The SoHo Grand defines what SoHo is today—cosmopolitan, creative, and a bit hard on your cash flow. When it opened in 1996, it had been a century since a new hotel debuted in the neighborhood. Today, as new hotels crowd the field, the Grand's low-key sophistication stands out more clearly. The Grand Bar & Lounge is sometimes called SoHo's Living Room for its comfortable, social atmosphere. Public spaces as well as guest rooms use an industrial-chic design to mimic the architecture of the neighborhood, though this can come across as spartan to some. Comfortable contemporary rooms are mainly focused on the view out the ample windows; bathrooms are stark but have deep soaking tubs. A great seasonal pleasure is The Yard—a large outdoor space where you can have a drink or meal and then spread out on the grassy lawn—the only one of its kind in the city. The staff here is professional, polished, and more experienced than you'll find at other fashionable hotels. Pros: fashionable, laid-back sophistication; great service; surprisingly discreet setting; diverse eating and drinking options. Cons: closer to Canal Street than prime SoHo; rooms on small side.
Reviewed by rufkd from Washington, DC on 6/12/07
noon, June 10, in Grand bar and Lounge, lunch was served, and waiter's fly is open, alert the Health Department.
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