The Whitby Hotel
What We Love
- Posh yet playful interiors designed by one of London’s arbiters of style
- Having a cocktail at the handsome bar, decorated with myriads of hanging baskets made in Britain
- Being steps away from 5th Avenue and Central Park
- The hotel’s 130-seat private cinema, which shows classic movies every weekend afternoon
What To Know
- Standard rooms are quite spacious for New York City, starting at 330 square feet
- There’s a small but well-equipped gym open 24 hours
- Kid-friendly property offering cribs, rollaway beds, and entertainment in the form of children’s books, board games, and DVDs
Overview
The Lowdown
The second New York City property from trendsetting UK hoteliers Tim and Kit Kemp is as chic as expected. Their hospitality group, Firmdale Hotels, includes some of London’s most Instagram-worthy addresses. Ms. Kemp, an accomplished interior designer, is known for her smart layering of boldly colored textiles, wallpapers, and artworks, creating atmospheres that are both cozy and theatrical. The Whitby’s 86 individually styled rooms, some with large private terraces, have warehouse-style massive windows framed by patterned curtains and are furnished with curvaceous upholstered headboards, rolled arm settees, and handpicked framed art. If you’re feeling extra indulgent, book the spectacular Whitby Suite on the 16th floor, which comes with two master bedrooms, a spacious living room, and two elegantly appointed terraces overlooking Midtown’s skyscrapers. Common areas display a distinctively British décor, especially the ground-level bar and restaurant, where a myriad of woven baskets from England, Scotland, Wales, and Ireland hang over a 30-foot pewter counter. Afternoon tea is served all day long at the adjacent orangerie, a present-day version of an Edwardian salon.
In the Area
Located on West 56th Street at Fifth Avenue, The Whitby is just three blocks away from Central Park. A few steps north of the nearest entrance is The Pond, an idyllic body of water that includes an island inhabited by birds and turtles, as well as seasonal flower displays. After this dose of nature, get a culture fix at MoMA, one of the world’s top museums, home to a collection of 200,000 must-see works of modern and contemporary art. Then head to nearby Bergdorf Goodman, the city’s most luxurious department store whose top-floor BG Restaurant offers stunning views of the park and tasty American and French classics. Book lovers shouldn’t miss Bauman Rare Books, a time-honored, gallery-like store featuring tomes dating back to the 15th century. Come nightfall, feast on one of New York City’s famous steaks at Quality Meats, a stylish restaurant designed by the award-winning firm AvroKO.
How to Get There
Reviews
This hotel is absolutely adorable! The rooms are large and clean. When most hotels put a mint on your pillow, these folks step up the game - you get eye creme and linen spritz!
The bathrooms have double sinks, towel warmers, a nice big shower with a shower head that makes you feel like you went a round with Tyson. There's also a bidet! The really large window with ledge, writing desks and the whole French country styling - complete with framed quilts on the walls are a sweet touch. Don't forget to go to the bar and partake in tea time. I had called down to make a reservation at the last minute and was told they were booked up, but I did tell the folks at reservation my hotel room. With in minutes, I get a call from the head of concierge, noting that they take take of folks in the hotel firstly - so table booked. Now, room service - good, but needs work. Food arrived cold, but they did replace it. This hotel would benefit from hot boxes that are used in most hotels. And, location. You're a block from the best shopping in the world. Also, most Uber drivers and cabbies do not know that this hotel exists. Even New Yorkers are taken aback. This hotel is rather new - it just turned two. The rooms are also soundproof. All, in all, this is my new NYC destination spot. PS - don't forget about the movie theater in the basement. Ya'll - that took the cake.
Stayed at the Whitby hotel this weekend. A mix of business & family. A fantastic experience. Great location, great staff, wonderful service. Rooms are so perfect you don’t even feel like you are staying in a hotel. Highly recommend. Our new go to NYC hotel.
The Whitby...another beautifully appointed hotel by the incredible Kit Kemp.
What feast for the eyes!!
The interiors at The Whitby are nothing short of fabulous. From the English/Irish baskets hanging over the bar, the Sunday Roast trays in perspex boxes in the dining room and the linen lined walls just add to the warmth and character that is Firmdale.
The staff are simply incredible.
The concierge team...Todd, Frederick and Danny...their knowledge of all things Midtown New York made our stay stress free and unforgettable. Nothing was too much.
The front desk always had a warm welcome and smile to greet you after a long day sightseeing.
I'd highly recommend staying here...it was like staying in some one's home.
We stumbled on this property by accident so glad we did. This is a hidden gem!!!
Very trendy yet not obnoxious.
For starters, the location is amazing. Close to everything!!! While getting a local feel.
The bar/ restaurant as soon as you enter is very inviting. Even if not staying there worth stopping by for the decor. Drinks are good with NYC prices to match.
They even offer dinner and a movie which seem like a real deal. Sadly, we missed it.
The common areas are inviting. I especially enjoyed the library room. It truly beckons to curl up with a book while sipping a brandy. (Honor system)
Front office and concierge profesional, helpful and approachable.
They give you actual keys to your room. Love the security. The elevator only moves with the swipe of your key.
The room. Oh the room. We had a terrace suite with lounge chairs and a dining table to dine al fresco when it’s not 33 degrees outside. The decor was clean yet chic. The bedroom spacious. Excellent nights sleep.
The en suite bathroom luxurious. Double vanity, deep soaking tub, separate spacious shower, and heated towels!!!
Not to mention the tv in the bathroom.
Fresh flowers in the living room and bathroom. Very nice touch.
I really appreciated the attention to detail.
I say that within a year Condé Nast will recognize this property.
Look forward to our return.
PS - room service food is delicious and they arrive when promised.
The hotel is fantastically located, Central Park is close as is 5th and 6th Avenues.
What a gem of a place to stay, great staff, very comfortable rooms and a decent bar and restaurant
The staff were always engaging and friendly, the concierge particularly paid close attention to guests needs.
Having been to NewYork a number of times this hotel is up there with the best
Will definitely go again