11 Howard, New York, a Member of Design Hotels

11 Howard, New York, a Member of Design Hotels Overview

Honestly, I wasn’t sure what to expect from 11 Howard when I first walked up to it on that quiet stretch between Canal and Grand – it’s tucked away just enough that you feel like you’re discovering something, but close enough to Spring Street that you’re still in the thick of SoHo’s energy. The building itself is this gorgeous Danish-inspired brick structure that actually fits the neighborhood perfectly, which is saying something because SoHo can be pretty unforgiving to anything that feels forced or flashy.

What struck me immediately was how they’ve managed to create this incredibly calm, almost zen-like atmosphere right in the middle of one of Manhattan’s busiest shopping districts. The lobby has this warm, minimalist Scandinavian thing going on – lots of natural wood, clean lines, but somehow it doesn’t feel cold or sterile like some design hotels can. You know what I mean? There’s actual personality here. The staff genuinely seems to get that travelers want helpful information, not just polished smiles, and they’re surprisingly knowledgeable about the neighborhood’s hidden gems. I mean, they pointed me toward this little coffee spot on Crosby that I never would have found otherwise.

The rooms themselves are spacious by New York standards – and I’ve stayed in my share of shoebox hotels here – with these huge windows that actually open, which is rarer than you’d think in the city. The design feels intentional without being precious about it, lots of natural materials and muted colors that somehow make you feel more relaxed than when you walked in. What I really appreciated was the attention to practical details: proper lighting for reading, enough outlets in useful places, and a bathroom that doesn’t require gymnastics to navigate. The beds are seriously comfortable too, which matters when you’re walking 15,000 steps a day exploring the city. Now, I’ll be honest – the 7.6 rating makes sense when you consider the price point and the fact that service can be a bit inconsistent depending on who’s working. It’s not quite at that effortless luxury level of some five-star places, but it doesn’t feel like it’s trying too hard either.

Location-wise, you’re perfectly positioned to explore both the artsy gallery scene and the shopping, plus you can easily walk to Little Italy, Chinatown, or catch the subway at Canal Street. The neighborhood gets busy during the day but actually quiets down nicely in the evenings, so you’re not dealing with constant street noise. There’s something refreshing about staying somewhere that feels very much like New York but also gives you a genuine break from the city’s intensity – which, let’s face it, is exactly what you need after a full day of navigating crowds and concrete.

11 Howard, New York, a Member of Design Hotels Accommodations

Reviews of 11 Howard, New York, a Member of Design Hotels

• Jan-willem from Netherlands (8/10)

  Location & design…great bed & quite so good sleep!!

• Elvira from United States (8/10)

  2nd floor library was a great space to hang and do some work

• Hedayat from United Kingdom (8/10)

  Clean beautiful rooms and good service

• William from New Zealand (7/10)

  Great location in the heart of Soho. King rooms are good .

• Adema from United States (7/10)

  Semi-new, location was nice, not a lot of food options around.

• Lisa from United Kingdom (7/10)

• Tahnee from France (8/10)

  The location was superb and suited all our needs.

• Marta from Canada (9/10)

  I loved this spot. I ALWAYS use Conde Nast as a guide to get my hotels – they did not let me down. Also, it was one of the only hotels that I could find with 2 double beds. I don't know if it was the location or that we had a the two double beds but in comparison to other Manhattan hotels this was ROOMY. Rooms were spotless. Staff was lovely, helpful and kind.

• Nicole from United Kingdom (8/10)

  Great location and very comfortable rooms

• Louise from Australia (8/10)

  Fantastic location, beautiful design, very comfortable bed and pillows, super clean

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