Hotel Hugo

The Scene

Greenwich Street right above the Holland Tunnel is not exactly known as a busy area. There’s not much within the immediate vicinity of Hotel Hugo, but the peace you get is in itself desirable and often oh-so-very-needed. Yet expand your view and you’ll quickly find that there’s plenty to see and do (there’s even a children’s museum). Love the outdoors? The Hudson River is two blocks away with plenty of greenspace and excellent jogging---Four Points, for example, extends over the water and is an exhaust point for the Holland Tunnel beneath. Fun fact: Manhattan's only free tennis courts are within a 5 minute walk of Hotel Hugo (just ask the concierge where to go). In no time flat, suddenly Soho springs up around you with cafes, bars, and shops. Go south for the ever-fashionable Tribeca neighborhood in Lower Manhattan. While you may or may not see celebrities, you’ll definitely find excellent art and film (if you go during the Tribeca Film Festival).

The Concept

Picture a worldly and sophisticated young-ish Italian man. What kind of hotel would he want to stay in? Perhaps he’d select a street that is near trendy neighborhoods (but not yet one itself), something relatively quiet with a historic 20-story building just right for a laid-back, luxurious hotel---the kind worth ponying up for. We’d like to think Italian architect Marcello Pozzi, the designer of the hotel, is really Hugo himself. It certainly seems so: the very styles Pozzi is known for: clean and contemporary with luxury in every detail. The living wall pops with color and energy and is the perfect backdrop to the stunning lobby and Il Principe downstairs. Speaking of Il Principe, do not miss this deliberately simple Italian kitchen from Chef Carlo Bigi. The easy, assured luxurious atmosphere of the hotel flows into the restaurant and up to its rooftop bar. You’ll know right away that you belong amidst the dazzling views and specialty wines and cocktails.

The Look

Pozzi plays up the Hudson River views and history of the region mixing up polished Italian walnut paneling (a la a Mediterranean yacht) with unfinished industrial touches like concrete. The palette works whether it invokes the Hudson just outside the hotel or simply a classic muted color scheme that echoes the industrial elements of the design. We love the beautifully “worn” leather look we find in the abstract-lined sofas and the accompanying tables are delightfully modern and not what we often find at home. But make no mistake: Pozzi knows how to make a statement. The lobby chandelier was the first “wow”, what with its polished chrome and variety of elements, but we found other simpler stunners nonetheless with a gorgeous marble countertop in the bathroom and gleaming, polished floor-to-ceiling headboards. Take in the sweeping views of the Hudson River or the city from your room (or rooftop bar); the higher up you go, the better the views will be. Any room is amply-sized, but either of the two Loft Suites truly impress with the views and a sitting area that beckons you to cozy up with a book and a glass of wine and enjoy the view around you.

In Short

For the discerning traveler in search of the authentically cool, Hotel Hugo has reserved a room for you.