With clear views of downtown Manhattan, including the top of the Freedom Tower, ModernHaus SoHo, in the artsy, paving-stoned streets of Manhattan, is one of the most romantic boutique hotels in town.
(ModernHaus SoHo is also included in our 11 NYC Hotels That Are Sexy As Hell).
While midtown NY is a checkerboard grid, SoHo vectors diagonally off Broadway between West Houston St. and Canal into Grand, Mercer, Spring, Greene, Broome, Prince, and other Streets. Over the last few decades, art galleries, cool restaurants, and a slew of trendy boutique hotels have cropped up.
Some hotels have already changed hands – or names – including this one. It was originally built as the James SoHo and reopened after a major renovation, as the ModernHaus in April 2021.
This hotel is unique in that it’s a narrow, contemporary, stand alone high-rise. As such, it affords incredible lower Manhattan views from every room. This is its super power – and one that draws domestic and international travelers by word of mouth alone.
First Impressions of ModernHaus SoHo
The entrance to ModernHaus is rather pedestrian, and the lobby, small. But what it lacks in size, it makes up for in statement art: two large Harland Miller posters that portend more important works to come throughout the hotel.
The whole hotel, in effect, is a modern art museum, thanks to co-owner, Jack J. Sitt, who shares his personal collection with his guests. Walls in all the rooms, restaurants, and common areas are bedecked in a variety of colorful art by the likes of Alexander Calder, the aforementioned Miller, and Kaws (with his signature “X” eyes).
There’s a tiny, two-person reception desk. So, check in is intimate, friendly, and very helpful.
Drinking and Dining at ModernHaus
ModernHaus is quite unique in that its three bar/restaurants are popular not only with guests, but with locals as well. Jumpin Jacks, a coffee house, casual eatery, and cocktail bar (depending on when you go), and Jimmy – the rooftop bar – is worth a go for the views alone.
The ground floor glass elevator ascends only to the third floor – where you’ll find the casual Jumpin Jacks, a European style coffee house by morning, bar at night. Floor to ceiling windows overlook the goings-on on Grand Street below.
On many weekday mornings, tourists and businesspeople with laptops and ear-pods populate the stylish tables, couches, and chairs. Why chose this hotel? Many say that they’ve grown tired of the corporate monoliths in midtown and were looking for a smaller boutique.
The vibe here is more international biz than fashion chic, but you can definitely feel the buzz – and not just from the coffee.
Beyond Amazing Views
Like at many new (or newly renovated) boutique hotels in New York, the rooftop bar, Jimmy, is a scene most nights. Add 360-degree views of downtown Manhattan (including the Hudson, the Freedom Tower, and Empire State Building), a small swimming pool, and last-hurrah corporate holiday party, and you’ve got yourself quite a mob scene.
Rooms at ModernHaus
Every single guest room in this 18-story stand-alone tower offers an iconic New York City view – whether it’s said Freedom Tower, Hudson River, or Empire State Building, not to mention the squat apartment buildings topped with water towers that so define SoHo.
Bathrooms
ModernHaus brings a bit of steam to your toileting activities. One whole bathroom wall – the one that overlooks the bed – is actually…. peek-a-boo – a window. (Yes, it does feature a blackout shade, for the shy).
Floors and large rain shower are dressed in small, deep copper colored tiles – a handsome hue for an open-concept salle de bain.
Beyond ModernHaus
This area of New York calls for meandering, with echoes of the past in every Victorian-era cast-iron building. In fact, the majority of the 250 cast-iron structures (more economical than stone construction in the mid 1800’s) that remain in New York City can be found in SoHo.
Interestingly, the children’s book publisher, Scholastic, is headquartered here.
Wander into art galleries and shops, showcasing newcomers, and mid-century masters like Chagall, Miro, and Calder.
For a brunch treat, try to score a table at the bagels-made-from-scratch-before-your-very-eyes Sadelle’s.
The Getaway Mavens have much more for you in New York City. Check out the following:
- Central Park South: The New York City of the Movies
- Get The Best Broadway Show Tickets For Less
- Madison Avenue: A More Intimate Designer Shopping Experience Off 5th
- Downtown NYC: I’ll Take Lower Manhattan
- See the Real Stephan and Other Opportunities in Midtown Manhattan
- NH Collection Hotel, Grand Central Station, and Morgan Library
