01 June, 2017
Making a colourful splash in Manhattan's Upper Midtown, The Whitby is the second addition to Firmdale Hotels' New York portfolio (following the effervescent Crosby Street Hotel in SoHo) and packs an eccentrically British punch characteristic of its designer, Kit Kemp.
While the whimsical interiors are an ode to contemporary design, the hotel has a homely feel in its informal areas, such as the drawing room, which beckons guests to peruse one of many bookshelves before sinking into an overstuffed armchair by the fireplace. The hotel is perfectly positioned for visitors but, like its London siblings, Charlotte Street and Ham Yard, it will no doubt become a hit among locals who'll want to sleepover after the weekend film club in the 130-seat basement cinema.
Set over 16 floors, the hotel's 86 rooms and suites are an outrageous mishmash of patterns, colours, textures and artwork. It's a chaos that delights and surprises at every turn. Oversized patterned headboards dominate bedrooms filled with chintzy lampshades, jewel-coloured curtains, swirling rugs and vintage chests, all illuminated by floor-to-ceiling windows that lead out on to lofty terraces offering skyline views.
Choose from an extensive buffet, while eggs definitely come sunny-side up thanks to a large skylight that bathes the orangery breakfast room in soft morning light.
The all-day restaurant offers imaginative seasonal plates and an English cream tea.
Yes, and it's the hotel's crowning glory. Here, 30ft of polished pewter gleams underneath an installation of hanging wicker baskets, which have been imported from all around the UK, while grey oak floors are juxtaposed with acid yellow, green and red leather bar stalls offering front-row views of an impressively stocked back bar. It will no doubt become a destination in itself.
Along with the aforementioned cinema, the hotel has a gym, private dining and meeting rooms, valet parking and an all-important DVD library.
You will never achieve the same perfectly curated chaos in your own home.
Central Park and Broadway are just a stone's throw away, as well as some of the city's best museums and galleries.
