It feels like a boom, at least in terms of US hotel development. Several
new debuts hitting LA, Miami and New York are making news with their
stunning architecture, iconic designs and eateries that, in some cases,
are even better than the hotels. For those that love hotels, like us, Firmdale
is hardly a new name with its numerous London properties like Soho
Hotel and Charlotte Street that have become synonymous with any London
stay. Now, The Whitby
joins the portfolio as their second New York hotel housed within a
chic, 16-floor building on West 56th Street at 5th Avenue, steps from
Central Park, MoMA, and some of the city’s best shopping. The hotel
itself features 85 rooms, many including terraces - a rarity in New York
- and an 86th, The Whitby Suite, a generous two-bedroom residence
comprising the entire top floor, complete with ample deck space,
stunning views, and superb furnishings. The property’s equally
impressive Whitby Bar and Theater are also worth a peak, should you find
yourself in the neighborhood.
In LA, the Sunset Strip gets its first new-build hotel in over 20-years with The James-
opening May 1st. A vast architectural, high-rise complex flanks both
sides of La Cienega boulevard with a 4-star boutique property that
exudes the youthful party-charm of other James properties in New York
and Chicago. With it comes a dramatic new rooftop resort area with
lounge and pool scene that’s become the prerequisite amenity of any new
LA hotel. To celebrate, the property will offer $30 room rates available
here
exclusively on Saturday, April 1. The hotel will also debut the first
West Coast eatery by Michael Schwartz - Miami’s acclaimed chef of
Michael’s Genuine. Also coming in May is Dream Hollywood,
a slightly more-architectural property with even more party-minded
outpost of Beauty & Essex, Tao, Avenue, and new concepts The
Highlight Room, and by the slice pizzeria, Luchini. The property (pictured) will
feature 179 guest rooms, a double-height lobby, and by Angeleno
standards, most importantly, another 11,000-square-foot rooftop complete
with pool and lounge scene.
Of the three U.S. hotel openings, Miami’s Four Seasons Surf Club
is the property we are most-excited about - which is a rarity given its
chain branding that we usually avoid. Located in the former Surf Club
space in northern Miami Beach, LA-based Richard Meier pens a grand
waterfront resort that contrasts the sterility of recent Edition,
Metropolitan and 1Hotels with stunning interiors by Joseph Dirand
that essentially changes the design narrative of trendy reclaimed-wood
and Cuban tile found from Ocean Drive to Soho Beach House. The hotel is
also home to Le Sirenuse Miami,
a new eatery and champagne lounge by Antonio and Carla Sersale of
Positano’s Le Sirenuse - A longtime JetSetReport favorite. The hotel
eatery and lounge recreates recipes of the famed Amalfi Coast property
with a design palette by Dirand that proves why he’s truly the best in
the business.
