A far cry from smoke-filled reporters' havens of past
Reporters who tire of searching for real news at New York's Republican National Convention next week -- or who just want a safe haven from their editors -- can look forward to some downtime in a private hideaway just for them.
Barneys New York, the struggling, upscale department store favored by the "Sex and the City" women, plans to pamper the throngs of media members covering the convention in a special lounge inside the Farley Post Office building. The post office is being renovated, to the tune of $3.8 million, in the press convention work area by the NYC 2004 host committee and Barneys, hoping for an image boost of its own, decided to jump on the bandwagon.
"We call it an oasis where the press can come in, relax, and enjoy the city," said Taylor Piedra, manager of concierge services at Barneys.
"Our corporate office wanted to have some kind of contact with the RNC and with the media," so the lounge, dubbed "The BarneysLoft," was what they came up with, he said.
It takes some work getting to the "loft," which is tucked into an old sorting room deep in the labyrinthine post office. A Globe reporter toured the space last week as the finishing touches were being put on.
Provided they can find their way and climb the few old stairs leading to the oasis, reporters will find what '90s neo-soul phenom Maxwell envisioned in calling his first album "Urban Hang Suite." Leather couches will beckon them to take a load off, and if that's not enough, free massages are available.
A pool table awaits the more sporting reporters. Those always-pretty television types will also be able to look their best: free haircuts and manicures are available, compliments of John Allan's, a swank salon partnering with Barneys. Oh, yeah, they're providing the beer, too.
If the morning's makeup smears from afternoon sweat, Yves St. Laurent and Vincent Longo will offer makeovers for reporters who stop by, male or female.
Completely Bare Spa, another Midtown spot, is providing the facials -- also free of charge, of course.
And in case anyone sweats through a shirt or blouse in the New York humidity, a Barneys concierge will be on hand with a direct line to the chain's flagship store at Madison Avenue and West 51st Street, to have one sent over.
"Not everyone can get to a dry cleaner or laundry," Piedra said.
Indeed -- especially when they are on deadline.
Keith Reed can be reached at reed@globe.com. 