SoHo’s Most Sensational Spot: The Dominick, NYC – Review

Any New Yorker will tell you that the sheer scale and glitz of the Big Apple guarantees visitors a humbling sense of anonymity. Step inside The Dominick, however, and you’ll feel right at home: as stylish and sophisticated as you might expect from a hotel in the ultra-trendy SoHo area, it’s also brimming with a kind of intimate charm that makes the sleek skyscraper feel more like a boutique bolthole. 

The C&TH Guide to Responsible Tourism

Review: The Dominick Hotel, New York

STAY

(c) Scott Frances

The Dominick occupies a gleaming tower that stands between TriBeCa and the West Village. For non-New Yorkers, that means it’s perfectly placed to enjoy both the elegance of Lower Manhattan and the artsy vibe of the SoHo area. (It also means that some of the city’s biggest tourist attractions, including the Empire State Building and the Brooklyn Bridge, are only a short cab or subway ride away).

The hotel’s cavernous lobby showcases an enviable mid-century modern look: think brushed metal, huge stone columns and moody lighting. It’s at once chic and utterly inviting, perfectly encapsulating the feel of the entire hotel. Head to the check-in desk and the wonderfully friendly staff will ensure you have everything you need – so all that’s left to do is whizz up to your room. 

There are more than 130 rooms to choose from at The Dominick, plus ten penthouse suites. Each is vast (palatial, by New York standards – and the bathrooms are huge enough to accommodate both a rain shower and a bathtub). You can expect custom Fendi Casa furnishings (adding to the sleek, mid-century modern feel), but the real showstopper is surely the dizzying views. Gaze out across Manhattan and the Hudson River, watching in the evening as the sun dips below the horizon and the city’s skyline comes to life.

EAT

(c) Hechler Photographers

The Dominick’s signature spot is Vestry, an award-winning restaurant helmed by Michelin-starred chef Shaun Hergatt. Tucked away just off the hotel lobby, Vestry is kitted out with more modern art, dark wood and brass accents, providing a particularly sophisticated backdrop for a casual catchup, an elaborate date night or a quick drink at the bar. Seafood takes centre stage – you can sample everything from caviar and oysters to seabass, salmon and tuna tartare – but you can also choose from a variety of grilled meats, pasta and vegetable dishes. (Tasting menus are available, too, if you’re in the mood to indulge.)

For a more laid-back bite, head to Mezzanine, which is open for breakfast and lunch, and Cafe Mezz, which serves cocktails in the evening. (If you’re itching for some classic US cuisine, this is the place to go; the American breakfast is a real feast.) Meanwhile, for a meal with a view, there’s El Ta’Koy, a beachy eatery specialises in Hawaiian-inspired fare. Nestled beside the hotel’s dazzling pool, this sunny spot is open for breakfast, lunch, brunch and dinner – not to mention happy hour – and hotel guests can enjoy complimentary tea and coffee in the mornings. What could be better?

DO

Nothing says urban luxury like a sprawling terrace, and The Dominick’s lounge and 6,000 square-foot outdoor pool is truly luxurious. (It closes in the winter, but El Ta’Koy remains open year-round). For a particularly glamorous workout, there’s the eighth-floor fitness centre, which is complete with floor-to-ceiling windows framing those jaw-dropping city views; then, for the ultimate wellness experience, there’s the Sisley Spa, which offers massages, facials and a whole host of packages including pre-natal therapies and anti-ageing treatments.

With all of this on offer, it’s a wonder that guests ever make it outside; but with SoHo, TriBeCa and the West Village on the doorstep, there are plenty of adventures in store. (You can take in the bustle of Wall Street, stroll through Hudson Square, or enjoy a few hours at The Whitney Museum.) After all, a long day out will only make the return to your room feel that much more gratifying, as you sink into your enormous bed and watch the city glitter from high above.

BOOK IT

Rates at The Dominick, a member of the Preferred Hotels & Resorts’ prestigious Legend Collection, start from £510 per night for two, including taxes. preferredhotels.com

Martha was on holiday when this review was conducted.