Following years of renovations, restorations, and ownership shifts, the highly anticipated second coming of the iconic Hotel Chelsea is upon us.

The legendary locale, which has been home to countless artists, musicians, and literary luminaries over the past century or so, has begun its rollout to reclaim its legacy as a haven for cool kids, creatives, and the type of clientele that seeks to be surrounded by them.

However, while the bohemian spirit remains, there's no doubt that the shabby-chic vibes have been replaced by a pervading sense of luxury - fitting, of course, for today's New York It Set, who may not seek to take up residence in one of the historical rooms, but definitely want in on all the buzzy new action.

Lucky for them, the hotel is equipped to become quite the stylish gathering place.

There is, of course, the recently reopened (and revamped) El Quijote restaurant next door, but the Hotel Chelsea's glittering new Lobby Bar is quickly gaining traction as the spot to see and be seen.

Society staples like Derek Blasberg and Kit Keenan have already christened the haunt with splashy private birthday celebrations (with the likes of Kendall Jenner, Jeff Bezos, Chloe Sevigny, Lauren Santo Domingo, and Naomi Campbell rolling through), but now the opulent watering hole is officially open to the public - and that alone calls for a celebratory toast.

Dripping with old school glamour, the first-ever bar and lounge to be housed on the property boasts a large marble-topped bar, original mosaic floors, and scene-stealing vintage chandeliers complemented by plush velvet furniture and artwork collected from past guests and residents over the years. Adjacent to the bar, sunny plant-filled solariums, with a connecting open air terrace, serve as a dreamy cocktail garden oasis.

Sunday Hospitality helms the food and beverage program, with acclaimed Beverage Director Brian Evans curating a cocktail menu full of libations paying homage to iconic bars from around the world, including the Dukes Martini from Dukes Hotel in London and the Singapore Sling created at the Raffles Hotel in Singapore. Food-wise, expect a selection of elevated bar bites like trout roe beignets, charcuterie, caviar with potato chips and beer cream, and oysters given a "dirty martini" twist.

Is it any wonder this place has the city's most fashionable flocking?

The Lobby Bar opens daily at 5pm on a first come, first serve basis. Click through for a closer look!

[Photo by Annie Schlechter courtesy Hotel Chelsea]

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