WPCNR ON THE TOWN. By John F. Bailey. December 19, 2007: "Spectacular!" was Mayor Joseph Delfino's one word to describe the Ritz-Carlton Westchester last night as Louis Cappelli, President of Cappelli Enterprises and Simon Cooper President and Chief Operating Officer of The Ritz-Carlton Hotel Company officially opened the 70th Ritz worldwide. Hundreds attended the opening, marveled and drank in the tasteful opulence of what is by far the tri-state region's most interesting, exciting and relaxing hote-- 118 chambers of blissful solitude for the "Go-Getters" of the planet.
Mayor Delfino called this "A momentous occasion for the City of White Plains and Westchester County." The Mayor thanked Louis Cappelli, his city staff for their hard long hours to make the project possible (the hotel was built in 21 months). County Executive Andrew Spano called the opening "A milestone in Westchester County history...reminding us of what we were and what we can be." They cut the ribbon, and the Ritz took her star turn. She did not dissappoint.
Cutting The Ritz-Carlton Westchester's Blue Ribbon: Left to right, former State Senator Nick Spano, County Executive Andy Spano, James Sullivan of The Ritz, Simon Cooper, President of the Ritz-Carlton, Louis Cappelli, Mayor Joseph Delfino, Councilman Arnold Bernstein and Councilman Benjamin Boykin.
The woods, the carpets, the vistas of comfort, the perfect temperature, the new staff who seemed to glide about with grace, the restaurants, 42 and BLT Steak, and the ability of the building design to disperse the gathering which all arrived at once to the lounge and ballroom above was impressive. As soon as you stepped in the place, the immaculate building seemed to feel like it was yours. From the caroleers in the gleaming (but not garish entrance) to the flower arrangements and the art, it's what a building called The Ritz should be. One guest told WPCNR that the Ritz-Carlton White Plains is a cut way above the Dallas Ritz he recently stayed at, and that it is as impressive if not more so than the Tokyo Ritz-Carlton that has been heralded as the most beautiful Ritz to date. Here is how it was on the Ritz Opening Night:
The Ceremony begins: Second from left, Assemblyman Adam Bradley, Councilpersons Rita Malmud, Benjamin Boykin, Glen Hockley, Louis Cappelli, Mayor Joseph Delfino, County Executive Andrew Spano, Ritz-Carlton Westchester General Manager, Jacqueline Sanders, President of The Ritz-Carlton Hotel Company, Simon Cooper, and James Sullivan of the Ritz
Louis Cappelli, left, with Mayor Delfino and County Executive Andrew Spano looking on started his remarks with the word "support," saying he could never have achieved what he as without, from his father Luca and his family, and from the city of White Plains. Mr. Cappelli humorously quipped early there was "more to come," and at another point said during Mr. Spano's remarks, he had a place in mind.
The Entry.
Damien Amadio, City Building Commissioner enters the teaming lobby.
Louis Cappelli, the man who built his dream, holding court in the spectacular lounge.
Schmoozing in the lounge off the Main Entrance.
Mr. and Mrs. Who's Who of White Plains ascended the elegant Grand Staircase to the Ballroom for drinks, oysters, shrimp, hors d'oeuvres and dancing.
Guests mingled in the airy poshness of the greeting area before proceeding the Ballroom. That's Paul Wood, City Executive Officer at far left. And Impresario, Geoffrey Thompson of Thompson & Bender right foreground.
Sideview of the ballroom, as great food awaited on the edges.
Couples swang and swayed to The Bensen Scott Big Band on the ballroom flloor.
An amazing miniature Ritz-Carlton Westchester presided over silver bowls of crab claws and oysters below.
Planning Board Chair John Garment, Councilman Benjamin and Mrs. Boykin touring the Club Room on the Club Level. Guests were showcased the Ritz amenities on tours that amazed.
Jacqueline Sanders, General Manager showcases her pre-opening hairstyling by Celeste the stylist in the Ritz-Carlton Spa on the 9th floor. Ms. Sanders was showing off one of the ancillary venues the Ritz provides for private family events.
The fantasic bar wows opening nighters on the 42nd floor at "42 Restaurant".
The view from the upper deck of 42 Restaurant where you can look out into the night.
Looking towards Manhattan
Bob Roston of the Conservation Board enjoy the cachet of the 42 Bar
Dennis C. Satriani and Deby Alcaban of White Plains enjoy the Best Little Corner Table in 42, with views North, West and East.
