Standard Hotel Apologizes After Turning Away Navy Officer During Fleet Week
NEW YORK (CBSNewYork) - The Standard Hotel has apologized for turning away a Navy officer who tried to enter the ritzy hotel's lounge wearing her uniform.
As CBS2's Steve Langford reported, the Top of the Standard is a hotel rooftop lounge in Chelsea that's hip and happening but off-limits, at least on Saturday night, to a U.S. Navy officer in uniform.
The bouncer on the ground floor took a look at the sailor and warned there is a dress code up at the rooftop lounge, then blocked the sailor and her relatives, according to the family, from getting into the elevator, Langford reported.
A family member who was there told CBS2 his incredulous query to hotel front desk staff yielded only that the hotel leaves dress code to the discretion of the rooftop lounge.
The relative, posting on Facebook, wrote "Apparently being willing to die for your country isn't fashionable enough."
"I mean, if someone served our country and they're here to have a good time, let them in," said Harlem resident Nayanda Moore.
The Standard Hotel said in a statement "We hold those serving in the United States Armed Forces in the highest regard. This was a mistake and we sincerely apologize."
The sailor, who wants to remain anonymous, has since left the city after spending Fleet Week here.
The Standard Hotel has told the sailor's family to have her come back with her friends anytime, according to her family. But nothing more specific than that.
The Standard Hotel declined to answer questions, including whether the bouncer has been fired or re-assigned.