Nestled in the heart of the lower east side is the Hotel Indigo. This boutique hotel, which opened in November of last year, is one of the latest jewels for the InterContinental Hotels Group (IHG). IHG currently operates several hotel chains around the world including the InterContinental, Kimpton, Holiday Inn and Crown Plaza hotels and resorts.
This first thing one notices as you enter in the hotel is the openness of the lobby. Here you will not find the lobby which is actually situated on the fourteenth floor but instead this grand entrance serves as the concierge and bellhop stations. The first thing that grabs your attention is the artwork and the architecture. In fact, through the brand’s Color of Discovery Project, Hotel Indigo seeks to explore the graffiti and pop art that this part of town is known for.
Art is a big part of the lower east side. As of 2014, there were over 100 galleries in this part of down and it is also home to the 100 gates project, one of New York City’s largest out art programs where local and international artist are painting security gates throughout the Lower East Side. It’s only fitting that artwork play a central role in this gem of a hotel. Tire light fixtures, “grafitti’d” walls, a giant spray paint can and a “Life is Beautiful” sign are some of the first things that grab your attention as you enter the building. The hotel commissioned New York born street artist Lee Quinones to bring the street artist feel throughout the hotel.
While an extraordinary and a unique take on an entrance, this does not prepare you for the next stop: Hotel Indigo’s lobby on the fourteenth floor. Upon exiting the elevator, one quickly gets to take in the impressive New York City skyline through the hotel’s floor to ceiling windows. The large industrial space features conversation pit seating as well as communal tables which are perfect to soak in the atmosphere and if not distracted by the magnificent view, offer a place for a quick meeting or some leisurely work time. Also on this level is the lobby bar and café. As with the entrance, art plays a significant role in the design of the lobby space. Pop art takes center stage from paint splattered ceramic dogs, ceiling murals, John Lennon head to a heart sculpted from books.
One more floor up is the hotel’s rooftop bar and restaurant. Mr. Purple. The loft type space features locally sourced foods and craft cocktails in an open setting which serves as a perfect complement to the lobby one floor below. Also from this level is Hotel Indigo’s rooftop which boasts a 360 unobstructed view of the city along with ample seating and beautiful lap pool.
You might think that with the all the attention to the lobby, entrance and restaurant, the guest rooms would be a second thought however that is not the case. Hotel Indigo’s over 200 rooms are spacious and plush. Rooms are modern complete with all the necessary amenities. Luxurious linens, high end toiletries and fantastic views of the city make for an enjoyable in-room experience and might make you consider staying indoors during a stay at the hotel. There’s even a whimsical nod to street art here as well with cocktail shakers, shaped like spray paint cans.
Further adding to the appeal is the quality of the staff. The staff is accommodating and friendly not to mention impeccable dressed. Hotel Indigo’s uniforms, provided by Tophat did not seem like uniforms but more like trendy must have outfits. During our stay, every special request from room change, additional keys and special deliveries were treated with the utmost importance and always with a smile. Added all up the Hotel Indigo Lower East Side is a must stay hotel in New York.
Hotel Indigo Lower East Side
171 LUDLOW STREET, NEW YORK, NEW YORK 10002
1-877-834-3613
