SoHo’s Hottest New Hotel: A Stay at The Manner Feels Like a Visit to Your Trendiest Friend’s Place

When you stroll down Thompson Street in SoHo, it’s easy to miss The Manner. Despite being one of the area’s most highly anticipated hotel openings, with a star-studded history—hosting parties for Coach and Off-White during Fashion Week, and even Madonna making an appearance—it doesn’t immediately announce itself. From the outside, it has the air of a chic, upscale apartment building, not a hotel. There’s no flashing neon sign, just a well-dressed doorman and stylish guests sipping cocktails by an intimate outdoor terrace. For a property already making waves in New York’s competitive hospitality scene, The Manner’s understated exterior is surprisingly restrained.

Step inside, though, and it’s a different story. The moment you enter the lobby, you’re greeted by bold design choices that command attention. The golden fireplace stretches across the space, drawing your gaze over marbled floors arranged in mesmerizing, astrology-inspired patterns. Art by Danish artist Nicholas Shurey adds a contemporary edge with totemic sculptures. And if you take a moment to admire the retro, Milanese-inspired water feature by the check-in desk—complete with diamond-shaped spouts and granite panels—you’ll soon realize that The Manner is a design lover’s dream. It’s a strikingly confident blend of eclectic elegance and playfulness.

The atmosphere doesn’t just stop at the aesthetics; it’s the experience itself that captures your attention. Upon check-in, you’re whisked straight to your room without the need for paperwork or payment—your credit card details and passport are already sorted in advance, allowing you to enjoy your stay without fuss. Throughout your visit, there’s no need to sign any receipts or bills; everything is handled seamlessly. The epitome of modern luxury, you’re encouraged to relax and truly feel at home—without any of the usual hotel transactional hassle.

The Manner is much more than just a hotel; it’s a vision brought to life by a talented and well-connected team. It marks the debut of a new brand under Standard International, the same company behind the iconic Standard Hotels, as well as Bunkhouse Hotels. The interiors were designed by Milanese architect and interior designer Hannes Peer, who partnered with Verena Haller, the Standard’s chief design officer. The culinary program is led by James Beard-nominated chef Alex Stupak, adding an extra layer of expertise to the already buzzy offering. The result? A hotel that doesn’t just cater to visitors but feels like an extension of a creative, stylish community.

The Manner exudes the feeling of a home away from home—though, to be precise, it’s more like staying at the place of your most stylish friend, one who has an impeccable taste and a limitless budget. Take, for instance, the guest rooms, where bold colors and materials collide in a way that feels both avant-garde and completely welcoming. Bright egg-yolk yellow walls are complemented by rich mahogany furniture, hot red cabinets, and touches of gleaming gold. It’s a look that screams luxury, but in an effortless, even rebellious way, like a scene out of Studio 54. The result is a space that feels alive, vibrant, and uniquely yours during your stay.

For a taste of something even more exclusive, The Manner’s guest-only areas take the concept of “luxury retreat” to new heights. The rooftop garden, which is set to open in 2025, promises to be an elegant escape within the city. But even without it, the hotel’s second-floor “apartment” area stands out with its abundance of design details. It’s a light-filled space filled with sculptural elements, like a central fireplace with a hovering hood and funky columns clad in ceramics by Ben Medansky. The eclectic mix of quirky, modern touches makes it feel like a gallery of contemporary design, yet there’s also an underlying sense of comfort and warmth.

This energy extends throughout the hotel, particularly in the common areas. The Manner’s communal spaces have an approachable vibe, where guests can curl up with a book by the window or gather around a dining table for snacks and soft drinks. The space encourages guests to mingle, take casual meetings, or simply hang out in a relaxed, welcoming environment. The overall atmosphere is one of inclusivity—whether you’re in town for business, pleasure, or both, there’s a sense of camaraderie and ease that pervades every corner.

As for the food, The Manner doesn’t disappoint. Chef Alex Stupak’s culinary prowess shines in the hotel’s dining offerings, making it clear that this isn’t just a place for tourists to rest their heads. The menu is an exciting mix of high-end comfort food, perfect for unwinding after a long day. On my first night, I indulged in a decadent lobster roll, where the toasted brioche was stuffed to the brim with tender lobster and zesty citrus mayonnaise. It was pure, indulgent heaven. The next evening, I experienced The Otter, The Manner’s flagship restaurant. The space itself is an artwork, with a playful mural by Elvira Solana wrapping around the room in surreal, Giorgio de Chirico-inspired fashion.

The restaurant’s menu focuses on seafood, with standout dishes like shrimp cocktail served with romesco sauce and alioli, and a refreshing scallop crudo topped with chili sauces. But the dish that stole the show was Stupak’s take on steak frites, where hearty swordfish takes the place of beef, drenched in a rich au poivre-inspired sauce and accompanied by a mound of crispy shoestring fries. It’s a bold and delicious reimagining of a classic, and it’s exactly the kind of food that makes The Manner not only a great place to stay but a destination for locals as well.

If you’re looking for a more intimate experience, The Manner’s private spaces are the epitome of exclusivity. The hotel’s penthouse, a sleek modernist space with red lacquer finishes and panoramic views of the city, could easily double as a glamorous party venue. You can imagine A-list celebrities and creative professionals clamoring for a chance to book the penthouse during their New York stays, whether for quiet reflection by the travertine fireplace or to host an unforgettable soirée.

For those in search of a quieter way to end the evening, the hotel’s speakeasy-style bar, Sloane’s, offers an intimate retreat. Hidden away within the hotel’s second-floor apartment area, Sloane’s exudes old-world charm with emerald velvet walls, gilded accents, and classical reliefs. The bar’s cocktail menu is both refined and playful, with rare whiskies and Champagne available, alongside indulgent snacks like gourmet chicken nuggets and cottage fries with ranch sauce (and a side of caviar, if you’re feeling particularly extravagant). The overall vibe? You’ll feel like you’ve discovered a hidden gem, with no pretension—just the sense that you’re exactly where you’re meant to be.

At its core, The Manner captures the essence of luxury and warmth, offering something for everyone. Whether you’re staying for a few nights or just popping in for a drink, it offers the perfect blend of chic design, superb cuisine, and a genuinely welcoming atmosphere. It’s a hotel that’s destined to become a go-to for design lovers, fashion enthusiasts, and anyone who appreciates a hotel that feels less like a place to stay and more like a place to live.

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