The Soho Grand Hotel remains my top choice for a refined and luxurious experience when looking for where to stay in New York City, particularly for its excellent balance of quality and cost. When selecting accommodations in New York City, prioritizing location and value is essential. While the city offers a wide range of options to suit various budgets, it’s important to note that rooms tend to be more compact than those found in many other destinations. Unless you opt for a premium suite or choose to stay in the often-overcrowded Times Square neighborhood, expect smaller rooms, especially when downtown.
Nestled in the heart of SoHo, at the intersection of West Broadway and Grand, lies the SoHo Grand. This boutique hotel, which debuted in 1996, was being built while I lived just up the street. Somehow, I found myself on the guest list for its grand opening, and I was instantly captivated. The property exudes a distinct Gatsby-esque charm, an atmosphere that endures to this day.
First, a Little History
In the nascent years of the 1990s, SoHo was undergoing a remarkable transformation. From its roots as an artist’s enclave, it rapidly ascended to a position of prominence, becoming a coveted destination, a place where one aspired to be seen. This ascent was not without merit. Suddenly, SoHo became synonymous with the refined pleasures of New York – haute couture boutiques, distinguished restaurants, serene spas, and esteemed art galleries. Yet, amidst this burgeoning grandeur, a crucial element was absent: a grand hotel. It was Leonard and Emanuel Stern of Hartz Mountain Industries who recognized this void, envisioning the creation of the SoHo Grand Hotel.
Their vision found its expression on West Broadway, upon the hallowed ground once occupied by the Church of St. Alphonsus Liguori. The hotel’s exterior, deliberately understated, reflects a nuanced understanding of New York sensibilities. As a resident of this city, I appreciate this restraint, a subtle barrier against the intrusion of the merely curious. The evolving urban tapestry of SoHo, a fusion of contemporary vitality and timeless New York charm, provided the perfect backdrop.
And in typical NYC fashion, this hotel was not built without dispute. Eight prior hotels had tried to build here without any success due to local backlash. The SoHo Grand somehow succeeded.
On August 4th, 1996, the SoHo Grand Hotel opened its doors, marking the advent of the first luxury boutique hotel in downtown Manhattan. It became an instant icon, a nexus of culture and elegance. I recall the privilege of being present on that inaugural evening, a moment of historical significance. The city’s luminaries were in attendance, celebrating this landmark occasion. The hotel soon became a stage for pivotal cultural moments: Radiohead’s album launched, “OK Computer” and “Kid A,” resonated within its walls; the introduction of a resident DJ in the lobby set a new standard for hotel ambiance; and fashion shows and cinema screenings drew the elite of the artistic world. And, of course, the annual New Year’s Eve Black and White Ball, a homage to the legendary gatherings of Truman Capote, continues to captivate and inspire.
It is right in the epicenter of all that makes NYC’s SoHo neighborhood grand and worth visiting.
One small anecdote: In the fall 2013, a hotel employee started several fires because he allegedly wanted to lighten his workload by making the hotel less popular. That is NY culture for you!
Rooms at the SoHo Grand Hotel
The SoHo Grand, with its generous offering of 353 rooms, presents a sanctuary tailored to the discerning traveler. From the elevated elegance of penthouse suites, graced with expansive outdoor terraces, to the more intimate chambers designed for quiet repose, there exists a perfect haven for every sojourner. It remains, unequivocally, my preferred residence within the vibrant tapestry of New York City.
On my most recent return to the SoHo Grand, amidst a high occupancy period, I found myself accommodated in their Studio King room. I can attest to the exceptional comfort of the bed, the unexpected spaciousness of the bathroom, and the ample room that allowed both my husband and myself to move with ease. In a city where spatial constraints are a common reality, one should not be surprised, nor disappointed, to find oneself enjoying 250 square feet of well-appointed space. New York City, after all, is a city meant to be explored, a place where one’s time is best spent venturing into its streets and history. For me, the essential requirements of a hotel room are simply comfort and security, both of which the SoHo Grand provides with unwavering excellence.
If you prefer more space, they offer corner rooms, suites, and penthouse suites. There is something here for everyone. If you need more room because you have work to do while traveling, you can find a room for that.
The rooms are well appointed, with comfortable bedding, bath essentials, a 65″ television, and a Nespresso machine for your convenience. You can also request an iPad or MacBook while staying at the SoHo Grand. This property is also dog-friendly and will provide dog bedding and bowls upon request. And if your 4-legged companion is joining you, don’t miss the onsite dog park. This will make potty breaks much easier, especially if your dog isn’t used to all the energy and noise on NYC streets.
The bathrooms have enjoyed a recent renovation and are well stocked with CO Bigelow products, America’s oldest apothecary. There is also good storage space for toiletry bags and odds and ends.
Amenities at the SoHo Grand Hotel
The SoHo Grand extends a wealth of refined amenities to its esteemed guests. Among these offerings, bicycles are available for those who wish to explore the vibrant avenues of lower Manhattan or embark on a picturesque journey across the Brooklyn Bridge. However, I would offer a note of prudent caution. Unless one is a seasoned cyclist, well-versed in the intricacies of urban navigation, this particular pursuit may present unforeseen challenges. The streets of New York, while brimming with life, demand a keen awareness of bus lanes, the unpredictable movements of pedestrians—who often navigate with an independent spirit—and, of course, the ever-present cab drivers, whose mastery of the city’s thoroughfares is legendary. Therefore, a discerning traveler might weigh the allure of such an adventure against the realities of navigating the city’s dynamic traffic patterns.
The Grand Bar & Salon at the SoHo Grand evokes a bygone era, a respectful nod to the classic bars of yesteryear. Its design, imbued with the industrial spirit of SoHo, features a magnificent oak bar crowned with gold-polished marble, and embossed leather bar stools, meticulously detailed with nail-head accents, offering a dignified vantage point from which to savor a perfectly crafted Old-Fashioned. The chandeliers, inspired by the grandeur of the New York Public Library, cast a warm, sophisticated glow, while woven leather banquettes provide intimate seating along the soaring windows and terrazzo floors, adorned with nickel strips.
It is a place where one may indulge in the discovery of new pleasures, with a curated selection of 50 rare American whiskeys and meticulously crafted cocktails, the creations of esteemed mixologists Natasha David and Jeremy Oertel. And when the appetite stirs, the Grand Bar presents a full menu of locally sourced culinary offerings, available for breakfast, brunch, lunch, and dinner, ensuring that every palate is satisfied with the utmost refinement.
Either of these amenities provides a welcome respite from the vibrant and often demanding energy of New York’s thoroughfares. Here, one may indulge in the refined pleasure of a cocktail, champagne, or beer, accompanied by a light and tasteful snack.
Furthermore, the hotel boasts a charming on-site diner, a feature I find particularly endearing. As any connoisseur of New York City culture will attest, the diner holds a cherished place within our city’s culinary landscape. You can view their menu here.
After reading this, I trust you will know why the SoHo Grand remains my preferred accommodation for stays dedicated to exploring SoHo, Greenwich Village, and Tribeca. This locale, notably less congested and devoid of the overwhelming tourist presence in areas such as Times Square, offers a more refined and authentic New York experience.
For those seeking to optimize their travel budget, the periods from January to April, and surprisingly, the summer months, typically present more favorable rates. Conversely, the period from September through year-end sees an increase in both occupancy and cost. Regardless of the season chosen for your visit, I can assure you that a stay at the SoHo Grand will provide an experience of unparalleled satisfaction.
Until next time,