The latest Kimpton hotels to open in Manhattan are known for their striking art and interior design. And the pioneering neighborhoods they’re located in have lots to catch your eye, too.
The Hotel: Ink48
The reception desk at Ink48
The 17-story building originated as a printing press in the 1930s. Traces of its industrial history emerge today in the colossal windows and original brick exterior. Inside, past meets present in a soaring lobby that plays upon the notion of “pocket parks” (small and oft-unexpected green spaces that animate New York streets). In the midst of it all is a 16-foot-tall bronzed wall of glass, stone, and leather that towers behind the reception area. Guest rooms envelop you in a swirl of white, ruby red, and chocolate brown – an appealing color combination trumped only by the great views of Hudson River and Midtown from the hotel’s rooftop terrace.
The ‘Hood: Hell’s Kitchen
Prohibition-era bootleggers and gangs like the Westies, Gophers, and (fictitious but formidable) Sharks and Jets from West Side Story once ran the streets of Hell’s Kitchen, located between 34th and 59th streets, and 8th Avenue and the Hudson River. But these days, it’s all much closer to heaven than you think, thanks to the emergence of destinations like 46th Street’s Restaurant Row, the Time Warner Center’s Shops at Columbus Circle, and Comedy Central’s recording studios (Jon Stewart tapes The Daily Show just blocks from the hotel). Additionally, Times Square and the Theater District are nearby.
We hear that Madonna and Tom Hanks once called Hell’s Kitchen home. Get an interesting perspective on their former stomping ground by exploring the riverside path located a block west of Ink48. Or simply wander the residential blocks populated by brownstones, walk-ups, bustling cafes, and tranquil community gardens.
The Hotel: Eventi
Eventi’s south veranda, with views of 6th Avenue
The 54-story glass tower cuts a bold silhouette in the Manhattan skyline. You can’t miss it from the ground, either: It occupies the entire city block of Avenue of the Americas, between 29th and 30th streets. Just like the artistic neighborhood it’s rooted in, the 292-room hotel casts a number of aesthetic lures, from the lobby’s “curiosity cabinet” (an interactive artwork that encases an image by artist Lori Nix) to line drawings and a 28-foot-long digital print by New York illustrator and painter Barbara Nessim. Local character also spills over to the outdoor public plaza flanked by a 20-foot-wide multimedia screen.
The ‘Hood: North Chelsea
Located on the southern tip of Midtown, the former warehouse district is a mix of business, brownstones, and luxury residences. You can also make the rounds of some of the city’s most avant-garde galleries, like Barbara Gladstone and Matthew Marks. Gallery opening nights (typically Fridays) bustle – but it’s nothing compared to the throngs of people you’ll find at nearby Penn Station and Madison Square Garden, where NBA games shake down.
Iconic New York spots, including Empire State Building and Macy’s Herald Square (made famous in the film Miracle on 34th Street), are within walking distance. When night falls, there’s funky Koreatown, where you can karaoke and nosh on kimchi and barbecue until nearly sunrise.
Traveling to NYC? To book a room at Ink48, call 877-843-8869 or go to ink48.com. For Eventi, call 866-996-8396 or go to eventihotel.com.
Story by Laura House; Ink48 photo by David Phelps; Eventi photo by Chris Sanders
