Tim and Kit Kemp‘s lauded London-based brand Firmdale Hotels made its North American entrée back in 2009 with the Crosby Street Hotel. Since then, the opulent SoHo outpost has earned accolades galore, including three Michelin Keys (the guide’s highest honor). It’s well-deserved recognition for a vivacious, vibrant property that feels more like home than a hotel thanks to its stellar service, countless creature comforts and inspired interiors curated by its well-known owner — who is leading the movement to develop design-driven destinations. The sumptuous stay boasts a rich residential feel, plenty of punchy panache and appealing amenities like a magical sculpture garden, a 107-seat screening room and beloved neighborhood haunt Crosby Bar & Terrace.
Photography provided by Crosby Street Hotel
Setting
Situated in a serene SoHo spot along its eponymous cobbled street, this utterly private boutique property is tucked away from the tourists yet is within walking distance of the iconic neighborhood’s top attractions (think Balthazar, Elizabeth Street Garden and some of the city’s best shopping along Broadway and other major thoroughfares). It’s this literal embodiment of quiet luxury amid the buzz that makes the Crosby Street Hotel so standout.
Vibe
Guests get a sense of the inn’s classic-meets-quirky, English-meets-American feel even before they set foot in the door. Holding court in front of the building’s 11-story façade is “Crosby the Cat,” a larger-than-life bronze sculpture by Colombian figurative artist Fernando Botero. That playful charm continues inside, where original artwork (with a decided dedication to dogs) adorns the colorful walls in both public spaces and guest rooms. The vibe is equal parts elegant and eclectic — like visiting the home of your highly stylish friend — exactly as Kit Kemp envisioned.
Claim to Fame
In addition to its celebrity proprietor, A-listers like Jennifer Aniston, Jennifer Lopez and Zendaya flock here for obvious reasons, including intimate screenings in the state-of-the-art cinema and other exclusive happenings. The Crosby Street Hotel is particularly popular during New York Fashion Week given its proximity to show and event venues. Save for the occasional paparazzi snap outside, VIPs and other well-heeled guests remain largely unbothered due to the property’s unmatched privacy and its team’s thoughtful discretion.
Amenities
Original artwork, delightful interior design, a happening restaurant, an intimate theater — what more could you want? The pet-friendly property also features top-notch concierge and valet service, a well-equipped fitness studio, private meeting spaces and regularly hosted public events, like a recent summer floral master class with hotel florist Tawana Schlegel. Not to be missed is the private Drawing Room lounge, where hotel guests and their friends can grab a seat, drinks and some bar snacks in a clubby atmosphere. Bonus: The inn was also the first New York City hotel to earn LEED Gold certification back in 2011 for its environmental design and energy efficiency. (Looking good and doing good? Count us in.)
The Rooms
No two of the 86 guest accommodations are alike, and that’s quite literally by design. The spacious rooms — clocking in from 340 to 1,500 square feet — are layered with colorful textiles, custom furnishings and thoughtful touches like a well-lit closet and a minibar stocked with local goodies. The plush beds are dressed in Frette linens, and the marble bathrooms come equipped with walk-in showers, heated towel racks, and Kemp’s in-house Rikrak toiletries (some even boast deep soaking tubs). Guest rooms boast plentiful natural light and stellar city views thanks to floor-to-ceiling windows. Of particular note are the two-bedroom Crosby Suites, perfect for families, groups and those who like to spread out a little.
Dining
Flagship eatery Crosby Bar & Terrace dishes up breakfast, lunch and dinner in a whimsically sophisticated setting. Afternoon tea is served daily (a natural English touch), as are favorite dishes like the roasted bone marrow with seared foie gras, lobster club sandwich, and beef bourguignon with mashed potatoes. Hotel guests can always grab a seat in the Drawing Room lounge, which offers an abbreviated menu. Patrons are sure to walk away from their dining experience feeling both sated and inspired.
