UPDATE: also check out my newer and more comprehensive post about Crosby Street Hotel

Gorgeous design hotel in quiet SoHo location:

When I was looking for a hotel in the Soho area, I came across of the Firmdale Hotels. This rang a bell with me as I had recently researched the luxury hotels in London. And my husband and I were thinking about booking their The SoHo Hotel for an upcoming stay in this city. Hence, I had a closer look at their Crosby Street Hotel opened half a year ago. And I liked what I saw. So, we decided to give it a try for our family’s stay (couple with a teen) in NYC.

The Crosby Street Hotel is a middle-sized (88 rooms) design hotel in a quiet cobbled street in Soho. It is stylish without being too minimalist but appears warm and comfortable. 



All the rooms have impressing floor-to-ceiling warehouse style windows that perfectly suit the SoHo area.

The junior suite we had was spacious (43 sqm). It was tastefully decorated with top quality furniture and faced a quiet courtyard. There was a very comfortable king size bed and a sofa bed for our son. Unfortunately it was always bedded,  so I never saw the room with the sofa in a regular state.The bathroom was large enough for the three of us. As well as the room, it was beautifully designed, with two sinks, a nice shower and even a TV (but not with many channels working).

We did like the room very much although there were some imperfections. For example the air-condition system turned off during night-time without our having a hand in the matter (even after we complained).

As to the public space, there is a very hip bar/restaurant. If you are seeking quietude or in case all the tables at the bar are taken, you can use the drawing room (for hotel guests only). There is also a small fitness room. We did not dine at the restaurant except having breakfast four times. And it was good. We especially were fond of the egg dishes.The sweet dishes like waffles and pancakes were not our favorites. The service was sometimes rather slow, but as we were not in a hurry we did not mind. Also we went to the bar after dinner, but it seemed to be a very popular place. There was not always a table available for us. But there was always a space for us in the mentioned drawing room where they served drinks too. 



Staff in general was pleasant and helpful, again – as with the rooms – there were a few flaws. They were eager to help (a late check-out was granted without hesitation and with no additional costs), but occasionally something went wrong. For instance, when my son and I were checking-in, the room had not been ready yet, so we had to wait at the bar. We did not mind, but when my husband arrived more than half an hour later (he had to return our rental car), they showed him to our room. And my son and I were still waiting at the bar without being informed that the room was ready.

As to the staff, I have to highlight one person in particular. One of them was really extraordinary, and that was Stephanie (host at restaurant/bar). We chatted with her every now and then, which we enjoying. One evening, my husband went to the bar on his own. On this occasion, he casually mentioned to her that we got engaged at this very day 22 years ago in New York (we are Swiss). The next evening, when we went to the bar together, Stephanie was already expecting us. And imagine, she had arranged champagne and strawberries for us to celebrate this anniversary. A card with kind words (in German) was enclosed, what a wonderful touch!



Overall, the Crosby Street Hotel is a very good choice when staying in downtown NYC. Yet it has to be said that the rates are quite high compared to similar hotels. And such a pricing requires not only pristine facilities (well done here) but also an immaculate service (not always the case).

Date of stay: April 2010