Images in order (1-4, 7) Courtesy of DR!P at the Grace Hotel; (5-6) courtesy Wilson Models
Story by Joseph Alexiou
A few weeks ago we reported the Roomate Grace Hotel in our Value Watch series, a great boutique location with an indoor pool and bar. We briefly mentioned the gay pool party called Drip, but didn't give it too much attention. A shame, because it has been taking NYC Monday nights by storm.
Conceived by nightlife legend Lee Chappell, Drip is almost a gay fantasy dream come true, especially on the cold winter nights. After some wonderful cabaret performances across the street at the Foreign Affairs party at the Night Hotel (gay-themed entertainment worthy of its own blog post), party folks hop over to the Grace and de-suit to their bikini briefs, and brief-er swim trunks.
While the crowd is leans towards the young side, it's really quite mixed (gay, straight, young, and old), and there's lots of seating around the classy two-level bar, which even the swimmers can paddle right up to and order cocktails. With lovely banquets, plenty of seating and lots of room to check out slender swimmers jumping in an out of the pool, this bar is a delight and reminds us of the nightlife that New York was once famous for.
Music is provided by top gay NYC DJs (Jonjon Battles and Corey Tut), while drag and burlesque performances break up the night into entertainment in a way that only the Big Apple can provide. While the security will make sure that people stay in their trunks and out of their birthday suits, there's no street clothing requirement anywhere. So if you're comfy lounging in your swimsuit, the bar (and water) is warm enough to stroll around with your towel and little more.
More photos after the jump!
