HOTEL REVIEW: SOHO HOUSE, NEW YORK

Soho House is a private members’ club and hotel aimed at those of a creative type. But you don’t have to be a member to stay at one of their beautiful residences.

Anyone can book a room and get their fill of the Soho House perks, at venues from London to Istanbul, Miami to Mumbai.

Or, as I did recently, at Soho House New York, right in the heart of the city’s famous Meatpacking District.

First Impressions

Beyond the rather unassuming entrance of this old warehouse building. And past the low key reception (with super smiley staff). You get to see what a Soho House stay is all about.

It’s rustic-chic perfection. Distressed wooden floors, exposed brickwork, bare beams and cosy velvet armchairs. The vibe is intimate and inviting. You feel instantly at home.

Location

Soho House sits right in the middle of one of NYC’s most exciting neighbourhoods. The Meatpacking District and its cobblestone streets were popularised by the Sex & the City gals two decades ago. And it still retains a vibrant air of up-and-coming-ness.

Step out the door of Soho House and you’re a short hop from High Line Park, great for a sunny day stroll. The Standard, High Line Hotel – head to the top floor bar for sundowners! – is an easy amble away too.

Across a street, you’ll also find Chelsea Market, home one of my fave NYC seafood joint, Cull & Pistol. And you can make your way to the rest of Manhattan and the city from 14 Street Station, just a block away.

The Rooms

Soho House has 44 bedrooms set over seven floors. They’re all individually designed and range from Cosy to Large. As ever in New York, you have to flash the cash to get a room key for one of the big boys. But, as I found out, it’s totally worth it.

The Large room I stayed in had a huge bed. Seven feet to be exact. And an impressive freestanding tub. I encourage everyone to make a habit of having a good old soak in any Soho House bathtub they come across.

There was also a sitting area – upholstered in velvet, of course. All of the usual, rustic Soho House design features. And even though it’s in the middle of NYC, my room was surprisingly quiet.

Some little room extras…

Soho House really does think of everything and, whichever room you book, there are some great little extras to be found. I always come over all kid-in-a-sweet-shop.

But, let’s be honest, what hotel stay would be complete without your own cocktail making kit and cookie tin?

Wi-Fi comes as standard. As does a rainforest shower, signature Cowshed toiletries (you can even get away with forgetting the toothpaste) and a super-comfy bed with Egyptian cotton sheets.

Breakfast with a view…

Breakfast at Soho House New York is served on the almost-top-floor. Looking down onto New York rooftops whilst you chow down on eggs and avo is a magical experience.

(Granted, everything seems a little magical when you’re jetlagged. But I think this was genuinely something special. Being up in time for sunrise is always a little jetlag perk.)

Whether you dive into the breakfast buffet or order à la carte, you won’t be disappointed. Pastries, smoothies, pancakes and a breakfast quesadilla are just some of the delights you’re likely to discover. And you can book breakfast when you book your room if you so wish.

Steaks, snacks and burger stacks…

When hunger strikes at Soho House New York, there’s no shortage of places to head. Food and drink are served at the sink-into-me sofas of the Drawing Room and the velvety, fireside booths of the Club Bar.

The bare-brick-walled restaurant with its wooden floors, chandeliers and a menu of seasonal American Italian food is another one for the list. Tuck into steak and chimichurri, mac ‘n’ cheese or a juicy burger.

And if you’ve arrived late, there’s a menu of comforting sweet and savoury light bites to get you through till morning.

Any other perks…? Where do I start…?

Make like a member and indulge in Soho House New York’s seemingly endless selection of luxury facilities.

There’s a cosy 44 seater cinema showing a selection of classics and new releases. The Cowshed Spa offers a range of treatments and a lush escape from the hustle of NYC streets.

In need of a sugar fix? Head over to the hotel’s self-serve candy stand. Or take your pick of savoury goodies at the cheese and meat counter.

Then head up to the rooftop bar, Soho House New York’s own urban veranda. With fairy lights overhead, an easy chair to sink into and a killer view of Manhattan and the Hudson River, it’s an unforgettable cocktail spot.

A rooftop pool in NYC…

And, as if things couldn’t get any better, the hotel has its own rooftop pool. Which – believe me – is not an easy thing to come by in NYC.

Nautical striped sun loungers. Shady canopies. A heated pool open all year round (with a food and drink service throughout the summer). And a cool poolside playlist to soundtrack your cocktail quaffing.

Feel like part of the gang…

Soho House might be a private members’ club, but once you’ve booked your room at one of their hotels you’re welcomed like an old friend. Guest or member, service is always perfectly pitched – friendly and attentive but never overbearing.

And whilst a stay here is never what you’d call cheap, the luxury, the service and the sense of utter indulgence you get at Soho House New York makes it totally worth a splurge. Especially if you’re in need of a little R&R or want to treat a deserving special someone.

Becoming part of the Soho House kingdom, even just for a New York weekend, should be up there on every traveller’s bucket list.