BACKGROUND
This is the fifth Pendry Hotel from management company Montage International, joining properties in San Diego, Baltimore, West Hollywood and Chicago, with new ones for 2022, including Pendry Washington DC – The Wharf. It has a sister brand called Montage Hotels.
WHERE IS IT?
Between Moynihan Train Hall and Hudson Yards in Manhattan West, an eight-acre and six-building mixed-use complex between 9th Avenue to 10th Avenue and 31st to 33rd Street. The hotel is on a corner of 33rd street and the pedestrianised Manhattan West Plaza.
WHAT’S IT LIKE?
Discreetly luxurious. The entrance to the hotel is almost hidden by some small ornamental trees, giving it a residential feel. Doormen open the two sets of double glass doors and usher you into reception which features a fireplace. There are floor-to-ceiling windows making this a bright and welcoming space, which isn’t always the case in New York hotels, particularly on the lower levels in canyons of shadows from the surrounding skyscrapers. The hotel has been designed by architectural design firm Skidmore, Owings and Merrill with an undulating glass façade and interiors featuring art from Nancy Lorenz and John Wigmore. Staff are friendly, assured and professional. Room corridors have a golden glow to them and feel classic in a sort of art deco way, yet also very luxurious and modern.
ROOMS
The hotel’s 164 rooms, including 30 suites, have interiors by Gachot Studios and range from 30 sqm to 118 sqm for the Pendry Suite. Rooms are on floors 6 to 21. All rooms have floor-to-ceiling windows, and though views differ, for those facing the glass-faced building opposite, drawing the curtains is probably advisable.
Entry level Deluxe City Kings are 30 sqm and have Fili d’Oro sheets, large LED smart HDTVs, a marble bathroom with a walk-in shower and Min New York amenities, while City Double Double rooms are 32 sqm and have two double-size beds. Alcove Studios are 34 sqm and then rooms on the higher floors (termed Skyline) have better views. The lighting in the rooms by L’Observatoire International is beautiful, but not easy to use. There is complimentary tea and coffee in the room along with bottled water, and an extensive minibar.
FOOD AND DRINK
On the ground floor just off reception, the Garden Room is good for working while sipping coffee by Australian brand Vittoria. The space has lots of plants and benefits from the corner location with light coming in through the floor-to-ceiling windows and feeling airy with its double-height ceiling and artworks, including John Wigmore’s white Moriki collage panels.
Also on the ground floor, Bar Pendry has a high-end speakeasy feel to it, with a counter-height marble bar and a wall installation by New York-based abstract painter, Nancy Lorenz. There’s a large fireplace surrounded in floor-to-ceiling, oil-rubbed bronze.
The Vista Lounge is the all-day dining venue with its own terrace, while Zou Zou’s is the signature restaurant, a 75-seat modern Eastern Mediterranean eatery designed by AvroKo, with cooking from chefs Madeline Sperling and Juliana Latif. At the time of our stay it was days away from opening, but it looked inviting, with an open kitchen with a wood-fired oven, dark woods, off-white walls and vibrant blue and green tiles. The rooftop terrace and bar will open in early 2022, and is one to look forward to.
MEETINGS
The hotel has 557 sqm of meeting space, including a ballroom, a breakout area with bar, a boardroom, and an outdoor terrace, one of four at the property on different levels.
LEISURE
There is a 24-hour, 158 sqm fitness centre with Technogym equipment in one room and then a further movement studio for classes as well as the use of Peloton bikes.
VERDICT
A boutique hotel that feels intimate and has the aura of a special secret, providing excellent service and situated in a great location.
FACT FILE
- BEST FOR The location right next to Hudson Yards in a hot new area of Manhattan
- DON’T MISS Stepping out onto one of the terraces for stupendous views of New York
- PRICE Internet rates for a flexible midweek stay in February 2022 started from US$548 (£408) for a Deluxe City King room
- CONTACT 438 W 33RD ST, NY 10001; (212) 933-7000; pendry.com/manhattan-west
