The Whitby Hotel, NYC

TL;DR What makes this Manhattan boutique hotel special? Why should I stay here?

• Designer showcase: A colorful, playful Kit Kemp creation in Midtown Manhattan.
• Unique style: Metal-and-glass exterior opens to vibrant patterns, eclectic artworks, and bold interiors.
• Upscale vibe: Blends high-end facilities and stunning views with creative design.
• Prime Midtown: Surrounded by luxury hotels, shopping, and cultural landmarks.
• Check prices here

While we’d never miss out on a good stroll around NYC, it’s hard to leave this Midtown Manhattan boutique hotel.

It’s the kind of place you’ll never stop looking at, and its upscale facilities and gorgeous views fit perfectly into a neighborhood studded with luxury hotels and high-end retail.

The aesthetic is fabulous, balancing the threat of a clash with all the satisfaction of visual harmony.

You’ll walk through a metal-and-glass exterior into a sea of colorful patterns and one-of-a-kind artworks.

The Whitby is another of interior designer Kit Kemp’s showpieces, and it brings a playfulness to a neighborhood known for an elegant minimalism that can border on pretentious.

What are the rooms like?

• Room count: 86, all with floor-to-ceiling windows for light and city views.
• Design: Bold patterns, colorful rugs, and vibrant décor make each room unique.
• Variety: Superior and Deluxe rooms, many interconnecting; suites range up to 3 bedrooms.
• Penthouse: The two-bedroom Whitby Penthouse occupies the entire top floor.
• Amenities: King beds, minibars, smart TVs, Bose sound systems, sitting areas in suites.
• Bathrooms: Walk-in showers, RikRak amenities, granite or marble finishes with deep bathtubs in suites.
• See each room in detail here

They haven’t given up the glass walls, though, and every room at The Whitby has floor-to-ceiling windows, making them feel light and airy.

Each room boasts spectacular patterned furniture, vibrant rugs, and exquisite color schemes that make the whole unit feel like part of a dollhouse.

There are a wide range of rooms, from Superior to Deluxe, many of which interconnect so you can mix and match.

The suites, however, are particularly suitable for large parties. They run from one to three bedrooms, with the two-bedroom Whitby Penthouse occupying the entire top floor.

All rooms offer plush king-size beds, cute minibars, working areas, smart TVs and Bose Soundlink systems.

Suites will have gorgeous sitting areas, and any room on the top floors is going to have views that will make your stay.

Bathrooms are stocked with RikRak amenities and every one will have a delightful walk-in shower.

Your most basic option is decorated in sumptuous granite, while some suites are luxurious black-veined marble with deep bath tubs.

What are prices like?

> Check prices here

And what’s the food like? Any facilities we should know about?

• Main dining: The Whitby Bar & Restaurant, serving upscale American cuisine in eclectic surroundings.
• Afternoon tea: Classic British-style tea with Victoria sponge, truffle egg salad sandwiches, and champagne.
• Special spaces: Private dining rooms, Reading Room library, and a 140-seat Whitby Theater for events.
• Entertainment: Live jazz on Fridays and local vocalists on Saturdays.
• Facilities: Always-open fitness center with modern equipment.

The Whitby Bar & Restaurant serves upscale American cuisine in a truly unique space that exemplifies the eclectic design of this boutique hotel gem.

There are many different dining areas, some available for private dining, and all offer a comfortable meal in exquisite surroundings.

There’s a hint of England in the bundle of baskets hanging over the bar, but it’s the afternoon tea that really brings Old Blighty to New York.

The Whitby offers a selection of classics and twists, from a delightful Victoria sponge to truffle egg salad finger sandwiches. Top it off with tea or a cheeky afternoon brut.

Specially-designed dining rooms; the Reading Room, decked out with an entire library; and the 140-seat Whitby Theater are available for private rentals.

On weekend nights, there’s music to enjoy, with jazz on Fridays and local vocalists on Saturdays.

Always open is the air-conditioned fitness center, the perfect place to start your day before heading out into the city.

How is the neighborhood? Anything interesting nearby?

• Art & design: MoMA and Museum of Art and Design within walking distance.
• Nearby landmarks: Times Square, Radio City, Central Park, the MET, and the Natural History Museum.
• Entertainment: Broadway and Carnegie Hall close by for evening shows.
• Transport: Subway station on the same street for exploring all boroughs.

If you’re at The Whitby to indulge your interior design sensibilities, take advantage of the walking distance from the MoMA and the lesser-known Museum of Art and Design.

Other NYC classics like Times Square and Radio City are also around the corner.

Simply stroll through Central Park to get to the MET or the Natural History Museum, but make sure to take your time.

Once it starts to get dark, you’ll want to head to Broadway or Carnegie Hall to catch one of the latest shows.

If you’re looking for something a bit more underground or just want to check out the other four boroughs, the subway is on the same street.

And what about the reviews? What did other guests think?

Some things guests liked:

”We loved the friendly and happy design of the hotel and rooms; it was extravagant and gave a good feeling. Employees especially concierge have been very helpful and friendly. we loved the walking distance to central park in the morning and the live jazz evening in the hotel bar for evening. i was surprised about the silence in the rooms, especially since we have been so centrally located. We loved our terrace to sit in the mornings or evenings. we will be back again!….”

”The staff at the front; reception, concierge, parking and valet were fabulous. They couldn’t have been and kinder. We would come back for sure…..”

Some things guests didn’t like:

‘It was sometimes challenging to get someone on the phone (room service) at busy hours. but whenever i went to the reception, people were more than helpful – outstanding helpful…..”

”The bar was beautiful but the cocktails were small pours compared to the high pricing. Our room wasn’t ready so we were told we would be called when the room was ready. We walked around for almost two hours before deciding to go back and wait in the lobby until the room was ready. As we passed by the front desk: “oh by the way your room is ready“…..”

> Read all the reviews right here