On my recent trip to New York, I had the pleasure of staying at one of Morgan Hotel Group's newest hotels and the third Mondrian hotel to date, Mondrian SoHo. Make no mistake, this beautiful hotel, which opened in February 2011, is a destination in and of itself with its luxurious and refined style. The moment you walk through their lit up garden hallway, you'll feel like you're being whisked away into a secret world.
Inspired by Jean Coucteau's 1946 French romantic fantasy film La Belle et la Bte (Beauty and the Beast), designer Benjamin Noriega-Ortiz created a romantic getaway that's filled with whimsical touches like a lobby with flowery ceiling murals, eclectic chairs and and feathery lamps. As strange as this may sound, somehow it all works together beautifully.
Peek around the corner and you'll come across a magnificent sight. Just to the left is Imperial No. Nine, a seafood restaurant that's in, what looks like, a greenhouse. The glass roof building is adorned with gorgeous hanging chandeliers and is accentuated with sweet potted plants and ceramic birds. There's also a row of over-sized glass sculptures created by artist Beth Lipman, a nod to Coucteau's story in which seduction takes the form of an elaborate feast, prepared nightly. (Tip: To enjoy the pretty atmosphere, have brunch, coffee or drinks here.)
Upon entering the rooms you'll notice that the blue and white color scheme from the lobby has been carried throughout the hallways and into the rooms. While the standard and double rooms are a bit small, one comes to expect that in a New York City hotel. Best part? Look out through the large floor-to-ceiling windows to see amazing views of New York City right from your bed.
Overall, I can't say enough about how completely magical this place felt. If you're familiar with the Mondrian hotels in Los Angeles and Miami, you'll know that the brand loves to incorporate design in a way that feels luxurious but chic, comfortable and clean. Next time you're making your way to New York, make sure to check this hotel out. You'll feel like you've fallen down a rabbit hole and, unlike Alice from Alice in Wonderland, it's one you won't ever want to leave.
