Hôtel Americano, New York
15 June 2015
Words: Andrew Nagy Image: Undine Pröhl
In the mid-’90s, as rents in New York’s SoHo spiralled out of control, the city’s art galleries migrated to west Chelsea for more space and a less affronted bank balance. It was a move that brought bars, cafés and hotels to the area, too.
The gritty urban exterior of Hôtel Americano conceals 56 rooms coming in three types, each offering the feel of an urban ryokan. The work of Parisian interior designer, Arnaud Montigny, a beautiful Kengo Kuma bed dominates while black vinyl Zanotta beanbag chairs and denim Loden Dager robes emphasise the design-led experience. The rooms are minimalist but with a warmth that many of their competitors don’t – ask for something north-facing for a view of the Empire State Building.
Each room has an iPad filled with music, and a city guide offering a stylish trawl around SoHo. However, we advise a night in, just once. Order the bento box from room service and attempt a tune on the harmonica you can buy in the mini bar. Your normal hotel, this ain’t.
hotel-americano.com