Named for the theta brain waves produced during deep relaxation, New York City’s newest Kimpton hotel offers a welcome escape on the edge of the Theater District.
It is sister, Kimpton Hotel Eventsis located just a few blocks from the Empire State Building and is often described as one of the most affordable accommodations in Manhattan. Kimpton Hotel Theta is slightly cheaper but no less luxurious and has a simple, calming design that has already won a design award despite only opening late last year.
I recently spent two nights at this hotel. It’s the second Kimpton I’ve ever stayed at, and while I don’t have much hands-on experience with the brand, I feel like it’s one of IHG’s most desirable properties, falling into the affordable, quiet luxury category that’s been so popular in recent years. There are still numerous Kimptons opening in major cities around the world, and they all seem to place a great emphasis on individuality.
Collection hotels from major companies are always much more attractive to luxury travelers as they promise a sense of individuality and style. Theta is no exception. It stands out from the surrounding historic hotels with a beautiful contemporary, sculptural design, best expressed in its rejuvenating lobby.
Step inside and it appears like a deconstructed cloud with its textured white archways, dotted with eye-catching artwork and an abundance of sleek designer furniture. The color scheme makes it one of the most beautiful hotels in New York.
Location
First, let’s talk about the area. For a Manhattan hotel, nothing is more important than its location.
Smart travelers first pick which neighborhood they want to stay in, then choose the hotel. The reverse is rarely the case, and I would imagine Theta is the envy of many hotel operators across the city. The Theater District is one of the most desirable areas in Manhattan, a short walk from almost all of the iconic neighborhoods, but far enough away to have the feeling of utmost privacy.
The four-star hotel is located on the corner of W 49th & 8th, right between the stunning Hudson River Park (which I’ve grown to love as much as Central Park) and Manhattan’s many Broadway theaters. This also means you’re close to Rockefeller Center and just a few blocks from the chaos of Times Square.
Hell’s Kitchen is just a few blocks away, making it a short walk to the 24-hour gem Empanada Mama as well as the area’s numerous LGBTQI nightclubs.
design
The Kimpton Hotel Theta is not as ostentatious as you would expect from a four-star Manhattan hotel. Simplicity is at the core of the brand, and it should come as no surprise that the interior design was done by a Tokyo-based firm (Crème/Jun Aizaki Architecture & Design).
The well-appointed lobby is elegant and contemporary, enhanced by a triptych, beautiful artwork and a large-scale mural of a Parisian garden. If Theta wants to instill calm in its guests from the moment they arrive, then this is a great, subtle way of doing it.
Symmetry and structure play a big role in the gallery-like lobby, which is most striking when you look past the uniform white archways at the far end opposite reception to a single colorful work of art. It’s breathtaking.
Room
With 364 rooms, you wouldn’t exactly call this a small hotel, but the attention to detail and minimalist aesthetic are very reminiscent of boutique hotels. My king room is generously sized and looks like a showroom – neat, comfortable and inviting. The windows don’t have to be so prominent to let in natural light, but they let in just enough.
A sofa and table are placed next to the window for relaxing. Given the over-the-top design of many modern New York hotels, it’s like a breath of fresh, old-fashioned air to see a large room that eliminates any visual distraction. A large king-size bed, colorful furniture, a few well-placed coffee table books, and a decent-sized bathroom. What it lacks in drama, it makes up for in subtle environmental details.
Food & Drinks
I stayed at the hotel in May this year, just months before the hotel’s Italian rooftop bar opened. Bar Sprezzatura is described by the brand as a place for “typical spritzes and upscale cicchetti,” with Positano as the destination.
Bringing a piece of Amalfi to Hell’s Kitchen should be a hit with locals and tourists alike. Italian concepts work exceptionally well in this city, but they rarely have a coastal twist. I hope to visit when I’m back in New York City next year, but for now, just take the brand’s word for it. This is going to be a big deal for the area.
One thing that really impressed me, however, was the tiny little cafe in the lobby. It’s a great place to grab a quick coffee (yes, good coffee) and a pastry before heading out to explore the city. There are free wine tastings in the lobby from 5pm to 6pm, just in time for when guests are heading to Broadway to see a show. Everything here is well thought out.
Next to reception you will find a market with various snacks to take away. There is no room service (I’m sure this will change when the rooftop restaurant and bar opens) but it’s a great diversion for late night hunger pangs. There are also a number of other affordable items such as reusable bottles, sunglasses and even handbags.
equipment
There’s no traditional hotel spa—the relaxing design is itself a touch of wellness—but there is a 24-hour gym that, while small, is well-equipped. Peloton bikes, cardio machines, ropes, bands, yoga mats, and free weights. While it doesn’t have the size and scope of nearby hotel gyms like the beast at the Peninsula or the InterContinental, it’s perfectly fine.
That being said, the hotel is dog-friendly, so you’ll probably spot a couple of cute pups in the lobby before you head out. That’s a convenience in itself. Dogs make everything better.
service
The Kimpton Hotel Theta is one of the newer, fancier hotels in Manhattan, and during my stay it seemed as though all the teething issues had already been ironed out. Service is friendly, efficient and helpful, from the well-dressed front desk staff to the concierge team who kindly remind you that they’re there for local tips.
Local tips mean more to me in New York City than anywhere else I’ve ever been. Nobody trusts “best of” lists anymore, and New Yorkers are a proud bunch who are happy to help. Use that to your advantage.
Value
Expect to pay around $260 for a night at the Kimpton Hotel Theta. At the time of publication, that was about $404 Australian dollars, which is expensive but about what you’d expect for Manhattan.
You do get a lot for your money, though. Once the hotel’s rooftop bar is fully operational, the value will no doubt increase. But the location and truly relaxing design are more than adequate. A stay here is comfortable, convenient, and feels appropriately upscale without being pretentious.
Tip: Take advantage of the evening wine tasting to save some money (make better choices and New York really isn’t too inaccessible). They actually serve some great, interesting wines and I got 2-3 glasses free on my visit.
FOUR AND A HALF STARS (OUT OF FIVE)
Kimpton Hotel Theta
address: 790 8th Ave, New York, NY 10019
contact: +1 212-581-7000
The author flew to New York City with Delta Air Lines and explored the city as a guest of NYC Tourism.
All images courtesy of Kimpton Hotel Theta.
