The legendary NYC hotel with the unmistakable wrought-iron balconies was sold recently. I'm not sure what the new owner is planning to do with it, but it has stopped taking guests of any kind, long-term or short. Many people think the closing is just a ploy to bust the union, toss out the unprofitable long-term residents, and re-open in a year as a non-union hotel, but as of now that is just speculation.
Opened in 1884, the building has been a designated New York City landmark since 1966, and has been on the National Register of Historic Places since 1977. It has served as a home to hundreds of famous writers, musicians, actors, and artists. (Dylan Thomas was living there when he died.)
Reader comment:
Don't forget that that's where Janis Joplin gave Leonard Cohen oral sex. The line in his song, "Chelsea Hotel", says, "...giving me head on an unmade bed...". He recently confessed that it was about Janis. (Get more details by clicking on the "comments" link.)
Tuesday, August 23, 2011
Hotel Chelsea to Close Its Doors
The Hotel Chelsea will close its doors
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
Don't forget that that's where Janis Joplin gave Leonard Cohen oral sex. The line in his song, "Chelsea Hotel", says, "...giving me head on an unmade bed...".
ReplyDeleteHe recently confessed that it was about Janis.
I didn't know that. That is awesome! Thanks, anon.
ReplyDeleteHere are the full lyrics:
ReplyDeleteI remember you well in the Chelsea Hotel,
you were talking so brave and so sweet,
giving me head on the unmade bed,
while the limousines wait in the street.
Those were the reasons and that was New York,
we were running for the money and the flesh.
And that was called love for the workers in song
probably still is for those of them left.
Ah but you got away, didn't you babe,
you just turned your back on the crowd,
you got away, I never once heard you say,
I need you, I don't need you,
I need you, I don't need you
and all of that jiving around.
I remember you well in the Chelsea Hotel
you were famous, your heart was a legend.
You told me again you preferred handsome men
but for me you would make an exception.
And clenching your fist for the ones like us
who are oppressed by the figures of beauty,
you fixed yourself, you said, "Well never mind,
we are ugly but we have the music."
And then you got away, didn't you babe...
I don't mean to suggest that I loved you the best,
I can't keep track of each fallen robin.
I remember you well in the Chelsea Hotel,
that's all, I don't even think of you that often.
Seems pretty obvious, now, doesn't it?
Incidentally, it's also where Nancy Spungen died (if I'm not mistaken).
ReplyDelete