New York City (Fodor's, 2012) - Fodor's [235]
The Mercer Hotel.
$$$ | Owner André Balazs, known for his Chateau Marmont in Hollywood, has a knack for dating Hollywood starlets and channeling a neighborhood sensibility. Here it’s SoHo loft all the way, though it’s also a favorite crash pad for Tinseltown names. It’s superbly situated in the heart of SoHo’s myriad name-brand stores, although you wouldn’t know it once you’re inside the lobby, a minimalist oasis created by acclaimed French designer Christian Liagre. Most guest rooms are generously sized, with long entryways, high ceilings, and walk-in closets, but the lowest-priced rooms are a tight 250 square feet. Dark African woods and custom-designed furniture upholstered in muted solids lend serenity with sophistication. Some bathrooms feature decadent two-person marble tubs surrounded by mirrors. Downstairs is the always-happening lobby with 24-hour food and bar service for guests; Mercer Kitchen, and the submercer bar, with a separate entrance, is one of the city’s hottest doors. Beware the inconsistent service, which runs from friendly to indifferent. Pros: great location; sophisticated design touches; celebrity sightings in lobby. Cons: service inconsistent; tiny rooms. TripAdvisor: “scent of candles fill the lobby,” “really spacious rooms,” “unmatched commitment to service.” | 147 Mercer St., at Prince St., SoHo | 10012 | 212/966–6060 or 888/918–6060 | www.mercerhotel.com | 67 rooms, 8 suites | In-room: a/c, safe, DVD, Wi-Fi. In-hotel: restaurant, room service, bars, Internet terminal, Wi-Fi hotspot, some pets allowed | AE, D, DC, MC, V | Subway: R to Prince St.
60 Thompson.
$$ | This successful hotel has served as the blueprint for the mini-chain’s four other hotels in Manhattan, and its setup has aged well; it’s no longer the center of the universe, scene-wise, and that’s been a blessing, improving the service and toning down the attitude of hotel staffers. Kittichai, the chic Thai restaurant on the ground floor, has a new chef, patio dining, a gold-suffused bar, and good-looking servers. The rooftop lounge, A60, remains a guests- and members-only warm-weather haven for hipsters. Thom bar, the second-floor lobby, is a dark space filled with contemporary art, great for whiling away an evening. Rooms feature a dramatic, spare design; the generous use of dark woods and full-wall leather headboards give the rooms welcoming warmth. Pros: nightlife central; access to private rooftop club; good gym; some rooms have balconies. Cons: not family oriented; no pets allowed. TripAdvisor: “staff was very friendly and helpful,” “the bar was a great place for a pre-dinner drink,” “design of the room is beautiful.” | 60 Thompson St., between Broome and Spring Sts., SoHo | 10012 | 212/431–0400 or 877/431–0400 | www.thompsonhotels.com | 82 rooms, 8 suites | In-room: a/c, safe, DVD, Internet, Wi-Fi. In-hotel: restaurant, room service, bars, Internet terminal, Wi-Fi hotspot, parking (paid) | AE, D, DC, MC, V | Subway: C, E to Spring St.
SoHo Grand.
$$$ | The SoHo Grand defines what SoHo is today—once pioneering, now expensive, and with a vaguely creative vibe. When the Grand opened in 1996, it had been a century since a new hotel had debuted in the neighborhood. Today, as new hotels crowd the field, its low-key sophistication stands out more clearly—as do its faults. The Grand Bar & Lounge is sometimes called SoHo’s living room for its comfortable, social atmosphere. Public spaces as well as guest rooms use an industrial-chic design to mimic the architecture of the neighborhood, though this can come across as spartan to some. Comfortable contemporary