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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!
