11 Howard

11 Howard is a chic, eco-friendly urban retreat located in the heart of SoHo.

• The warm, Scandinavian-style design
• The hotel’s conscious approach to hospitality, which is reflected throughout the property—from the vegan minibar offerings to the collaborations with global charities
• The hotel’s hotspot French restaurant, Le Coucou

The subtle 11 Howard entrance sits next to a hard-to-miss blue and black mural facing Canal Street. This subtlety, in fact, persists throughout the property: guests are greeted not by a reception desk, but by a single staff member, iPad in hand, who assists with check in. The lobby is small but polished, and a flight up the industrial–style spiral staircase leads guests to the hotel's comfortable library and buzzing lounge bar, The Blonde.

The dimly lit, carpeted hallways are in stark contrast to the guest rooms, which are bright and airy with light wood floors, high ceilings and floor-to-ceiling windows. Decorative accents in muted navy, gray and blush colors add warmth to the minimalist design (cultivated by New York's Anda Andrei and the Danish design firm Space Copenhagen). The Terrace Suite has a full kitchen, dining and living room with French doors that open to your own 12^th-floor private terrace, boasting views both up- and downtown. While there is no spa, the hotel can arrange in-room treatments and services and there is a small fitness center on the third floor.

11 Howard's commitment to conscious hospitality is ever-present, from the organic bathroom products to the ‘create your own’ minibar system that allows guests to choose from treats sourced through Conscious Commerce and Thrive Market. Other partnerships include those with Lauren Bush's FEED and NYC's Groundswell, a public arts initiative focused on using art as a tool for social change. Every booking at the property donates a portion of the proceeds to the Global Poverty Project.

The hotspot restaurant Le CouCou is another draw to the property. Curated by local restaurateur Stephen Starr and acclaimed Parisian chef Daniel Rose, the contemporary French restaurant is expectedly fabulous. Décor is old-school glam, featuring whitewashed brick walls, extravagant chandeliers and a trompe l’oeil mural. The cuisine is delicious, with dishes like white bean salad with pig ear and anchovy and toute le lapin (“the whole rabbit”).

Savvy city visitors (who don't require uber-luxurious amenities) in search of a fun, eclectic ambiance and lively downtown scene.