Follow
NYC you were once home to me. And now I adore visiting you and seeing how you have grown, changed and become even more oh-so-fabulous. When I lived in the ‘Big Apple’ I resided on the Upper West Side. Now I enjoy discovering other neighborhoods like the Meatpacking District and another one of my faves – the artsy, trendy & chic SoHo (South of Houston). Gotham, don’t stop improving…you continue to be one of my favorite ‘One Day Stay’ getaways!!
DROP YOUR BAG
New York is an easy getaway and one I never tire of. I try to stay somewhere different every visit and with all the amazing properties in NYC, it’s not difficult to do. This quick escape I rested my head at the absolutely dreamy Mondrian SoHo. Opening its doors just over two years ago, Mondrian SoHo is a breath of fresh air with its simple & clean yet playful decor. Drawing inspiration from Jean Cocteau’s “La Belle et la Bete” or “Beauty and the Beast”, there is a distinct sense of mystery and fantasy which is quite charming. Even with over 250 rooms, somehow this world of blue & white feels very intimate. There is also edginess to the property with its fresh and funky art installations. The permanent collection by Sol LeWitt, who was known for his minimalist drawings and photographs from his old neighborhood of the Lower East Side, is outside the Lafayette Street entrance of Mondrian SoHo. Inside you can find awesome lobby wall paper graphically designed by New Yorker Marilyn Minter. The nod to local New York artists is so tres cool – especially in an artsy neighborhood like SoHo. Totally LOLA APPROVED! Some of my other favorite details about this property are the smokey blue mirrors, the stunning chandelier in the bar lounge, the hidden room behind the bookshelf AND “the tunnel of love” where you transition from the world outside to the new world that is so lovely, Mondrian SoHo.
PS – Mondrian SoHo’s rooftop deck Soaked is now open! A perfect place to take in the Manhattan skyline while enjoying a nice cold cocktail!
DO
Mondrian SoHo is conveniently located in the SoHo neighborhood of New York where there are SO MANY fabulous boutique shops & galleries within steps of the property. Living outside Boston where you virtually need a car to accomplish anything, I particularly love being able to walk the nearby streets to hit some of my favorite shops. Anthopologie, I’m looking at you! SoHo is also dotted with some amazing art galleries that could fill your free time and inspire your inner artist. BEST of all, to me, is the people watching in SoHo.
DRINK
I’ll be honest, I had a difficult time leaving the sanctuary that I found Mondrian SoHo to be. I enjoyed my cocktail time at Isola Trattoria & Crudo Bar, the on-property bar & restaurant inspired by the Amalfi Coast. Really, need I say more?! The adorable bartender made me his specialty, a Hemingway Daiquiri, which is a refreshing cold drink with white rum, fresh lime juice, grapefruit juice and a house-made simple syrup. BELLISSIMO!
HONORABLE MENTIONS go to Apotheke, a trendy speakeasy in Chinatown and Mister H, a discretely hidden nightlife spot inside Mondrian SoHo inspired by nearby Chinatown. Both a see & be seen spots in NYC!!
DINE
My New York dining experience was with the fabulous Macao Trading Company. Decor styling inspired by the brothels and opium dens of 1930’s Macao, stepping into Macao Trading Company you feel you’ve left the world behind and entered a different time and place. Serving Eurasian fare, I sampled the Mushroom & Truffle Croquets, Chicken & Pork Belly Dumplings and Macanese Chili Prawns. Who knew Chinese & Portuguese influenced food could be so great?! YUM!
PS – Possibly even better than the food was the divine cocktail I ordered, Mah-johng. A mixture of Chivas Regal, Carpano Antica Formula, vanilla & ginger infused mandarin Napoleon and Macao 5 spice bitters, Mah-johng was very similar to my beloved Negroni but with a twist. A MUST TRY!
Omg, Macau trading co is one of my favourite restaurants in NYC! Been to Mondrian soho for drinks and loved it! Can’t wait to get to NYC in July!
@mrsoaroundworld recently posted…A day at the Henley Royal Regatta
i know you are going to have so much fun next week Mrs. O.
Couldn’t agree more about wandering the various NYC districts…loved my weekend in New York in January. Spent an afternoon walking from the theatre district to the Brooklyn Bridge – so many interesting places to see and explore. Will be heading back for more – the pulse of the city is fantastic!
Anita Mac recently posted…Urban Art: The Graffiti SubCulture in Toronto
agree, Anita. i always make new discoveries when visiting and it’s a big reason i always want to return!!
I adore NYC and also try to stay someplace different each time I visit. There is SO much to see and do on that island.
Jennifer recently posted…10 Things to Taste in Santorini
totally agree Jennifer. never ends with the new discoveries. i’m looking forward to returning (probably in August) and will try something new!
We (read my wife) love SoHo. She loves to get lost on the streets shopping while I find a bar to soak it all in. Every time we find ourselves in NYC we spend large chunks of our stay in SoHo.
Lance | Trips By Lance recently posted…Getting Swept Away at Niagara Falls
haha Lance. well SoHo has something for everyone. cafes, bars, shops! it’s the perfect place to soak it all in!!
Okay, I live here and haven’t been to half these places…I’m too busy elsewhere, I guess, but thanks for the reminder to get on it! 🙂 I’ve been meaning to go to Apotheke lately, so this was another reminder. Btw, I love it when Lola is in NYC. xx
Erin – The World Wanderer recently posted…Cycling Santiago with La Bicicleta Verde.
hope to be back soon doll. we can go check out some new spots together because you know i like to try new and different places!!
I love Apotheke! It’s location alone is pretty amazing. Next time you’re in the city you’ll have to head to my neck of the woods in Brooklyn to try out some of the newer rooftop spots in Williamsburg. Much fun.
Melissa recently posted…A single mom’s guide for planning a month-long adventure in Peru
oooo thanks for the tips Melissa!
You had me at New York, and then you had me again at DRINK, and then again at Hemingway. Looks like an extraordinary place.
Traveling Ted (@travelingted) recently posted…Ohio waterfalls in Hocking Hills and Cuyahoga
hey thanks Ted. i’m sure you could have a great time there!!
I just got here last night for a Pacsun event im helping with. Love the hotel, but haven’t visited Soaked or the roof. Any unique places/activities in SoHo you recommend?
shannon recently posted…Paris is Always a Good Idea
hi Shannon. i do recommend the Cupping Room for brunch and people say the SoHo Grand is still a place to have a drink (see & be seen!!) ask the Mondrian concierge – they are really knowledgeable too!
It’s been so hot the last few days (except for today which was cooler) and a rooftop deck sounds perfect for summer!
Kate recently posted…Best Vegan Food at Trader Joe’s
NYC is the best place for a bit of rooftop deck fun in the sun!!
in love with the decor at the mondrian soho. good little guide, miss lola!
the lazy travelers recently posted…spaceship views: touring new zealand’s south island
thanks girls! i’m in love with the decor too. soooo dreamy!