Hotel Hugo – Review

California designer Marcella Pozzi was inspired by SoHo’s architecture (cast-iron fire escapes, post-industrial chic) and the nearby waterfront along Manhattan’s west side (nautical elements that suggest a luxury Italian yacht, including shiny walnut panelling and gleaming chrome fixtures) when creating the look of this hotel. Walls of lush greenery climb behind the reception area and the private room in the restaurant, while the rooms are adorned with artwork incorporating New York’s bridges and waterfront landmarks.

The location

Some call this area Hudson Square – what you need to know is that it’s on the western edge of SoHo, just north of Tribeca, just south of the West Village and two blocks from the Hudson River. The hotel is not in the prettiest part of town. It’s directly opposite a huge UPS handling centre. But as it’s surrounded by some of the most desirable neighbourhoods in Manhattan. It's also just a short stroll to multiple subway lines, so you’re close to the centre of everything. 

The rooms

Many of the rooms have great views, but make sure you ask for one that is high enough to look out over the Hudson River so you can wake up every morning to drink it in from your expansive windows. You’ll rise and shine in a plush bed with a walnut headboard in a loft-like room fitted out with mid-century modern furnishings and an Italian-tiled bathroom with rain showers, terrycloth robes and Argan Source products. Make some coffee then plan your day – and night – with the hotel’s concierge app on the in-room iPad.

Food and drink

For a drink with a view, head to the enclosed Bar Hugo on the rooftop, with its blown glass pendant lights and floor-to-ceiling windows looking down to One World Trade Centre and all the way across to the Statue of Liberty. If you’re here in summer or spring a must-see is the open-air Bar Azul on the roof, which is fitted out like the deck of an ocean liner, complete with huge stencilled murals of 1940s bombshells. Newly opened in 2019 is MAV Soho, which puts new twists on classic Italian dishes with striking names – Into the Blue is deep blue risotto with butterfly-pea flower, anise and Venetian caviar; Orange is the New Black is fresh uni with black carbonara sauce and homemade black tagliolini.

For business travellers

There is a small business centre with two computer terminals and a meeting space for up to 20 people with a smart TV and conference table.

For wellness travellers

There is a small fitness centre on the lower level of the hotel. It has a few basic machines and no windows. But the Hudson River Greenway, a separated bike and running path that stretches all the way along Manhattan’s west side, is just two blocks away. Why not get outside, hire a bike for the day and see New York on two wheels while getting your heart rate up?

The fab factor

It’s position, position, position as far as Hotel Hugo is concerned – if you live for Manhattan below 14th Street, then you’re in the heart of it.

SEE ALSO: 11 of the Best Ways to Explore New York City