ModernHaus SoHo NY: Knockout Views

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.

SoHo Cobblestone streets NYC

While midtown NY is a checkerboard grid, the recently “rediscovered” 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.

City Bikes lined up in SoHo NYC

Some hotels have already changed hands – or names. The Thompson is now Sixty SoHo. And 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.

ModernHaus-SoHo-Entrance

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).

ModernHaus SoHo lobby with Harland Miller poster art

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), is a lower-cost alternative to the excellent Veranda Restaurant (food by Michelin-starred Chef George Mendes). Jimmy – the rooftop bar – is worth a go for the views alone.

Jumping Jacks coffee bar and casual cafe ModernHaus SoHo NYC

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. 

Jumping Jacks Coffee Bar ModernHaus SoHo

On a recent Wednesday morning at 9:30am, tourists and businesspeople with laptops and ear-pods populated the stylish tables, couches, and chairs.

Some had just arrived from abroad and were tying up details before meetings in the area. I asked a duo, who had just landed from overseas earlier that morning, why they chose this hotel. They said that they’ve grown tired of the corporate monoliths in midtown and wanted a smaller boutique. A friend had recommended it.

The vibe here is more international biz than fashion chic, but you can definitely feel the buzz – and not just from the coffee.

ModernHaus SoHo rooftop pool

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 (that can feel pretty edgy on the cusp of a variant surge).

Moscow Mule Veranda Restaurant SoHo NYC

For the closest you’ll come to dining inside a greenhouse, book a table at Veranda, on the hotel’s second floor. In warm weather, the roof of this George Mendes/David Rabin/Abigail Kirsch collab restaurant retracts, creating a real outdoor dining experience.  Dishes are quite good, bordering on phenomenal – and best shared.

Rooms at ModernHaus

ModernHaus SoHo Corner King Studio view

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.

ModernHaus SoHo guest bathroom with window wall

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

Victorian cast iron architecture SoHo NYC

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.

Scholastic Books headquartered in SoHo

Interestingly, the children’s book publisher, Scholastic, is headquartered here.

Peter Lik Photography Gallery SoHo NYC

Wander into art galleries and shops, showcasing newcomers, (e.g. photographer Peter Lik), and mid-century masters like Chagall, Miro, and Calder.

Outdoor heated seating at Bistro Les Amis SoHo NYC

Try to score a table for brunch at the bagels-made-from-scratch-before-your-very-eyes Sadelle’s. Or, opt for a more traditional French lunch, at Bistro Les Amis (incredibly gooey and yummy Croque Monsieur).

Just the Facts

Rates, including taxes, fees, and breakfast at Jumping Jacks, start at $430 per night off-season midweek to over $4,000 for Penthouse Suite. Pictured Corner King Studio ranges from $575 to $800 per night.

The Getaway Mavens have much more for you in New York City. Check out the following:

ModernHaus SoHo review pin

Author

  • Malerie Yolen-Cohen

    Malerie Yolen-Cohen is the Author of the cross-country travel guide, Stay On Route 6; Your Guide to All 3562 Miles of Transcontinental Route 6. She contributes frequently to Newsday, with credits in National Geographic Traveler, Ladies Home Journal, Yankee Magazine, Shape.com, Sierra Magazine, Porthole, Paddler, New England Boating, Huffington Post, and dozens of other publications. Malerie’s focus and specialty is Northeastern US, and she is constantly amazed by the caliber of restaurants and lodging in the unlikeliest places.

    View all posts