NEW-NORDIC MEETS NEW YORK AT 11 HOWARD HOTEL

By: Christian Stan

Freshly launched in New York’s fashionable SoHo district, 11 Howard emerges as the antithesis of the cookie-cutter hotel through its unique blend of game-changing Scandinavian design and socially-conscious hyperlocalism.

More than just an ideal vantage point for downtown exploration, this Design Hotels™ member is an art spectacle in itself and a community hub founded on meaningful relationships with non-profit organizations and neighborhood businesses. To boot, a creative collaboration between Anda Andrei Design and Danish studio Space Copenhagen ensures the 211-room hotel’s impeccable design credentials.

Set on the historic Howard Street, the once nondescript structure now welcomes guests with a gateway of mature trees and marquee lights, while the custom-made steel cylindrical staircase linking to the second floor frames a neon art piece by Dan Attoe. 11 Howard’s light and airy lobby has 15-foot-high ceilings and is lined with bleached oak wood paneling and polished concrete floors, giving guests the first insight into the hotel’s innovative new-Nordic meets New York aesthetic.  Guests are immediately greeted by Alexander Calder’s Untitled, 1976 mobile in the lobby and every corner of the hotel boasts a sculpture, painting, or digital art piece carefully curated by Rosen himself. On the second floor, The Library is an immersive art living space with its collection of one-of-a-kind furniture, as well as photographs by Hiroshi Sugimoto. Among the world-class art pieces, it is the spectacular mural by young, unknown artists on the hotel’s south wall that is most striking. Under the guidance of acclaimed contemporary artist Jeff Koons, emerging artists from the local Groundswell group have created a visual celebration of the culture and history of SoHo.

Informed by the Scandinavian principles of light and space, the 211 guest rooms have 11-foot-high ceilings and oversized windows allowing for an abundance of natural light and breathtaking views over Manhattan’s streetscapes. The hotel’s signature Terrace Suite has 270-degree views over some of the city’s most famous landmarks thanks to the landscaped, wrap-around terrace. With an equal emphasis on function and form, each room features custom lighting and furniture by Danish brands Mads Raaschou and Gubi, with a material palette of subtly-hued variations of wood, warm metals, velvet, and wool. Bathrooms are elegantly outfitted with porcelain tile, marble countertops, and brass trimmings, and feature organic Grown Alchemist and Glossier products.

The hotel’s culinary concept has been entrusted to restaurateur-extraordinaire Stephen Starr, owner of such notable eateries as Morimoto, Upland, and Buddakan. Set to open in May 2016, 11 Howard’s restaurant Le Coucou will have Head Chef Daniel Rose, formerly of Spring, at the helm. A menu of classic French dishes with a modern twist keeps with the hotel’s timeless sensibility. Aperitifs come courtesy of The Blond, 11 Howard’s open and inviting bar. Already carving out a name for itself as SoHo’s hottest new drinking den, The Blond is perfect for evening cocktails, or dancing the night away as the elegant bar becomes an exclusive nightclub after midnight.

 

Rates from EUR 193.