With my room overlooking the vibrant lights of Times Square, life on the 22nd floor of the WestHouse hotel was rather like home with vertigo. The WestHouse’s design blends the elegant residential comforts of a Manhattan townhouse with the luxurious ambiance of a refined hotel environment, creating this five-star ‘home away from home’ experience. The interior and décor, designed by Jeffrey Beers International, was inspired by the hotel’s historical legacy and its proximity to Carnegie Hall, including modern interpretations of Art Deco references with a rich selection of dark woods, textured marbles, and bold graphics. There were welcoming, homely touches in the lobby – I only wish the keys dangling behind reception area were still in use, but alas 21st century credit-card-like door keys had replaced the originals. The atmosphere was slick with an unusual twist, making this hotel feel as charismatic as some of its neighbouring tourist hotspots.
Entering the lobby from 55th Street, just a stone’s throw from the lush green canopies shading Central Park, I felt as if I had stumbled into the pied-a-terre of an upscale global traveller. The interesting pieces displayed in the hotel’s entrance suggested the collection of someone who travelled the world. My favourite item was the custom hand-painted map on canvas; a detail of this carefully curated hotel inspired by aristocratic grandeur and luxury five-star accommodation, alluding to the idea of travel and exploration.
After the grand entrance, I made my way up to my room – entering through what seemed like a front door, a very elegant front door – matte black and paneled with a polished nickel door knocker. The room was well designed and all the pieces of furniture were in keeping with the overall art deco style of the hotel. The eucalyptus wood dresser, the double door built in wardrobe and the marble floor of the bathroom, added to the hotel’s atmosphere of old Hollywood glamour – accentuated by the knowledge that in the past the hotel had accommodated Carnegie Hall performers such as Mae West and Jackie Gleason.
Having spent 5 days in New York, I had visited several luxury hotels, and I must give a special mention to the king size bed, complete with a leather-buttoned headboard, which I sunk into, surrounded by feather everything (my heaven) for one of the deepest and restful night’s sleep I have had in a long time. Yes, I hear you say, ‘it’s New York, you shouldn’t be sleeping’, however, sleep quality is of paramount importance in this eternally awake city and this exceeded my expectations. Warning though – it was not easy to leave the comfort of my bed to get to a rowing class at 6.30 in the morning!
Beauty related items are a huge focus of the hotel. From personal shopping assistance, available at the click of a button, to state-of-the-art styling accessories in every room WestHouse offers its guests privileges that simply cannot be found elsewhere. At many hotels, it’s plush sheets and bedding that linger in the memory, however, at WestHouse a fragrance is used to remind guests of their stay: ‘Guests Only’ was created by the designers of 12.29, who have also created “olfactive identities” for clients such as Jason Wu, Rodarte, and Mercedes Benz. WestHouse’s truly memorable fragrance, with notes of warm spices, deep smoky woods, and subtle hints of tobacco and amber resins, artfully evokes the hotel’s sexy, chic and sophisticated ambiance. This is the touch of a luxury hotel that any discerning traveller would relish.
Beautiful, glamorous and refined WestHouse, part of Small Luxury Hotels of the World, encourages the kind of elegant and exuberant lifestyle that guests enjoy both at home and when travelling.
Address: 201 W 55th St, New York, NY 10019, USA
Phone: +1 212-707-4888
