The Whitby Hotel
Set in the heart of upper Midtown Manhattan, just a short distance from Central Park, The Whitby Hotel became the second New York hotel for Firmdale Hotels when it opened in 2017.
The Whitby Hotel is a celebration of contemporary art and design, boasting 86 individually designed bedrooms and suites, each with floor to ceiling windows, many with a private terrace and stunning views of the Manhattan skyline. There is also The Whitby Bar and Restaurant, a beautiful Orangery filled with natural daylight, a book-lined Drawing Room, a leafy terrace, as well as three beautifully designed private event rooms, a 130 seat state-of-the-art theatre and a fully equipped gym.
Kit Kemp, who co-owns Firmdale Hotels with her husband Tim, was also responsible for the interior design of The Whitby Hotel. Kit is acclaimed for her individual and unique way of arranging spaces with a colourful and carefree spirit. All of this is evidenced at The Whitby Hotel where Kit has brought an oasis of colour, curiosity and calm to Manhattan’s upper Midtown district. With her distinctive mix of pattern, colour and texture, every floor of The Whitby Hotel offers a vibrant, uplifting adventure through handcraftsmanship, art, found pieces and bespoke detailing.
Bedrooms at The Whitby Hotel emanate an intimate, enveloping mood of comfort with fabric-lined walls, an enchanting mix of sumptuous textures and hues, and Kit’s signature touches such as oversized headboards some beautifully embroidered and embellished by artists such as Kumi. Her own fabric designs, including Mud Print, Ozone, Travelling Light and Tea Leaf, have been used throughout alongside elegant rugs, ceramics, artworks and cushions.
The hotel’s public spaces include The Whitby Bar – a rich, colourful, airy room with high ceilings, an impressive 30 foot pewter bar and beautifully upholstered banquettes. Above the bar hang a collection of baskets originating from different areas of England, Wales, Scotland and Ireland. There is a story behind each one and every basket has a particular purpose.
The Whitby Bar offers all day dining from a frequently changing menu created by Head Chef Anthony Paris. Revolving around seasonal ingredients, there is a luxurious and fresh approach to dishes, offering playful twists with flavours and a new take on classics.
Tall warehouse-style windows and doors lead guests from the bar through to the Orangery and The Drawing Room. Running along the back of the hotel, the Orangery is a light and airy space that includes a spectacular wall of 40 beautifully crafted illuminated porcelain vessels by Martha Freud, each etched with a different landmark New York building or bridge. Moving into The Drawing Room, this space is a jewel box of colour with a feature fireplace and comfortable furniture. It’s the ideal place to settle in for a relaxed drink, afternoon tea or meeting.
Firmdale Hotels
Firmdale Hotels is privately owned by husband and wife Tim and Kit Kemp and comprises ten award winning luxury hotels in central London and New York. In London’s West End there is the Ham Yard Hotel which opened in 2014, The Soho Hotel, Covent Garden Hotel, Charlotte Street Hotel and Haymarket Hotel as well as the three townhouse properties including Dorset Square Hotel in Marylebone, Knightsbridge Hotel near Harrods and Number Sixteen in South Kensington. To find out more, please visit www.firmdalehotels.com.
