The best boutique hotels in New York all have something special. Famed as the sister hotel to Hollywood’s legendary Chateau Marmont, The Mercer Hotel has had its fair share of scintillating stories and iconic moments since opening its doors in 1997. Located in the very heart of SoHo, the hotel attracts regulars such as Leonardo DiCaprio, Kendall Jenner, Hailey Bieber, Justin Timberlake and while we were staying, we also saw with our own eyes Zendaya walking out the main door and Jay-Z having a drink at the lobby. But if you think this impressive line-up of famous clients calls for glitter and an ostentatious display of wealth, then you’re in for a surprise.
We review The Mercer Hotel
Hotel: The Mercer Hotel
Address: 147 Mercer Street, SoHo, New York, NY 10012, USA
Number of rooms: 75 rooms and suites
Brand: Independent (part of the Mercer Hotels group)
Year opened: 1997
Style: Luxury boutique hotel housed in a restored Romanesque Revival building, combining loft-style architecture, contemporary art and understated New York elegance
Best for: Design lovers, fashion-conscious travellers, couples and visitors wanting an authentic SoHo experience
Family amenities: Family-friendly suites, connecting rooms available, spacious loft-style accommodation and babysitting services available on request
Wellness facilities: In-room fitness equipment available on request, wellness treatments and access to personal training services
Prices starting from: $900USD per night, depending on room and season.
A SoHo loft-like atmosphere
Before being turned into a hotel, this 1890 Romanesque revival building was home to loft apartments and artists’ studios. The interior décor by late French architect and designer Christian Liaigre is a chic, understated tribute to the building’s history and its neighbourhood.
Be sure to spend some quality time in the lobby
I felt at home from the very minute I entered the lobby, decked out in upholstered lounge-seating. I actually recommend grabbing a book from the bookshelves, taking a seat, and ordering a cappuccino or a Bellini (depending on the time of day) along with a New-York bagel with cream cheese, and spending some time in the said lobby. It’s a unique opportunity to capture the essence of SoHo’s lifestyle, but also your chance for celebrity spotting.
The 74 rooms and suites are designed to look and feel like SoHo’s lofts, and if your view of a five-star hotel’s room is that it should come with a display of opulent fabrics and an extravaganza of luxurious amenities, then you’ve checked into the wrong place.
The SoHo Suite is made up of interconnecting loft suites
Think low-key luxe in the form of large windows boasting unrivalled views of SoHo’s luxury shops and red-brick buildings, plush sofas, cushioned benches, minimalist bathrooms, and bespoke beauty products.
Impeccable service
Service and discretion are the hotel’s core values. Values appreciated by its most famous clients, but also non-famous demanding travellers, just like me. A welcome word such as “it’s a pleasure to have you back”, a free cab trip to a partner gym on Chelsea Piers (there’s also a closer partner gym which you can walk to), a booking at a close-by blow-dry salon, a document printed for you and brought to your room in an elegant craft envelope, an umbrella placed in your hand on a rainy day are all just some of the little details that truly made a difference on my last stay.
Frequently asked questions: The Mercer Hotel
The Mercer Hotel is one of New York City’s most iconic boutique hotels, known for its discreet luxury, artistic atmosphere and prime location in SoHo. Set inside a restored Romanesque Revival building dating from the late 19th century, the hotel combines loft-style interiors, exposed brick, high ceilings and contemporary design to create a stylish residential feel.
Unlike larger luxury hotels, The Mercer offers an intimate experience with personalised service, making it popular with travellers looking for a more private and design-led stay in Manhattan.
The Mercer Hotel is located at 147 Mercer Street in SoHo, Manhattan. The hotel is surrounded by some of New York’s best shopping, independent boutiques, art galleries, restaurants and cafés.
Its SoHo location also makes it convenient for exploring nearby neighbourhoods, including Nolita, Greenwich Village, Tribeca, Chinatown and the West Village.
Yes. The Mercer Hotel is a great choice for first-time visitors who want to experience a stylish, walkable and authentic side of Manhattan. While it is not located next to Times Square or Midtown’s major attractions, its SoHo location provides easy access to many of New York’s most popular neighbourhoods and attractions.
Guests can easily reach landmarks such as the Brooklyn Bridge, One World Trade Center, Washington Square Park and the shops of Fifth Avenue by walking, taxi or subway.
The rooms at The Mercer Hotel are designed to feel like elegant New York loft apartments. Many feature high ceilings, oversized windows, hardwood floors, exposed brick details and contemporary furnishings.
Accommodation ranges from guest rooms to larger suites, with some offering separate living areas and more space for longer stays or families.
Yes. The Mercer Hotel is particularly popular with couples looking for a romantic New York stay. Its intimate atmosphere, stylish interiors, excellent location and quiet residential feel make it ideal for weekend breaks, anniversaries and special occasions.
Couples can enjoy exploring SoHo’s restaurants and boutiques by day before returning to a relaxed, private retreat away from the busiest parts of Manhattan.
Yes, although it has a boutique, adults-focused atmosphere. Families may appreciate the larger loft-style suites, connecting room options and central location close to parks, shops and family-friendly attractions.
The hotel can arrange family-friendly services and amenities on request.
The Mercer Hotel does not have a traditional hotel spa or swimming pool. Instead, it focuses on personalised wellness services, including in-room treatments, fitness options and access to wellness partners.
The Mercer Hotel is within easy reach of many popular New York attractions, including:
– Washington Square Park – around a 10-minute walk
– Prince Street shopping and SoHo boutiques – steps away
– Nolita and Little Italy – a short walk
– West Village – around 15 minutes on foot
– Brooklyn Bridge – approximately 20–30 minutes by subway or taxi
– 9/11 Memorial & Museum – approximately 15 minutes by taxi
Travel times vary depending on traffic:
– John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK): approximately 45–75 minutes by taxi
– LaGuardia Airport (LGA): approximately 30–60 minutes by taxi
– Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR): approximately 45–75 minutes by taxi
Public transport options are also available from all three airports.
New York is a year-round destination, but the best times to stay are often spring (April–June) and autumn (September–November) when the weather is comfortable for exploring the city on foot.
The festive season in December is also popular, particularly for visitors wanting to experience New York’s Christmas markets, shopping and seasonal events.
What’s more…
There are plenty of excellent restaurants which I can recommend in the area. Make a breakfast booking at Sadelle’s and order the house salmon and the salmon salad to go with your bagel. Do not miss the opportunity to sip on a Bellini and sample the decadent Pasta alla Cipriani at Cipriani Downtown and save some space for Michelin-starred pasta at Don Angie or award-winning tapas at Casa Mono. You’ll thank me later.
And if you’re a crazy foodie just like I am, you’ll be happy to hear that The Mercer is also home to Sartiano’s. Here you’ll be treated to a modern fine-dining experience alongside a little bit more celebrity spotting in case you didn’t have enough.
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