’s kind of like the same clientele, an old classic hotel. I’m just trying to let them know that there’s a new show in town,” says Caiafa.
That show is not only a selection of vintage drinks (and 1920s inspired ambiance), but also a positive patron experience. Of course, guests of The Lexington Hotel are involved in more than just the Stayton Room, so Caiafa immerses himself in all of what the hotel offers.
“I try to go to operations meetings more than a few times a month just to be on point and on the same page of what’s going on at the other parts of the hotel. Everything from rooms or operations or engineering or construction projects—anything like that—all plays into the guest experience,” Caiafa says.
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At the grand opening event, signature cocktails and classic libations were served. The show is just getting started, but, as fall approaches, plans are being made for a seasonally-appropriate menu.
“I am very happy with the Stayton Secret Signature Cocktail, so things [for the upcoming menu are] along those lines, focusing on local ingredients when possible, local whiskeys when possible. Just trying to let people try something that they normally won’t have,” Caiafa says.
The Stayton Room, available to both guests and locals, is open from 4:00 PM to 12:00 AM daily. Visitors can enter through The Lexington Hotel’s lobby or The Stayton Room’s private entrance at 140 East 48th Street.