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
My very short stay in Whitby Hotel was more than perfect! The location, sophisticated decoration, staff, service... everything was excellent.
I had a huge room with a big terrace.
It is going to be my no 1 adress in Nyc.
Inside the boutique Whitby Hotel in Midtown West, just West if 5th Avenue on 56th Street is the quirky, exotic and AMAZING Whitby Hotel Restaurant. wonderful atmosphere, decor, service and food. Quiet, sophisticated, exotic and touch of Britain. HIGHY RECOMMENDED
This is a small but beautifully formed hotel in an exceptional location. The rooms were spacious and tastefully decorated, we had a suite with terrace which was stunning, although below freezing so we didn't utilize it. The bar is great fun and busy with a jazz band. The Kemps have a quintessentially English touch with great taste. Wonderful stay.
The hotel is in a super location. 5/10 mins from so many great spots - Central Park, Rockefeller Centre, Times Square, MoMA, shops etc!! The staff were great and the hotel is beautifully decorated. However (and I appreciate this could be personal preference), only the suites had baths?! As an English person used to baths in most English and European hotels, particularly the ‘nicer’ ones, I was so disappointed that our room didn’t have a bath and we could only get one if we upgraded to a suite (if one was available and there wasn’t). I’m sorry but for the price I would expect a shower and a bath and I won’t be staying again for that sole reason. The shower was super but it’s not the same...
We enjoyed a four night stay with our adult family taking 3 rooms. We’d previously stayed at a couple of the groups’ London hotels and really enjoyed the comfort, service and ambience there. The Whitby didn’t disappoint. The rooms were beautiful furnished, comfortable and finished to a very high standard. The staff were welcoming and helpful. The drawing room, bar, dining room, library etc a haven from the busy streets of the city and the location worked well for all of us.
Only point of contention.... we a paid 30% deposit when the booking was made and the balance of $6,000 on arrival for the rooms.... it was a slight shock when a further $14,000 was pre-authorised on the Amex for extras!