The Whitby Hotel, opened in 2017, manages to feel both upscale and cozy, perhaps in part due to the colorful English-style decor designed by Kit Kemp, a respected British designer. Though the decor rests on unique pieces and designs among each of the rooms, there’s are a lot of similarities. Stunning art is placed throughout the hotel, like the three marble sculptures in the lobby created by Stephen Cox. Large glass windows, wooden floors, and interesting lighting fixtures are a staple of the property. Every item placed in the public spaces demonstrates an importance for the finer details, such as the 40 porcelain pots in the restaurant that feature etched New York landmarks. While the vibe is upscale, the cozy English-style seating found throughout (though not perhaps in the lobby) welcomes guests to relax and feel at home in a four-pearl hotel that feels more like a brightly-colored English cottage. Couples and business travelers are the main clientele. 

On the surface, The Whitby Hotel has a fantastic location that's near several other luxury and upscale hotels. It’s a six-minute walk from Central Park and the Museum of Modern Art. There are plenty of chain restaurants (Milk Bar Downtown) and fine-dining options (Polo Bar) on surrounding streets. The nearest metro stop (N/Q/R/W line) is a six-minute walk away. It takes 15 minutes to get to Times Square and 11 minutes to Rockefeller Center. While this is all excellent news, the major drawback to the location is that the hotel is just a two-minute walk from Trump Tower. Guests report a mess of road closures, lots of Secret Service agents, and demonstrations that occur here quite often which makes getting to and from the hotel difficult. 

The single most defining factor of The Whitby Hotel is the colorful British decor, and the rooms exceed those expectations at every opportunity. The 86 rooms are individually decorated with a dizzying array of bold color schemes and patterns that mix well with floor-to-ceiling windows, plain carpet, and classy furniture. For a New York City hotel, the units are quite spacious and a few even feature private furnished terraces. The amenities here are top-notch and include Smart TVs, DVD players, Bose Soundlink systems, Tivoli Radios, free Wi-Fi, safes, and minibars. Coffee facilities are not provided. Bathrooms are just as beautiful as the rooms with gray granite or white marble, double sinks, and walk-in showers. All Suites have separate bathtubs. RikRak toiletries and hairdryers are provided. Most rooms have excellent city views. 

Despite a lack of a pool or spa, there are several delightful features at the The Whitby Hotel. Leisure activities are plenty: from the option of working up a sweat in the 24/7 gym filled with cardio equipment and free weights, to enjoying a film on Sundays in the 130-seat movie theater. There’s also a cozy reading room with a wide selection of books, a fireplace, and an honesty bar for guests to enjoy. As far as dining options, the hotel’s restaurant is upscale and serves seasonal dishes made with fresh ingredients. It offers a hot or cold made-to-order breakfast for a fee, as well as afternoon tea and 24-hour room service. Five meeting spaces and free Wi-Fi throughout are great perks for business guests. Valet parking is available for a fee.