With New York City experiencing a massive resurgence in tourism, its hotels are being called on to meet travellers with savvy, safe spaces that offer (some) bang for your buck. In response, a slew of new hotel openings over the last year, including CIVILIAN, have joined the city’s smorgasbord of tried-and-true properties. Among these is ModernHaus SoHo, a dapper new spot in one of the city’s most popular neighbourhoods.
While this hotel stay was complimentary, all thoughts and opinions are our own.
ModernHaus SoHo review: a neighbourhood icon
Hotel snapshot
Hotel: ModernHaus SoHo
Address: 27 Grand Street, New York, NY 10013, USA
Rooms: 114 rooms and suites
Style: Contemporary, art-filled urban luxury with a residential feel
Location: SoHo, Downtown Manhattan
Best for: Couples, design lovers, shoppers, foodies and city breaks
Family-friendly: Yes, with suites sleeping up to four and connecting rooms available
Wellness: 24-hour fitness centre with Peloton and Technogym equipment; seasonal rooftop pool
Standout feature: Art-filled interiors and JIMMY rooftop, with panoramic views across Manhattan and the Hudson River
Prices from: US$500–650 per night, depending on room and season.
Setting the scene
In its previous life, ModernHaus SoHo was another popular hotel, and those familiar with the original will find subtle holdovers still lingering, including the rooftop bar and the prime location on the neighbourhood’s southwest corner. From here, guests are well-placed to access everything the area—and the city—has to offer, from chic boutiques and department stores to top-tier restaurants, bars, and attractions.
The entry experience kicks off the design detailing at ModernHaus SoHo
Now, as the first hospitality venture in the city from Thor Equities Group, ModernHaus SoHo boasts an approachable aesthetic created by the Group’s director, Jack J. Sitt and stylist consultant Melissa Bowers. Inspired by the Bauhaus movement, this is a design-forward property that blends intelligent interiors with creature comforts.
Clean lines and geometric patterns abound, while floor-to-ceiling windows flood the hotel with natural light and classic New York views, allowing SoHo’s energy and style to take centre stage. Drawing on the heritage of its neighbourhood, ModernHaus SoHo also boasts a compelling art collection of paintings and sculptures by artists like Hans Hartung, Harland Miller, KAWS, and Nicolas Party. Many pieces come from Sitt’s own collection, creating a distinctly personal perspective of modern art.
The room
Wake up to stunning views (Image: Nikolas Koenig)
There are 114 guestrooms and suites at ModernHaus SoHo, all of which come with panoramic city views, an abundance of natural light, and an intuitive, sleek design. My Skyline King Studio is a coveted corner room dressed in neutral tones, carefully enlivened by pops of colour in the artwork and chairs.
There’s nothing quite like waking up in a plush king-sized bed to awe-inspiring New York views, though the in-room breakfast of decadent pancakes, enjoyed while daydreaming by the windows, comes close. The tiled bathroom is far smaller than the room itself, but has been cleverly designed with a walk-in rain shower, Le Labo amenities, and lighting that’s perfectly thought out for applying make-up (or shaving).
All the extras
I’m only here for a one-night stay, but for those who have time to linger, ModernHaus SoHo has plenty to offer. Twenty Three Grand is a collection of drinking and dining spaces, while the lounge-like Jumpin Jacks is a breakfast and cocktail bar specialising in high-end coffees and quality libations.
A pointed remnant of the hotel’s previous iteration, Jimmy is a beloved year-round rooftop bar that’s been a neighbourhood nightlife staple for years thanks to its seasonally-inspired cocktails and decadent bar bites. I didn’t get a chance to visit myself, but friends who have say it’s still a top choice for drinks in the area.
The Signature Room is the perfect hideaway for private events or meetings (Image: Nikolas Koenig)
For guests needing to work off their indulgences, ModernHaus SoHo has a fully-equipped 400 sq-ft gym where you can work up a sweat amid downtown views. Of course, you might prefer to grab a lounger on the rooftop pool deck instead, as I do for a quick 30 minutes of me-time before I check out.
Frequently asked questions: ModernHaus SoHo
It is at 27 Grand Street in SoHo, in Downtown Manhattan. The hotel is surrounded by SoHo’s cast-iron architecture, designer shops, independent boutiques, galleries, restaurants and cafés.
Yes. Although it is south of the main Midtown attractions, the location is excellent for exploring Lower Manhattan, SoHo, Greenwich Village, Tribeca, Chinatown and the Financial District. Several subway stations are within a short walk, making Midtown and Uptown accessible too.
Yes. Larger suites have separate living areas and can sleep up to four people, while connecting rooms are available. Children are also permitted to use the rooftop pool during daytime hours, although the rooftop becomes 21+ after 5pm.
If space matters, the Horizon Suite is a good choice, with a separate living area, sofa bed and capacity for up to four guests. For couples, the Skyline King Studio is appealing, with up to 380 sq ft of space and views towards SoHo and Tribeca. The Gallery Penthouse is the hotel’s showpiece, with expansive living and dining areas and views towards the Freedom Tower, Manhattan Bridge and East River.
Some are relatively generous by New York standards. Standard rooms are more compact, while the Skyline King Studio offers up to 380 sq ft and the Horizon Suite 660 sq ft. The larger suites also have separate living areas.
Yes, but it is seasonal. The rooftop pool at JIMMY is generally open from Memorial Day through Labour Day, weather permitting. Hotel guests have dedicated daytime access, while the rooftop becomes adults-only after 5pm. The pool is not heated.
Yes. JIMMY is one of the hotel’s major attractions, occupying the 18th floor with panoramic views across Manhattan, the Hudson River and the East River bridges. It is also open to the public, so it can become lively, particularly later in the evening and at weekends.
Yes. The 24-hour fitness centre is on the 17th floor and has Peloton, Technogym equipment, treadmills, ellipticals, free weights and yoga mats.
Yes. The intimate rooftop, stylish rooms, art-filled public spaces and excellent SoHo location make it particularly well suited to couples. It is also a good base for exploring restaurants, galleries and shopping on foot.
Yes. Dogs and cats are welcome, with a US$150 one-time cleaning fee per stay.
Yes. Canal Street subway stations are within a few minutes’ walk, providing access to several subway lines. This makes it relatively easy to reach Midtown, Brooklyn and other parts of Manhattan without relying on taxis.
Yes. One World Trade Center is around 1.4km away, making it an easy walk for visitors who want to explore Lower Manhattan.
ModernHaus SoHo is approximately 15.5 miles from JFK Airport. The easiest option with luggage is a yellow taxi, Uber or Lyft, with the journey taking around 45–60 minutes depending on traffic.
For a cheaper public-transport option, take the AirTrain from JFK to Howard Beach, then connect to the A subway train towards Manhattan and get off at Canal Street. From there, ModernHaus is a short walk away. The journey takes approximately one hour, including the transfer, and costs around US$12 in total. The AirTrain currently costs US$8.75, while the subway fare is US$3.
The verdict
There’s something to be said for well-considered boutique properties that manage to hit all the right notes. ModernHaus SoHo offers convenience, comfortable rooms, a solid collection of drinking and dining, and a useful selection of wellness facilities. Add in a reasonably affordable price point (for New York), and you’ve got a smart neighbourhood hotel poised to become a cosy bolthole for travellers and a social spot for locals.
Learn more about ModernHaus SoHo or Book through Booking.com Book through Expedia
But wait, there’s more…
- Discover the trendiest boutique hotels in Berlin, Germany
- We loved staying at Sala Rattanakosin in Bangkok
- And these are the hotels where celebrities did weird things
