While Los Angeles is all about that Hollywood glam and Miami has art and culture in abundance, New York is known for the neon lights of Broadway. But hotels in the theatre district are often cookie-cutter bland. Enter CIVILIAN, a discreet property hidden on West 48th Street that offers restrained visual drama inspired by Broadway.

While this stay was complimentary, all thoughts and opinions are our own.

A review of New York’s CIVILIAN hotel

A theatrical delight

Set between Hell’s Kitchen and New York’s theatre district, CIVILIAN boasts a somewhat unlikely location in midtown Manhattan. But with Times Square, the theatres of Broadway, Rockefeller Center, and the ritzy boutiques of Fifth Avenue in striking distance, it’s also very centrally located.

CIVILIAN hotel new york facade
The striking brick facade welcomes you in to this hotel

The brainchild of hotelier Jason Pomeranc—who founded SIXTY Collective in 2014—and conceptualised by award-winning architect David Rockwell and the Rockwell Group, CIVILIAN is an extension of the dynamic neighbourhood it’s located in. Together, they have created a theatrical atmosphere without veering into kitsch territory. Mission accomplished, thanks to rich red tones, lush velvet fabrics, marquee-inspired lighting, set-like elements, and a collection of artwork and installations showcasing the best of Broadway.

I arrive at the small lobby to find dramatic red curtains, theatre seating, and mobile kiosks for a quick check-in. I also discover that guests can tailor their CIVILIAN stay to get exactly what they need. At a basic level, you’ll get a room, 4pm check-in, and on-demand cleaning. But, book the all-inclusive for daily housekeeping, daily breakfast, access to the TMPL Health Club on the next block, and check in at 10am – we love an early check-in.

The room

New York City real estate is notoriously short on space, so it’s no surprise that rooms at CIVILIAN are pretty small. Even so, I’m surprised to walk through the door and realise exactly how tiny my Cozy Queen room is. It’s just big enough for one, so if you’re travelling with someone, book a Spacious room.

art at CIVILIAN hotel new york
Be sure to get up close and personal with the art that lines the walls

What it lacks in size, though, the room makes up for with retro theatrical touches. The plush queen bed has velvet drapes across its four-poster structure and offers downtown and Hudson River views. There’s a rotary phone on the wall and a cosy red velvet banquette seat just big enough for two.

The bathroom is equally small, though outfitted with Public Good amenities and a Dry Bar hairdryer, and dressed in a vintage palette of white and brass. In the entryway, there’s a small closet (read: hanging space and two drawers) inspired by theatre costume trunks. Opposite, the triple-panel mirror with Hollywood-style bulb lighting has “Welcome, we are so happy you are here!!” scrawled in pink lipstick. Well played, CIVILIAN. The only thing missing is a minibar and some sort of coffee set-up to start the mornings with.

The rest of the company

As Broadway casts have their leads and ensembles, CIVILIAN has its bedrooms and a range of supporting facilities—mainly in the form of restaurants and bars.

Starchild is the rooftop bar and lounge where cocktails are served alongside incredible vistas of the neighbourhood. If it’s elevated American fare that you desire, head to Rosevale Kitchen and Cocktail Bar, a two-storey restaurant offering an upscale dining experience.

bar at CIVILIAN hotel new york
Settle in at the bar after a day of exploring the city

Wednesdays are jazz nights here, and by 7pm, a four-piece band takes over the corner of the room to belt out covers of popular tunes as the crowd chat quietly and sip well-crafted cocktails. The next morning, I head back to the lounge for breakfast, which, for now, is a pared-back offering of coffee, yoghurt, muesli, muffins, and bagels. It’s then I notice that one wall is filled with miniature set replicas of some of Broadway’s most popular musicals—while sipping my coffee, I spot examples from Moulin Rouge, Hadestown and—of course— Hamilton.

New York City has hotels aplenty. But at CIVILIAN, guests are assured of having a stay that has as much personality as a Broadway diva—without all the accompanying drama.

Discover more about CIVILIAN or Book through Booking.com

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