Set sail on the Hudson
It must be admitted that the Standard's standard room is small. Think of a ship cabin. Everything is there and cleverly fit in, but there's little room for your suitcase, let alone a roommate. But with the full-sweep Hudson River view, I had no trouble getting past that, and had a great time. The gym up top is well appointed and has great views. The grill and Biergarten scene downstairs is thriving. The lounge on 17, to which access is reserved for guests in the late afternoon, is maybe the most stunning hangout in town.
You pay to hang there, for sure, and, not being a popular model or celebrity, I'm very unclear about how to get in after dark.
With all the buzz and the fun, rates are heading higher, especially if you price it by the square foot. But if you want to splurge and won't be bringing a steamer truck, go for it.