11 Howard, New York - hotel review

Scandi style comes to the Big Apple
One of the stylish bedrooms
Nicola Trup20 December 2016

A converted post office, street art, electric skateboards... If you were to guess where these three elements collide you might suggest somewhere in Brooklyn — Williamsburg, perhaps, or up-and-coming Gowanus.

You’re not far off. 11 Howard is in New York but it’s over the East River in Manhattan, in a corner of SoHo that hasn’t been taken over by the cool crowd just yet.

After serving as a post office, the century-old building at, yes, 11 Howard Street, was home to a Holiday Inn but was reborn as the boutique-style 11 Howard this spring. It’s the latest hospitality venture of New York real estate tycoon Aby Rosen, whose eclectic business interests include the Gramercy Park Hotel and the iconic Seagram Building.

It’s been completely refurbished, inside and out. One side of the building has been covered with a 150ft-tall psychedelic mural painted by artists mentored by Jeff Koons — he of (giant floral) Puppy and (again, giant) Balloon Dog fame. The huge mural encompasses Chinese dragons, the city skyline and a giant fork.

The hotel’s 150ft mural

Inside it’s a little more low-key. From the high ceiling of the dimly lit, bleached-wood-panelled lobby hangs an Alexander Calder mobile. Cool but slightly spacy staff stand around checking guests in on iPads. A spiral staircase leads up to the Library, a calm space filled with a carefully curated mishmash of furniture where guests can have breakfast, a cuppa or a cocktail, or do a bit of work.

The décor in the rooms is along similar lines. The work of design studio Space Copenhagen, the vibe is Scandi-minimalist, with beige walls, wooden furniture with a mid-century accent, and block-colour fabrics in dusky tones.

While New York isn’t known for its spacious hotel accommodation, my King Room felt particularly compact, with not much floor space to be seen — and it wasn’t even the smallest room category on offer. Those in search of something a little more spacious should opt for a Howard Deluxe or one of the suites, such as the Terrace Suite, which comes complete with a wrap-around deck.

Alamy Stock Photo

The subterranean bar, The Blond, seems rather out of keeping with the rest of the hotel — but not in a bad way. This is a sultry spot dotted with velvet couches and draped fabrics — plus a huge array of booze behind the bar. Meanwhile, the restaurant, Le Coucou, was still under construction during my visit in early summer but it’s now up and running, serving an experimental menu featuring veal tongue and wagyu tripe.

The hotel has a few interesting partnerships with local organisations; minibars are “curated” on demand, featuring a selection of healthy snacks, and some of the proceeds go towards feeding families in need.

That mural, meanwhile, was a collaboration with public art body Groundswell, which works with disadvantaged young people as well as professional artists.

A bartender mixing drinks at Le Coucou restaurant

The neighbourhood

Truth be told, this is a bit of an odd location for a hotel such as 11 Howard. It’s technically just beyond the boundaries of Chinatown proper but pretty much all I could see in the immediate vicinity were Chinese and Vietnamese restaurants and corner shops.

However, you’re a short walk from SoHo’s bars and restaurants, as well as Tribeca, location of the renowned film festival and a growing number of chi-chi places to eat and drink. A little further is the waterfront; make your way to Hudson River Park, a lovely, relaxed spot on a sunny evening. The hotel is also within walking distance of a subway station, so the whole of New York City is at your disposal.

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Oh, and those electric skateboards? They’re available to borrow if you want to head out on four wheels.

11 Howard, 11 Howard Street, New York City, US (001 212 235 1111; 11howard.com). Doubles start at £322, room only.

Rooms: ★★★

Service: ★★★

Value: ★★★

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