The James New York

The Scene

The James New York really lets be the bird in the birds-eye view. On one side, you can see across the Hudson River; on the opposite lower Manhattan is laid at your feet. Pack your walking shoes because you’ll be going places here. One of our favorite walks in NYC starts almost right out the front door of The James going down Canal Street. On one side, Soho’s boutiques, ever-popular restaurants, and lounges beckon with their sophisticated vibe; on the other, Tribeca and its grittier and still-artistic atmosphere (with no small number of celebrity chef restaurants itself!) begs us to pop into the first galleries we see. Walk around 15 minutes east on Canal Street and you’ll find yourself in the midst of NYC’s Chinatown (a perennial favorite), and in around half an hour you’ll reach the East River.

The Concept

The James New York blends so many things into one stylish bundle---green design, a celebrity chef’s namesake restaurant, luxury amenities---that it surely is an art form all its own. (The collection of local art scattered throughout the hotel also adds to this atmosphere.) The James Club is something of a shrine to hospitality and art, moving effortlessly from day to night thanks to its timeless design by Cristina Grajales and providing complimentary snacks and refreshments to guests throughout the day. It even overlooks a neighboring sculpture garden. For a proper meal, David Burke Kitchen is the only place to go at any time of day; the menu changes weekly and follows the trends of local markets. After 5 PM, head up to the Treehouse Bar (also by David Burke and featuring smaller plates) for a dazzling view of New York. Rooftop bar Jimmy offers an intimate cocktail lounge inside and a stellar view outside---and, from Memorial Day until Labor Day, a pool.

The Look

Comfortably modern, nothing about The James New York is off-putting. Neutrals are used generously, relying on architecture (as in the James Club) and the views for serious “wow” factor. It would be near folly to not take advantage of its skyscraper status, so make sure to request a room higher up---the views will be worth it. While just about every room has stellar vistas, splurging on a corner suite is worth every penny for the unbroken view spanning entire walls of the room. Of course we can’t very well neglect to mention the expansive penthouse with its huge windows over the city (worth mentioning on its own), but we particularly love the enormous soak tub with its own views. Luxury is in the details; touches like the motorized screen that divides the bathroom and bedroom as well as complimentary bottled water, a rain shower, and Keetsa pillows (the most comfortable eco-friendly pillows out there). In short---all the comforts of home with all the luxury of not being home.

In Short

The James has really considered everything you could possibly want or need to make a stay special. Truthfully, we’ve only touched on the highest of points (else we’d go on for ages about this or that); the only way to experience this modern gallery of high design and luxury is to experience it for yourself.