A WEEKEND IN NYC AT KIT KEMP’S WHITBY HOTEL

By Sharri Harmel

Kit Kemp’s Firmdale hotels have always been on my list of special places, and The Whitby in NYC did not disappoint. It is a beautiful, quirkily decorated hotel with a bit of the British vibe of fabulous customer service combined with hominess. The decorating, whether in rooms, elevators, or dining area, is in total contrast to the sleek, contemporary look of so many luxury hotels in NYC. That’s why I loved it! There are actually porcelain plates hung on the walls! Not very NYC at all, but I love quirky. I feel comfortable in quirky.

Especially for a single gal, there is huge value to staying in your same much-loved hotel group whenever you travel. When you find what you like, keep it, whether it is style, cooking, cars, or airlines. The décor feels familiar, and that translates to safety. The sheets, towels, and even scents are again familiar; therefore, you can relax into your stay and get a lovely night of sleep. Plus, given Firmdale is a British hotel group, the tea is served hot and brewed to perfection.

Like all Kit Kemp’s London hotels, the Whitby in NYC has a lovely little living room off the lobby with the usual honor bar. This was my regular place of inspiration over the weekend. I’d start writing with a glass of champagne or a warm beverage nearby, and the ideas would flow.

The Whitby also has a Restaurant and Bar in the same building. It is open to the public, so it was pretty busy in the evening, but I made reservations for dinners and breakfasts ahead of time, just in case. I always say….go to NYC with a purpose. For me, it was to see plays and walk, so I didn’t have the desire to find the most talked about new restaurants. Having a restaurant just off the lobby was perfect for me. I’m also a room service gal, especially for breakfasts, which were wonderful. When I checked in, I was asked if I needed anything, and a Nespresso machine was mentioned. As a Nespresso addict, I almost danced when it arrived in my room, and I appreciated making my own 4:00 espresso before heading off to dinner or a play.

The artwork throughout the hotel is fantastic, especially in the restaurant. If you like color, you’ll be in your happy place. The restaurant has comfortable seating with a gorgeous bar for that late-night cocktail. You’ll sink into the chairs or sofa in the little living room. The staff was helpful and attentive, and the location was just a couple of blocks from Central Park.

It was a fantastic weekend that began with an easy train ride from Boston to NYC. Friday night, I saw the musical Funny Girl, one of the best musicals I’ve seen in a long time. Lea Michele and Ramin Karimloo’s voices rocked the theatre. It was truly magical, and that’s saying a lot given I grew up singing “People Who Need People” with Barbara Streisand and drooling over Omar Sharif. On Saturday, I went to a matinee of the play Leopoldstadt. Beautiful and sad, and very well done.

Sometimes all we need is one incredible weekend to lift our spirits.