The Whitby Hotel

The Whitby Hotel is less a traditional hotel and more a complete immersion into the world of its designer, Kit Kemp. Set on a relatively quiet stretch of West 56th Street, just two blocks south of Central Park, the building’s modern facade of floor-to-ceiling windows gives a hint of the light-filled, art-forward spaces inside. Every surface is an exercise in Kemp’s signature mix of clashing patterns, bold colors, and handcrafted furniture – a deliberate move away from the corporate feel of most Midtown lodging. On the ground floor, the public spaces flow seamlessly one into the next. You’ll find a lobby that opens into The Whitby Bar & Restaurant, a skylit events space called The Orangery, and a Drawing Room reserved for hotel guests. The bar is the social center of the building, anchored by a long, pewter-topped counter that stays busy throughout the day. It’s a destination for non-guests, too, who come for the modern European menu served from breakfast through dinner. The rhythm of the place changes as the day goes on. Mornings and afternoons are popular for brunch and the hotel’s well-known afternoon tea service, which often has a creative theme. By evening, the bar becomes a lively spot for cocktails, with live jazz performances on Friday and Saturday nights. Upstairs, each of the 86 rooms and suites is individually designed, so no two are alike. Many have those floor-to-ceiling windows with skyline views, and suites on the upper floors often come with their own private, furnished terraces. The hotel also contains a full 130-seat cinema, used for private film screenings and events.