I’ve always loved the fun vibe and cool design of Morgans Hotel Group properties in London, so I was keen to discover where the brand originated in New York – Morgans.
We stayed there for one night and chose the hotel for its convenient Midtown location, just 15-minutes walk from Penn Station, where we took the Long Island Rail Road to Montauk for our honeymoon.
Established in 1984 by Studio 54’s Ian Schrager and designed by Andrée Putman, Morgans is credited as the very first boutique hotel. From the moment you step off busy Madison Avenue and into the monochrome lobby, it feels like a calm, minimalist sanctuary (with an inviting green tea and lemon grass scent).
Arrival
Our check in was super friendly and we were kindly given a pre-birthday upgrade to a Superior Queen Room on a high floor. The room had a peaceful feel and is contemporary-classic in style, designed in soft cream, silver and black tones with an original Robert Mapplethorpe photograph.
The Room
The low-slung queen bed was covered in crisp 300-thread count linen and a chic black and cream wool throw, continuing the New York taxi-inspired checkered pattern throughout the hotel. There was also a comfy seating area by the window, Corian writing desk, La Notte bedside lamps, two wardrobes, bathrobes and a Morgans umbrella.
The Bathroom
The small bathroom was more urban and functional than luxurious with its stainless steel sink, but the rainfall shower was fabulous and I loved the generously-sized full set of Malin & Goetz bathroom products (a Morgans Hotel Group signature).
Reserve Lounge
The hotel’s celebrity hot spot restaurant Asia de Cuba closed a few years ago and was replaced with the more resident-focused Reserve Lounge. At night, it’s a bold and seductive cocktail bar with a speakeasy vibe and a special Old Fashion menu. By day, hotel guests can relax there and enjoy the complimentary amenities including tea and coffee, wifi and continental breakfast each morning.
Breakfast
We were really impressed with the generous breakfast offering – freshly-baked pastries, sweet muffins, doughnuts, mini bagels, Greek yoghurt and honey pots, home-made granola and fresh fruit. It was refreshing to start the day in a cooler setting than a typical hotel breakfast room and we made good use of the lounge and take-out hot drinks during our stay.
Morgans is an ideal place to stay in Midtown Manhattan if you’re looking for an intimate and chic haven with thoughtful amenities that really make you feel at home. I’d stay there again in a New York minute!
Photos by Chérie City and Morgans
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