It had been almost a decade since my last visit to New York City. Memories of a pre-Covid, pre-Trump era lingered – a city buzzing with an unparalleled energy, a truly unique character amongst global destinations. Whispers had reached me in the interim, tales of a city losing some of its luster, of grittier midtown streets and a subway system becoming less safe, echoing narratives from decades past. Would the vibrant New York I remembered still be there?
Returning recently, those concerns proved unfounded. New York, resilient as ever, seemed to have weathered recent global challenges with a unique strength. Arriving in Tribeca, a long-time favorite neighborhood, felt like stepping back into the New York of cherished memories. This welcome feeling was significantly amplified by the discovery of a new hotel that effortlessly dispels any lingering doubts: the Warren Street Hotel.
Tribeca neighborhood in New York City with classic buildings and street scene
The Warren Street Hotel is the newest addition to the Firmdale Hotels group, renowned for their collection of distinctive boutique hotels. Firmdale, known for properties like the Charlotte Street Hotel and Covent Garden Hotel in London, as well as the Crosby Street Hotel in New York, has a knack for imbuing each location with a strong sense of place. Naming their hotels after their addresses is a bold statement of this commitment to location, and Warren Street Hotel is no exception. For those familiar with Firmdale’s London hotels, the Warren Street Hotel offers a similar blend of sophisticated design and impeccable service, now in the heart of New York.
As my taxi turned onto Warren Street, the hotel’s striking aquamarine glass and steel facade immediately stood out against the more subdued tones of the surrounding buildings. The floor-to-ceiling, wall-to-wall windows promised breathtaking views. Stepping into my 10th-floor suite, the expansive window dominated the space, stretching across the entire wall of both the lounge and bedroom. It almost overshadowed what truly defines these hotels: the exceptional interior design.
Warren Street Hotel lobby showcasing colorful and eclectic design
The creative vision behind Firmdale’s signature style is designer Kit Kemp. Walking into the lobby is like being personally greeted by Kemp’s aesthetic. A vibrant explosion of color greets you – bold primary hues, abstract patterns, contrasting textures, and captivating artworks. It’s a visual delight at every turn. Kemp’s designs possess a unique quality; they feel both inviting and aspirational, embodying the essence of a beautifully designed home. The style is bold yet refined, eclectic yet cohesive. Signature touches abound: tactile textured fabrics, like the exquisite linen wall coverings, thoughtfully framed pictures, and strategically placed red accents – in this suite, manifested as a pair of scarlet painted chests in the living area.
Warren Street Hotel suite interior with king bed, colorful decor, and city view
Adding to the experience are carefully curated artworks and objets d’art, Kemp’s own Tall Trees toiletries, and elegant Spode china in the discreet kitchenette. The centerpiece of the bedroom was a truly magnificent bed with an oversized headboard, creating a space you genuinely didn’t want to leave. Kit Kemp’s book, ‘Every Room Tells a Story,’ placed on the coffee table, seemed particularly apt. As I unpacked and explored the room’s amenities, I found myself appreciating every detail with a heightened awareness, more so than in any other hotel room I could recall. However, it wasn’t until I raised the blinds and revealed the view that the truly remarkable location became apparent. Directly in front of me stood One World Trade Center, majestically towering above the immediate cityscape.
The World Trade Center site is just a short walk away. After a quintessential cup of tea, brewed in a proper teapot (a delightful rarity!) from the kitchenette and enjoyed in the Spode china, I strolled down to explore. The area has undergone a profound transformation. The new World Trade Center, now a decade old yet still strikingly modern and elegant, overlooks the poignant memorial – a cascading sculpture marking the footprints of the original buildings. Amidst the contemporary architecture, upscale shopping, diverse restaurants, and attractions like the Oculus and the 9/11 museum, a palpable sense of solemnity remains, underscored by the single white roses placed beside names, commemorating birthdays of those lost.
The Oculus transportation hub at the World Trade Center in New York City
My walk back to the hotel took me along the Hudson River and through Rockefeller Park, offering a distant view of the Statue of Liberty. Venturing north, I explored Chelsea and the West Village. My visit coincided with the Whitney Biennial at the Whitney Museum of American Art, a museum surprisingly absent from my previous New York itineraries – a common oversight for tourists often focused solely on institutions like the Met.
Among its impressive collection featuring American masters like Edward Hopper and Georgia O’Keeffe, the Whitney Biennial stands as the museum’s flagship exhibition, a leading survey of contemporary American art for over 90 years. The 2024 edition, Even Better Than the Real Thing, showcased 71 contemporary artists exploring current critical themes, sparking conversations among the city’s art enthusiasts. This year’s subjects included gender identity and the impact of AI.
Whitney Biennial exhibit featuring colorful and abstract artwork
Among the many noteworthy pieces, Pippa Garner’s satirical exploration of consumer culture, ‘impossible inventions’ rendered in retro magazine ad style, stood out, almost hidden on the 3rd floor. Two hours immersed in art, following a long morning of walking, led to a welcome break at the museum’s new Frenchette bakery. A pizz’ete and a refreshing yuzu soda provided the perfect energy boost.
Beyond the Whitney, there were other new discoveries. The now-iconic High Line, opened since my last visit, was conveniently close to the museum. Having experienced a new perspective of the city from above, I made my way to Chelsea and revisited the decidedly not-new Chelsea Market. A beloved New York institution since my first visit back in the mid-2000s, Chelsea Market has evolved considerably. While still offering grocery and market produce, it now leans heavily towards trendy eateries and boutique shops, all while retaining its distinctive red brick charm.
Chelsea Market interior with red brick walls and various food vendors
It’s remarkably easy to lose yourself in the rhythm of New York, exploring on foot. My Garmin watch registered over 16,000 steps as I returned to the Warren Street Hotel, gratefully sinking into an armchair in the lounge. The honesty bar provided a much-needed drink and snack, a gentle reminder that attempting to experience everything in a single day is impossible. As I considered dinner in the hotel restaurant, thoughts of the next day’s adventures already began to form.
New York, it’s wonderful to be back, and my appreciation for you has only deepened.
The Warren Street Hotel, 86 Warren Street, New York, NY 10007. Superior rooms start at $875 per night. For more information and to explore other Firmdale properties, including their acclaimed hotels in London, please visit www.firmdalehotels.com.
The Whitney Biennial is open until August 11, 2024. For details, visit www.whitney.org. For information on the World Trade Center and its attractions, visit www.officialworldtradecenter.com. For Chelsea Market information, including vendor details and events, visit www.chelseamarket.com.
For travel inspiration and trip planning in New York City, visit the official tourism website at www.nyctourism.com.
Hotel photos by Simon Brown
