There's a new hotel in New York City. It's not just any hotel, it's Ian Schrager's newest addition to his hotel group and it's designed by Herzog & De Meuron. The whole idea behind Public Hotel is to counter the threat of Airbnb, which is increasingly putting hotels out of business. Public focuses on the social and communal aspect of the hotel, which explains why it's such a good all-rounder. There are multiple restaurants, bars, performance space, club, a huge lobby with fluffy couches and probably the coolest rooftop in Downtown Manhattan. I went to have a peek inside the day after their big launch, so I've got a little sneak peek for you!
The idea behind Public is to bring affordable luxury, so rooms start from a reasonable $200/night. They've cut costs by not providing room service, having a self-check-in lobby and removing all the typical hotel frills. The result is a very stylish lifestyle hotel, without the hefty price tag. Exactly what New York needed! Enough talking, I'll show you what it looks like on the inside...
And a nice design store behind it. I usually don't think hotel shops are very interesting, but in this one, you kind of want it all.
On the right side of the entrance there's an all-day grab & go deli called Louis.
All the way at the back of the ground floor there's the Public restaurant. Jean-Georges Vongerichten (remember?) is behind it, so it must be good. I should try it soon!
The very spacy-looking escalators will take you to the lobby and the lobby bar.
Although Public is an affordable hotel, it doesn't seem like they were stingy with the details and art. There are lots of nice details all around the hotel for you to discover.
The best part of the whole hotel is the rooftop. I was in awe when I went up there for the first time. You get a perfect 180 view of Midtown Manhattan and Downtown. It's really incredible, and I hope the pictures somewhat translate it!
I just want to chill here all day.
Public is for sure the hottest place in town right now. They've got everything covered, from amazing food to rooftop parties. I can't wait to spend some more time here during my last weeks in New York!
>> Public Hotel bookings & restaurant reservations