NYC is Calling: PUBLIC Hotel Review
PUBLIC Hotel
215 Chrystie Street, New York 10002, United States.
Everyone is raving about Ian Schrager's latest hotel in the heart of the hip Lower East Side, so we flew to New York City to check out the hype. needless to say- the experience did not disappoint.
PUBLIC Hotel is an undeniably cool establishment that breaks from the norm of a tradition hotel experience. Schrager has created a space that is something both divergent and quite magnificent in the process, a real game-changer.
The hotel's mantra is 'populist not elitist'- a true testament to it's multiple communal spaces that are all specifically designed to foster interaction. Whether it be one of the three trendy bars on property or simply the very inviting seating area of the check in level, this is definitely a place to see and be seen.
Now we break it down for you:
First Impression
10 /10
Pushing the boundaries by eliminating all the unnecessary jobs and all the bells and whistles of a traditional hotel experience paves the way to affordable luxury for all and that is exactly what you can count on the second you step foot in PUBLIC. You can forget all the bell boys, the receptionists and the concierge. Instead, guests check in on their phones or on one of the many iPads on arrival.
You even have to create your own room key but don't worry, it is super easy. Instead, a team of young, multitasking PUBLIC 'advisors' buzz around in casual t-shirts exerting tablets: less hotel lobby, more Apple Genius Bar. What should be the lobby is instead, Louis- a coffee shop blended into a shared working space along with a cocktail bar (well played). Another cocktail bar, Diego, is located on the check-in level that is exclusive to hotel guests only but more popular is the rooftop bar with 360-degree views over the city as well as a night club on the basement level. The hotel has no room service but guests can pop down to Louis for a bite to eat or can contact a PUBLIC Advisor in the middle of the night to 'raid the pantry'- another clever and off-beat experience for hotel guests.
Location
8 /10
A newbie to the hip, slightly hectic Lower East Side- PUBLIC is located within a hub of notable bars and restaurants that are just within a few minute's walk. Much of downtown Manhattan, including Greenwich Village, Chelsea and Chinatown is on it's doorstep. Wander on over to SoHo for some great shopping only about five blocks away or cruise over to Brooklyn's fun and fashionable neighborhood, Williamsburg, which is just across the East River. There is subway access less than a minute's walk from the hotel, which can get you almost anywhere in the city pretty quick.
Style
9 /10
Enter what looks like a high-end apartment complex, you come up on a surprisingly tranquil front garden with large picnic benches and beautiful lilac blooms- creating a secluded and quiet atmosphere right along the busy and loud vibes of Chrystie Street. Buzz up a mirror-walled, neon-lit escalator to the check-in area and you get sensory overload going from secret garden to disco vortex to a check-in area that is both modern and sleek with long white couches, fur accents and wall-to-wall bleacher seating.
Designed by Swiss architects Herzog & De Meuron, the aesthetic is polished and flows effortlessly using elements of smooth concrete, bamboo and bleached wood. And from the man himself who founded Studio 54, there is definitely no lack of alluring accents such as a plethora of mirrors, smoked glass accents and flashes of neon strewn about.
Enjoy this trippy neon optical illusional as you wait for your elevator to beam you up to your room or the rooftop bar.
Rooms
8 /10
The 370 hotel rooms are immaculately designed and are well equipped with the latest technology. A master control panel with reachable access from the bed has the capacity to control the blackout shades covering the floor-to-ceiling windows, which descend at the push of a button as well as all of the interior lighting so you never have to get out of bed if you don't want to. Apple TV is readily available along with Bose speaker docks, which means guests can bring their own entertainment.
The rooms themselves are small, even by Manhattan standards but with sliding glass doors and seemingly hidden compartments- they are designed to utilize the most of their space. They are styled after luxury-yacht cabins with the minimalistic simplicity of Scandinavian-inspired elements such as fur throws, marble accents, reclaimed timber floors and concrete ceilings.
Their beds are ridiculously comfortable and are conveniently placed next to the floor-to-ceiling glass window for stunning city views day and night. Well worth the extra cost to upgrade to have a room with a "great view."
Did we mention they have full-sized shower necessities? And if you do so happen to run out of the complimentary toiletries, all you have to do is text a number and they will hand deliver more to your room. Also mentionable is the compact mini-fridge (cleverly hidden in the cupboard) comes with not one but two complimentary Evian water bottles to keep the savvy traveler hydrated.
While these rooms are not ideal for those hoping to lounge around or enjoy a long bath, once can certainly appreciate the cozy comforts of these rooms for a while... but why would you want to when there is a party going on outside the bedroom?
Value
8 /10
Rooms begin at $200 in the low season and rise to $450 in the high season, excluding breakfast. They do, however, offer free high-speed internet to all guests, which is a huge perk for the business traveler or the social media connoisseur.
The free high-speed wifi, complimentary water in the room, the filtered water stations on each level and the amount of action happening on property are all added amenities and experiences that most other hotels offer at a cost, making the appeal of this hotel even more exceptional.
Overall
8 /10
The verdict? It's simply like no other hotel- a rad spot to stay and play in the heart of New York City's Lower East Side. Nothing but good vibes. The staff couldn't have been more welcoming if they tried, the rooftop bar is incredible, clad with panoramic views of Manhattan- add two restaurants, a performance space and art gallery in the basement and you have an elaborate Rubik's Cube of a hotel that leaves the guest feeling anything but bored.
All in all, an amazing spot- a must see if you are in New York!
Thumbnail photo @publichotels