SoHo isn't really the same place it was in the nineties. Back then, you went there for the grit and the sprawling artist lofts that smelled like turpentine and expensive cigarettes. Now, it's a hyper-curated maze of flagship luxury stores and tourists holding green juices. Right at the intersection of Howard and Lafayette Streets sits a building that effectively bridges those two worlds. If you’ve been searching for the howard street hotel new york, you’re almost certainly looking for 11 Howard.
It's a place that feels deeply "downtown" without trying too hard to be cool.
Honestly, New York hotels can be exhausting. They’re either so loud and "vibey" that you can’t sleep, or they’re corporate boxes that make you forget you’re in Manhattan at all. 11 Howard does something different. It’s owned by real estate mogul Aby Rosen, a man known for his massive art collection and for turning historic buildings into cultural landmarks. He took a 1961 office building—which, let’s be real, was probably an eyesore—and gutted it to create a Scandinavian-inspired sanctuary.
Why This Howard Street Hotel New York actually stands out
When you walk into 11 Howard, the first thing you notice is that it doesn't look like a hotel. Not really. There’s no massive, intimidating front desk. Instead, you'll see a couple of staff members with iPads, usually wearing branded sweatshirts that look better than most of the clothes in my own closet. It feels more like a private club or a very wealthy friend’s entryway.
The design is the work of Anda Andrei and the Danish firm Space Copenhagen. They went all-in on "conscious hospitality." What does that mean? Basically, it’s a commitment to minimalism that doesn’t feel cold. Think wide-plank light oak floors, custom furniture that looks like it belongs in a museum, and brass accents that catch the light from those massive 11-foot windows.
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It's a vibe.
The Anna Delvey Connection (The elephant in the room)
You can’t talk about this hotel without mentioning its most notorious "resident." If the name sounds familiar from a Netflix binge, it’s because this is where the fake German heiress Anna Delvey (Anna Sorokin) lived during her infamous scamming spree. In the show Inventing Anna, they called it "12 George," but the real-life drama happened right here at 11 Howard. She basically treated the place like her personal fiefdom, tipping $100 bills to the staff until the credit cards—and the facade—finally gave out.
It’s a weird bit of New York history, but it adds a layer of notoriety to the hallways. It also says something about the hotel's discretion; they’re used to high-profile guests, even the ones who turn out to be fictional.
What it's actually like to stay here
Let's talk about the rooms. New York hotel rooms are notorious for being the size of a walk-in closet, and 11 Howard doesn't exactly break that mold. The standard rooms are tight—roughly 195 to 210 square feet. If you’re coming with three suitcases and a bad attitude about space, you’re gonna feel it.
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But they use the space well. The high ceilings help. The light helps even more.
The Amenities and "Conscious" Touches
- The Bed: It's a custom-designed mattress with high-thread-count linens. People genuinely rave about the sleep quality here.
- The Tech: Everything is controlled via tablets. You order your room service, adjust the lights, and talk to the front desk without ever picking up a corded phone.
- The Bathrooms: Expect brass fixtures and Grown Alchemist products. The lighting is actually designed for people who need to look good, which is a rare win in the hotel world.
- The View: Depending on which way you're facing, you get these incredible views of Lafayette Street or the cobblestones of Howard Street. It’s classic Lower Manhattan.
One thing to note: there’s no gym inside the building. Instead, they give you access to a high-end gym nearby. For some, that’s a dealbreaker. For others, it’s a chance to walk through SoHo and pretend they live there.
Dining and Nightlife: Le Coucou and The Blond
You don't just stay at 11 Howard; you eat there. Le Coucou, the ground-floor restaurant by Stephen Starr and Chef Daniel Rose, is a powerhouse. It’s one of those places where you actually need to dress up. The food is high-end French—think Pike quenelles and duck with cherries. It’s won Michelin stars and countless "best of" awards. Even if you aren't staying at the hotel, the bar at Le Coucou is a great spot for a drink if you can snag a seat.
Then there’s The Blond.
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Located on the second floor, The Blond is a cocktail lounge that turns into a full-blown nightclub as the night goes on. It’s dark, it’s velvet-heavy, and it has a strict door policy. If you’re a guest, you usually get priority, which is one of the biggest perks of staying here. It’s the kind of place where you’ll see fashion editors and "it" girls sipping $22 cocktails. Just be prepared: it gets loud. If your room is right near the lounge, you might hear the bass.
Navigating the Howard Street Area
Location is everything. Howard Street itself is a tiny, two-block stretch that has become one of the most fashionable spots in the city. You have Opening Ceremony (which started here), Rick Owens, and Agnes B right on your doorstep.
You’re also at the intersection of everything else. Walk three blocks south and you’re in Chinatown eating $5 dumplings. Walk three blocks north and you’re in the heart of SoHo shopping. Go east, and you hit the Bowery and the Lower East Side. It’s probably the most walkable part of Manhattan if you want to see the "real" downtown.
Realities to Consider
- The Fees: Like many NYC hotels, there’s a "facility fee" (sometimes called a destination fee) that can be around $45 a night. It’s annoying. It covers the Wi-Fi and some credits, but it’s still a hidden cost to factor in.
- The Lighting: The hallways are notoriously dark. Like, "I need my phone flashlight to find the keyhole" dark. It’s intentional (the aesthetic!), but it can be frustrating if you just want to get to your room.
- The Service: It’s casual. If you want a white-gloved concierge who bows when you walk in, go to the St. Regis. Here, the staff is young, hip, and efficient, but they aren't going to fawn over you.
Actionable Insights for Your Visit
If you’re planning to book the howard street hotel new york, keep these specific tips in mind to get the most out of it:
- Book the Corner Studio: If your budget allows, skip the "Howard Queen" and go for a Corner Studio. The extra windows and square footage make a massive difference in how "cramped" you feel.
- Check the Event Calendar: The Blond often hosts private fashion parties. If you want a quiet night, check if there’s a major event during your stay.
- Dining Strategy: Make your Le Coucou reservation weeks in advance. It is still one of the hardest tables to get in New York City.
- Use the Library: The second-floor "Library" is a great co-working space. It’s quiet during the day and has great natural light—perfect for knocking out a few emails before heading out.
- Direct Booking: They often have a "conscious hospitality" deal where a portion of your stay goes to a partner charity (like Global Citizen) if you book directly through their site or the Design Hotels portal.
11 Howard isn't just a place to sleep; it’s a specific slice of New York culture. It’s for the person who wants to be in the middle of the fashion world but needs a quiet, Scandinavian-designed room to retreat to when the city gets to be too much. It’s not perfect—the rooms are small and the hallways are dark—but it’s authentic to the neighborhood it calls home.
Before you book, check the current rates on the official 11 Howard website or through the Marriott Bonvoy app, as they are a member of the Design Hotels collection and you can often use or earn points for your stay.