The best hotels in SoHo, New York

This West Broadway address couldn’t get much better, with SoHo hotspots such as Balthazar, Osteria Morini and City Winery a short stroll away, not to mention a host of other hotspots and indie boutiques. Inside, design pays tribute to old New York and two vital periods in the area’s history – the 1870s Gilded Age and the offbeat and artist-driven 1970s. The hotel boasts two restaurants and a bar as well as a late-night club that plays live music. Rooms are incredibly welcoming and comfortable – if you’ve ever entered somewhere and wished you could call the place home, it’s here. You can even order your own pet goldfish on room service.

The glass façade and electric blue light at the Crosby’s entrance promise a flashy boutique hotel, but inside it’s all understated elegance. The hotel is located in the heart of desirable SoHo, but on a quiet cobbled street which feels away-from-it-all (although in reality it’s mere steps from some of New York’s faddish retailers and dining spots). Rooms have floor-to-ceiling windows; splurge for a Meadow Suite which comes with a private terrace garden. The superb Crosby Bar and Terrace serves a range of tempting fare, from cocktails to afternoon tea. Extremely friendly and efficient staff will greet you by name, and if you need to stay in amenities include a gym and a 99-seat cinema.

As a sister property to Chateau Marmont, The Mercer attracts a stylish set of travellers and locals. The magnificent landmark Romanesque Revival structure, built in 1890 for John Jacob Astor, is a stand-out on the block. The 74 loft-like rooms on six floors overlook the bustling streets of Soho. Tall city windows deter noise but allow tons of natural light, framing glimpses of life happening below while creating artwork for the stark white walls. Meanwhile, Jean-Georges Vongerichten’s Mercer Kitchen continues to draw celebrities and New York socialites with a market-driven menu that offers dinner choices running the gamut – from sashimi to seasonal wood-fired pizzas to roasted chicken.

Luxury hits a high note at the canopied entrance of this sleek high-rise that feels like a chi-chi Manhattan apartment building. Once inside the two-storey lobby, take note of the rich woodwork, natural stone, mid-century modern-inspired furniture and dramatic lighting, as well as bronze, black and pewter finishes (adding a touch of industrial chic that’s fitting for the neighborhood). An 11,000 square foot full-service spa is one of the hotel’s highlights, featuring New York’s first Turkish hammams among other things. As for accommodation, more than a third of the 391 rooms are suites, featuring floor-to-ceiling windows and phenomenal views.

This five-star boutique hotel offers a quiet escape steps from the bustling shopping areas around Prince Street and Broadway. The ground-floor entrance features an intimate lounge area with a fireplace framed by shelves of art, fashion, travel and design books; the first floor lobby, its picture windows framed by large curtains, feels like a comfy living room with sofas, lamps and more books. The 97 rooms are minimalist with a simple black, white and grey colour palette and elegant touches including blue velvet sofas and marble-walled bathrooms. Classic French cuisine is served at the hotel’s bijou restaurant, Bistrot Leo, and you can grab a cocktail in the Butterfly Bar – a jazzy space with Sixties vibes.