Midtown, New York City
The Whitby Hotel
Design Legend
What it is
A new respite of the well-heeled, with an on-site orangery, drawing room and 130-seat movie theater.
What it isn't
Huge. There are only 86 rooms, each more charming than the last.
What we think
When Kit and Tim Kemp opened The Whitby Hotel, the entire interior design world let out a delighted sigh. It’s arguably the most delightful hideaway in Midtown—the type of place interior decorators go just to see and be seen. Guest rooms are awash in Kit Kemp’s trademark pattern-on-pattern decor (note the riotous headboards that pop against the soothing gray walls), plus floor-to-ceiling windows, a granite-lined bathroom and, often, a private terrace that peeps out on the cityscape below. You’ll want to reserve an afternoon tea-time at the sun-lit Orangery; don’t miss eyeing the wall of porcelain pots etched with New York City landmarks by ceramist Martha Freud while you tuck into your pumpkin pie cheesecake and Veuve Clicquot.
You're here because
Rooms aren’t just lovingly decorated, they’re high-tech. You’ll have access to a SamsungSmart TV & Blue-ray DVD player; Bose Soundlink system and Tivoli Radio; and free, fast Wi-Fi.
The Moment
After an afternoon spent navigating the subway, you’re spent. Blessedly, the hotel’s 30-foot pewter bar beckons. You take a sip of your pink negroni—with hibiscus, of all things—and look up to admire baskets woven in Ireland and Scotland dangling above you. Suddenly, you’ve got renewed pep in your step. Think it’s too late to get Hamilton tickets?
Restaurants & Bars
The Whitby Bar & Restaurant - Traditional cuisine.
Location
The “good” part of Midtown, just a couple blocks from Carnegie Hall, Central Park and the shoppaholic mecca’s of Tiffany’s and Bergdorf Goodman.