Jetsetter

The James New York

New York, New York

About your stay

By Alexander Basek, Jetsetter Correspondent

This hotel is Jetsetter verified

Our editors have been here and it has met our standards.

95%

Recommended by 95% of 343 members.

Read 193 member reviews

Get a taste of New York’s downtown art scene — from your room. At the 114-room James Hotel in Soho, guests are surrounded by incredible work from local artists, coddled by eco-friendly amenities and greenery and located at Grand and Thompson, right in the middle of one of New York’s hottest neighborhoods.

The James New York

Jetsetter review

The 114-room James Hotel brings a touch of downtown style to West Soho’s burgeoning gallery — and hotel — scene. Unlike a lot of cookie-cutter properties in New York, the style at the James is tied to its location. In partnership with a local art gallery, the James features a rotation of work from New York artists in its public spaces and rooms; the wall by the staircase on the ground floor, for example, is covered with a mosaic of individual computer keys.

Starting at the top, it’s clear that the link to Soho goes beyond art. The hotel has a happening rooftop bar and seasonal pool area, with killer views of the downtown neighborhoods to the east.
East-facing windows offer sweeping views of decidedly low-rise lower Manhattan.
From high floors, West Broadway feels close enough to touch and the East River bridges loom farther off in the distance. The scene is art-party central after dark, and the expansive rooftop also includes a large indoor space.

There are dozens of great restaurants nearby, but your best bet is at the on-site David Burke Kitchen, which is clad in dark wood and metals and has a menu offering seasonal American dishes. In addition to the main dining room, there's also the Treehouse Bar, a great spot to sip artisanal cocktails such as sangria topped with pickled beets and baby carrots.

The warm tones in the guestrooms incorporate a touch of eco-friendliness in the form of recycled-wood floors and bathroom amenities from Intelligent Nutrients, Aveda founder Horst Rechelbacher’s line of organic products.

With peekaboo glass-walled bathrooms that can turn private via an electronic shade, hidden dark-wood storage cabinets mounted on the walls and inside furniture, and the views of Soho, the rooms themselves will feel instantly comfortable to New Yorkers in particular — they use their space in similarly clever ways.

The James may not be a brand that was born in New York City, but just like many a “local” New Yorker who has arrived from elsewhere, the hotel has adjusted to life in the Big Apple with style and grace.

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What to do

  • Explore. Founded in 1972, Artists Space is known for producing ambitious projects by young and emerging artists.
  • Shop. Don’t let its location at Canal Street and Broadway fool you: Pearl River is a superstore of Asian tchotchkes, home furnishings and more. Whether your purchase is big or small, we’ll bet you won’t leave empty-handed.
  • Dish. For a late night eatery that’s both glam and low-key, head to Blue Ribbon. With deliciously fresh fish and excellent Sake selection, expect a wait once the sun goes down.
  • Grub. Dive into old-school burgers and beer at Fanelli’s Cafe (94 Prince St.). This traditional Soho spot has a low-key vibe that’s perfect for serious burger lovers.
  • Sip. Experience Portuguese-Chinese fusion and killer cocktails at Macao, a swank drink den in Tribeca. Be sure to order the Drunken Dragon’s Milk, green-tea vodka blended with coconut purée, pandan syrup, Chinese five-spice bitters and Thai basil.

All tips and reviews are available to members.

Member Reviews (193)

First-hand knowledge from members who’ve been here on a Jetsetter trip.

  • What I liked

    Wonderful modern and natural decor; clean hotel room; hotel staff was first-rate and very helpful

    Siyeon L     2 years ago
  • What I liked

    Stylish. Great bed. Nice greeting. Wine and cheese. Fresh cookies. Attentive staff. First rate.

    Tom G     2 years ago
  • What I liked

    Friendly, responsive staff. Location. Decor. Amenities. Price was a great value.

    Billie M     5 months ago
  • What I liked

    The location and the staff of hotel was very friendly and accommodating. The rooms were beautiful.

    What I disliked

    Nothing, it was a great experience.

    Jaime W     3 months ago
  • What I liked

    Clean, customer service.

    What I disliked

    For the European smokers- no facilities. But it is ok.

    cezarina m     2 years ago
  • What I liked

    Friendly staff, impromptu upgrade, wine & cheese/pastries/fruit/cookies in the lobby throughout the day, awesome views from room, super comfortable bed, the Intelligent Nutrients bath amenities were so great that I'm going to buy them now.

    What I disliked

    The pool was closed during the day (out of season?), even though the weather was very warm, and we were not forewarned, so it was a bit of a bummer. The "Treehouse"/urban garden was nice but underwhelming when we were hoping for the rooftop. Slightly awkward that lobby is up a level, so if you want to pass through for snacks, you have to clearly go out of your way.

    Kate T     7 months ago
  • What I liked

    I liked the location. Very convenient for shoppping and great surrounding restaurants. Easy access to the Metro. The PEOPLE were awesome! Super friendly - loved the door men. Bathroom decor and shower were very nice

    What I disliked

    Rooms are small. I didn't like the bathroom products - even though organic, I didn't like the smell or feel of the bodywash, shampoo, or conditioner.

    Jennifer C     2 years ago
  • What I liked

    Attentive staff, free wine & cheese, free chocolate, turndown service.

    What I disliked

    Pool not open in the winter, limited outdoor patio access

    Matt C     5 months ago
  • What I liked

    Friendly. Great location. Fun rooftop bar. Wine & cheese happy hour. Good coffee in the lobby. Great restaurant recommendations.

    What I disliked

    Nothing

    Tim D     1 year ago
  • What I liked

    The location is great, the customer service is wonderful and everything from the building design, to the lobby to the rooms are wonderfully modern, comfortable and definitely one of our favorites!

    What I disliked

    Would like a mini-bar menu in the room - but really nothing to complain about.

    Anonymous User     3 months ago

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