By Tara Kyle
DNAinfo Reporter/Producer
MANHATTAN — The James Hotel, a luxury boutique hotelier based in Chicago, opened its new SoHo tower on Wednesday.
The property's 114 guestrooms are targeted to both business travelers and tourists, but the swankiest space is the 1,300 square foot 15th floor penthouse loft, which boasts East River bridge views, a wet bar, dining room, free-standing tub and double shower.
“The James New York shares an aesthetic with the Chicago property that is warm Modernism, locally inspired, and environmentally thoughtful," said Brad Wilson, chief operating officer of Denihan Hospitality. "Our goal was to create a new kind of luxury."
The James New York, located at the corner of Grand and Thompson streets, also offers a new addition to the city’s selection of rooftop bars and lounges; this one features a private pool with spa cabanas.
The hotel is partnering with small neighborhood companies, including Kee's Chocolates, a Thompson Street chocolatier that is providing treats for turndown service.
Works by emerging New York artists, especially pieces that evoke the natural world, are also present in the hotel's corridors. Hotel curator/artist Matthew Jensen selected them from the New York non-profit Artists Space.
The third floor reception area features a view of the Lent Space, a sculpture garden and tree nursery run by the Lower Manhattan Cultural Council.
A restaurant is also on its way, but The James has yet to identify a culinary partner in New York. In Chicago, the hotel works with chef David Burke on a classic American steakhouse.
