By Betty Taylor
Walk into wondrous whimsicality at The Whitby Hotel in Midtown Manhattan. With enchanting touches everywhere you look plus many stylish suites, this boutique hotel on West 56th Street between 5th and 6th offers the escape we all need. With plenty of unique spaces perfect for private and social distanced events, you will want to stay and play the Whitby way, especially with their staycation packages.
Find yourself surrounded by sophistication when you enter the lobby, which features one-of-a-kind artwork including modern marble sculptures by Stephen Cox as well as the colorful loom by Hermione Skye O’Hea. From the sitting area to the restaurant, every space shows off the best of contemporary art and design – you might even find a modern, mixed media grandfather clock looking back at you. The inviting guest drawing room draws in visitors with a fireplace, more detailed décor, rich fabrics, original art and a bespoke library collection. Enjoy a drink at the hotel’s honor bar in the back of the room – just take your own pour and leave your room number.
This haute property, part of Firmdale Hotels, which also owns Crosby Street Hotel in Soho and multiple properties in London, features the designs and décor of Owner and Creative Director Kit Kemp. Kit makes sure each location remains unique while keeping in British style. She also takes pride in ensuring that each hotel is the perfect balance of both chic and comfortable.
Whether you want a change of scenery for work or just wish to get away without going far, The Whitby Hotel is offering staycation packages for all 86 uniquely appointed rooms and suites. These special rates include a bottle of champagne upon arrival and daily breakfast. Each room features floor to ceiling windows with views of the surrounding area as well as marble and granite bathrooms with a walk-in shower and free-standing bath. The rooms, which range in size and style, are all unique, with varying bold colors, artwork and furniture. Comfortable Superior Rooms, as well as Luxury and Deluxe Rooms, include a king size bed, workspace and sitting area. Their fabric headboards and matching curtains also add to the cozy charm. If The Whitby Hotel is the crown jewel in the hotel collection, then their suites are the diamond at the top.
With a light open floor plan and large sitting area, The Junior Suite is a stylish space where you are guaranteed to have some very suite dreams. Wake up to the smell of the sweetness of your eclectic Junior Terrace Suite – and also your morning coffee which you can enjoy on your very own private patio. Located on the upper floors of the hotel, One Bedroom Suites have a full living room, fireplaces, high ceilings and of course, stunning views of the city skyline. They will even arrange for al fresco dining on your balcony – perfect for social distancing in style. You are sure to feel right at home in your residential feeling home away from home. You can also bring the family and book their two- or three-bedroom suites, with the same A-list amenities, plus more space. Featuring a wraparound balcony, you can take your staycation to new and haute heights with the Terrace Suites, which can be found on the highest floors of the hotel overlooking iconic buildings. Extend your staycation at this special and spacious space which even has a record player and plenty of Sinatra and Beatles records, a cozy living room and posh places to focus on work – just take a walk on your balcony for lunch breaks. If you really want to be wowed, The Whitby Suite is perfect for celebrating special occasions or romantic stays. This two-bedroom suite occupying the entire top floor also includes a kitchen, powder room, and doors leading onto two sweeping terraces. With airport transfers, an in-room massage for two, breakfast in bed and even a private screening in the hotel’s luxury screening room, this is sure to be the most memorable Manhattan experience you will ever find. The suite is also ideal for smaller weddings and elopements.
They might be stylish, but The Whitby Hotel is also dedicated to remining safe during these times and have implemented new procedures and protocols throughout the hotel with a special health and safety team in place. Their gym is currently available to guests who sign-up in advance with one person allowed in at a time.
Snuggle up with a good book – there are hundreds to choose from – in their colorful Reading Room, which you will find on the lower floor. Other unique spaces include the Anrep Room, featuring walls decorated with Anrep mosaic prints, and Araminta, with sumptuous wallpaper and paintings. The Whitby Bar and Orangery are also decadent dining spaces with delightful bites and a famed afternoon teatime. With a bold blue background and orange seats, you can even watch a film safely and socially distanced in The Whitby Theater.
