New York City has no shortage of luxury hotels, but five new ones are opening in the Big Apple this year. Here’s all you need to know …
The Surrey
The vibe: Park Avenue icon
The Surrey, just a block from Central Park and the Whitney Museum of American Art, was originally built in 1926 and exudes Park Avenue privacy and poshness. JFK, Bette Davis and Claudette Colbert were former patrons. The 16-storey hotel has undergone an extensive renovation and is reopening in spring, and will be operated and managed by Corinthia Hotels. The hospitality group is celebrating its 100th anniversary this year and the hotel is the Corinthia group’s first property in the US. Swedish interior designer Martin Brudnizki has overseen the redesign of 70 guest rooms, 34 suites and 14 luxury residences, and was inspired by the hotel’s history and surroundings.
A talking point: The hotel is partnering with Casa Tua on the food and beverage offering, bringing this Miami Beach hotspot and celebrity favourite to New York for the first time; www.corinthia.com.
Civilian Hotel
The Vibe: Theatrical
This 27-storey, 203 room hotel located between 8th and 9th Avenues is in the heart of New York’s theatre district. The hotel has been designed by David Rockwell and his team to celebrate its Broadway location. Civilian features a ground floor restaurant, a first-floor bar and a rooftop lounge and is a natural extension of Rockwell’s work designing sets for Broadway shows (as well as the Oscars). The design of Civilian was also influenced by the look and feel of old theatres, with marquee-inspired lighting, dramatic curtains, stage-like elements, dressing rooms and the raw industrial materials of backstage life.
A talking point: Civilian is debuting the Olio Collection, an art programme with permanent and rotating works by emerging and established theatre creatives and contemporary photographers. Sketches, models, still photos and bespoke furniture celebrate the theatrical art form throughout the public spaces and guestrooms. For example, in Rosevale restaurant on the ground floor, sketches by prominent set designers, including Tony Walton, Es Devlin, Clint Ramos, Anna Louizos and Mimi Lien will be displayed; www.civilianhotel.com.
Faena Hotel
The vibe: Super glam
The Six Senses New York was due to open this year but has now been replaced by Faena Hotel which will be taking over a space in the impressive XI mixed-use development in Manhattan’s West Chelsea neighbourhood, overlooking the Hudson River (on 18th Street between 10th and 11th Avenues). The XI comprises two twisting towers designed by architect Bjarke Ingels. Those familiar with Faena properties (in Miami Beach, as pictured, and Buenos Aires) will know they are flamboyant, art-driven addresses reflecting their founder Alan Faena’s personal aesthetic.
A talking point: The 45,000-square-foot spa will feature a vibroacoustic mediation dome, magnesium pool and fitness studios. If Faena New York is anything like its sibling Faena Miami this will be the new hangout for the fashion set; www.faena.com.
The Warren Street Hotel
The vibe: Layered loveliness
Due to open September 2023, The Warren Street Hotel is the third Firmdale hotel in New York – with sister residences Crosby Street Hotel in SoHo and The Whitby in Midtown Manhattan. It will feature 57 individually designed bedrooms and suites along with twelve residences spread across eleven floors, each with floor-to-ceiling windows and some with a private terrace offering spectacular skyscraper views including One World Trade Center and the Hudson River. The hotel will also house a restaurant (The Warren Bar and Restaurant), drawing room, an airy orangery, bar and private event space. As for interiors, guests can expect the same combination of colour, craft, curios and contemporary design for which the Firmdale brand is known (pictured is the Charlotte Street Hotel, London). Located in Lower Manhattan, Tribeca is characterised by cobblestone streets, art galleries, independent boutiques and restaurants. Must visits include Brookfield Place for shopping and lunch on the water, The Oculus, One World Trade Observatory and the new Performing Arts Theatre, which is due to open in September.
A talking point: The Warren Street Hotel site was previously a car park, in keeping with the Firmdale founders – Tim and Kit Kemp’s ethos of repurposing old buildings; www.firmdale.com.
The Fifth Avenue Hotel
The vibe: Jewel box perfection
Just steps from Madison Square Park and the Flatiron Building, the hotel is opening in spring, with glamorous interiors to transport guests to the Gilded age. Per the press release, the hotel “encourages exploration, fascination and wonder” in each of its 153 guest rooms. For those who love attention to detail this will not disappoint as interiors are layered with accents of chinoiserie, marquetry, striking art and covetable books. Guests can dine at the hotel’s signature restaurant by critically acclaimed chef Andrew Carmellini, enjoy a nightcap at The Portrait Bar or sample aperitivos in The Study or The Conservatory restaurants.
A talking point: The Terrace Suites which have their own outdoor spaces and an enviable view of the Manhattan skyline; www.fifthavenuehotel.com.
