11 Howard

The hotel is located at Howard and Lafayette, placing guests in the middle of SoHo revelry. Excellent shopping is in the direct vicinity, including Reformation and NikeLab 21M, as are restaurants such as Balthazar and La Esquina.

Aesthetically it feels more Scandinavian than New Yorker, owing to its design by Space Copenhagen. Oak floors, high ceilings and arched windows set the tone in The Library and The Blond bar. The former is a comfortable space with mid-century chairs, plush rugs and furry throws, while the latter is a glossy party pad offering midnight-blue velvet booth seating, bronze head sculptures and mirrors covered in a gold marbling effect. An Alexander Calder black mobile presides over the lobby, while a tongue-in-cheek Dan Attoe neon installation greets you as you ascend a spiral staircase to the bar.

A Jeff Koons mural on the side of the building is just one of the results of a ‘conscious hospitality’ initiative on which the hotel prides itself. The mural was painted under the direction of Groundswell, a social public art initiative that works with economically disadvantaged young artists. The 213 bedrooms follow similar lines in terms of design: navy curtains, ballet-pink bed throws, heather-coloured easy chairs and bronze light fixtures. In-room iPads (through which you can order 24-hour room service) and customisable minibars complete the amenities.

Free water, coffee and tea is laid on throughout the day in The Library, plus if you’re staying on a Tuesday, Thursday or Saturday, there’s a complimentary wine hour from 6pm to 7pm. This is also the spot for breakfast.

Room price starts at $230 per night.

Tags: 11 Howard