On wandering into the Westhouse on 55th Street, we wondered if we had stumbled into a prohibition-era speakeasy – we’re told that we were spot on, as that was what the hotel’s designers wanted to achieve – a private-club ambience to suit a 1920s Broadway star, brought fully up to date.
Our intuition didn’t score us an upgrade though, but it didn’t really matter as our large, plush, Art-Deco-inspired room made for a comfortable base to explore Midtown and beyond. Neutral settings in-suite continued the sophisticated theme, but if the way to our hearts was to ensure a good night’s sleep, the Westhouse delivered. Our bed was sublimely comfortable, with a melt-into Sleep Studio mattress, adorned in luxurious bed-linen, beneath a gorgeous buttoned-leather bedhead – much appreciated by us travelling sloths who enjoy a lie-in while we holiday.
The hotel’s 23rd-floor terrace is a must-visit, with an Instagrammable outdoor space where you can soak in Gotham City for all it is. One might as well, as the hotel charges an obligatory ‘resident fee’ which covers WiFi, breakfast, afternoon tea and pre-dinner snacks in the space. A little cheeky we initially thought, as New York is an out-all-day city – but after our first breakfast there, we appreciated the facility.
There are some fab added perks when staying at the Westhouse. The concierge was one of the best we have encountered on many trips to Manhattan and when even Bergdorf couldn’t offer enough retail-tainment, a direct line to Mr. Porter – complete with same-day, if not 24-hour deliver – in our room did.
