I’m writing this from my Grand King Room at the Soho Grand Hotel, a fixture in its neighborhood since it opened in 1996 and famously billed as “The Hotel That Made Soho Grand.” As Manhattan’s first luxury downtown boutique hotel, it helped define the area’s style and is known for its industrial elegance by day and a social, rock n’ roll heart by night.  

I booked myself in as a Virtuoso guest to experience the hotel just as my clients would. I like that it has a strong identity, a vibrant social scene, and is exceptionally pet-friendly. It also prices well compared to other luxury options in the neighborhood, making it a solid choice for the right guest. I’ll review who it is a fit for and how to book with extra VIP privileges that add even more value to your stay.

The Art of Arrival: Making a Grand Entrance

You enter the hotel from street level on West Broadway. I rolled my luggage up a ramp, past the concierge desk, and to the elevators that lead to the second-floor lobby, known as the Salon. You can also take the hotel’s signature bottle-glass and steel staircase up if you don’t have luggage.

I was particularly impressed with the check-in process as a Virtuoso guest. The front desk staff member handed me a letter that clearly outlined all of my amenities and took the time to explain each one in detail.

She confirmed my room upgrade, explained how to use the $100 hotel credit, and detailed the breakfast options at both the Soho Diner and the Grand Bar & Salon. This level of recognition for Virtuoso guests isn’t always the case, and it was a fantastic start to the stay.

The Neighborhood: West Broadway & Canal Street

The Soho Grand is set on West Broadway near Canal Street, at the southern edge of SoHo. From the front door, you’re a short walk to Tribeca, Chinatown, and the West Village.

The immediate neighborhood is lively—on a Sunday afternoon, I watched well-heeled crowds spilling out of Cipriani and other nearby restaurants, the sidewalks buzzing with energy. It’s not a leafy, quiet stretch, but rather the grittier, authentic side of SoHo, not too far from the Holland Tunnel.

Despite that, my eighth-floor room was fairly quiet. I did hear a low hum of street noise, which is typical, though I would recommend booking a high-floor room here (and really anywhere). You should always bring earplugs to NYC, regardless of the hotel you stay in.

Choosing Your Downtown Perch: Rooms & Suites at Soho Grand NYC

The accommodations at the Soho Grand reflect the hotel’s design narrative. Most standard rooms are designed for two guests, while suites can accommodate more, making them a better option for families or small groups.

All rooms feature Frette linens, C.O. Bigelow bath products, Samsung Smart TVs with streaming, and a gourmet minibar with local products.  

Guest Rooms (Soho King to Grand Corner King)

Standard guest rooms are well-suited for travelers who plan to be out exploring. These rooms are ideal for solo travelers or couples, as they are designed for a maximum of two guests. All have signature elements like weave-covered walls, industrial marble desks, and Saul Steinberg wallpaper in the bathroom.  

The Soho King (approx. 230 sq ft) and Deluxe King (approx. 240 sq ft) are compact, comfortable, and stylish. For more space and light, the Deluxe Corner room (approx. 285 sq ft) has dual-exposure windows, and the Grand Corner King is the largest standard room, including a sofa.  

Suites & Lofts (Terrace Suites to Penthouses)

The suites offer an increase in space and can accommodate more guests, with options sleeping up to four people or more. The Deluxe One Bedroom Suite has a separate living room. The Terrace Suite and the larger Grand Terrace Suite feature private terraces, with the latter also including a personal wet bar and a deep soaking tub.  

At the top end are the two penthouse lofts, Loft North and Loft South. These large spaces are inspired by SoHo’s artist lofts and feature two bedrooms, separate living areas, cocktail bars, and panoramic views of the Manhattan skyline.  

Inside My Grand Deluxe King, a Nice Upgrade

I initially booked a Soho King but was upgraded to a Grand Deluxe King on the eighth floor, with a view over West Broadway. The wide window ledge was big enough to perch on—if you didn’t mind sitting near the AC unit.

The room featured hardwood floors, a rug under the bed, and a few signs of wear, which felt more like character than neglect. Storage was limited to a couple of drawers and an armoire with about a foot and a half of hanging space. I kept my suitcase on the luggage rack, which is fairly standard for New York boutiques.

What I appreciated most was the proper desk and comfortable leather chair. I often need to work on the road, and the setup was practical. A retro-style Marshall speaker sat on top, adding personality.

The king-sized bed had a rich leather headboard and crisp Frette linens. On the walls, black-and-white photos from the Howard Greenberg Gallery gave the room some artistic soul.

Modern touches were seamlessly integrated: charging ports, one-touch electronic blackout shades, and a large Samsung Smart TV for streaming.

The bathroom was small but charming, with classic subway tiles and Saul Steinberg’s whimsical bird wallpaper. The walk-in rain shower had good pressure, and C.O. Bigelow amenities were generously full-sized. For a long weekend in the city, the room’s size, storage, and amenities worked perfectly.

Also, a huge perk—in-room coffee. A Nespresso machine with pods and individual creamers is sometimes a rarity in NYC.

Dining & Nightlife: A Scene for Every Mood

The Soho Grand’s collection of restaurants and bars is one of its most compelling features. It’s a brilliantly curated portfolio of distinct venues, each with its own brand, vibe, and audience.

A guest could have a complete and varied New York social life—from brunch to a late-night dance party—all without ever leaving the property.

Grand Bar & Salon: “SoHo’s Living Room”

Famously dubbed “SoHo’s Living Room,” this is the hotel’s sophisticated heart. ^{The space is stunning, with an amber glow from its chandeliers, leather banquettes, and large windows overlooking West Broadway. The bar is known for its collection of 50 rare American whiskeys.}  

I ate dinner here one night and found the entire hotel to be very dimly lit, which is part of the vibe but something to be aware of. I had a fantastic crab salad served with homemade potato chips that my server recommended, and it was excellent. On weekend nights, the atmosphere is electric, with vinyl DJs spinning for a stylish downtown crowd.  

Club Room: The Heart of the Night

Step through the velvet curtain into the Club Room and you’re transported to a more decadent era. ^{This two-room cocktail bar and supper club mixes uptown elegance with a downtown edge, featuring velvet sofas and an intimate ambiance. Early evenings offer live jazz, which later transitions to a high-energy dance party with DJs.}  

This is also where Virtuoso guests can redeem their complimentary “New York Happy Meal”—a Dirty Martini and French Fries. It’s a fun, chic perk that captures the hotel’s vibe.

I was disappointed that my stay didn’t overlap a Thursday throug Saturday when Club Room is open as I wasn’t able to redeem this but you definitely should if your stay falls during a time when it’s open.

Soho Diner: Elevated Americana

The Soho Diner is a modern and fun interpretation of a classic American diner, with retro-chic design including banquettes and a jukebox. I was surprised that even during early Monday morning breakfast it was quite busy.  

My favorite order was the overnight oats with dried strawberries, coconut yogurt, and pistachio. The menu offers elevated versions of diner staples 24 hours a day, including popular items like burgers, Huevos Rancheros and Fried Chicken & Waffles. It’s also the most family-friendly of the hotel’s venues.  

Gilligan’s: A Seasonal SoHo Oasis

From May through September, the hotel’s outdoor space becomes Gilligan’s, a tropical-themed oasis that feels like a backyard garden party. ^{The menu focuses on fresh seafood from Long Island.}  

I ordered a delicious crudo with East End tuna, salmon, fluke, capers, and lemon oil. They also serve pizzas from a stone oven and are known for their lobster rolls. The bar is famous for its Frozen Watermelon Margarita, a local summer favorite.  

Beyond the Room: Elevated Amenities & Experiences

The Fitness Center

The hotel’s 24-hour fitness center is well-equipped with modern machines, including two Peloton bikes. ^{An adjoining outdoor terrace provides space for stretching or yoga.}  

Complimentary Bicycles

Included in the amenity fee is seasonal access to the hotel’s cruiser bicycles from Brooklyn Bicycle Co.. ^{They are available on a first-come, first-served basis and are a great way to explore downtown.}  

GrandLife Culture Guide & Cinema Access

The Soho Grand offers a key to the city through its GrandLife culture guide, a collection of insider recommendations for downtown. ^{Guests also receive complimentary access to film screenings at The Roxy Hotel, the Soho Grand’s sister property, which is a great perk for film lovers.}  

The Ultimate Pet Paradise: The Soho Grand Dog Park & Policy

The Soho Grand is arguably the most pet-friendly luxury hotel in New York City. Its policy is a core part of its brand.

While most luxury hotels impose fees and restrictions, the Soho Grand has eliminated all of them. There is a $0 pet fee, no limit on the number of pets, and no weight restrictions. The hotel provides in-room amenities like comfortable bedding, bowls, and treats.  

The standout feature is the Soho Grand Dog Park. This is a private, landscaped sanctuary designed by Rebecca Cole. Open only to hotel guests, it features fire hydrant water stations and benches and looks like a zen garden. In a city where green space is limited, this private park is definitely a benefit for pet owners.  

Is The Soho Grand Good for Families?

The hotel welcomes children, and its larger suites and connecting rooms can accommodate families. Kids of all ages will also love the family-friendly Soho Diner.

However, I would say hotel’s overall atmosphere is adult-oriented. The lobby and bars are sophisticated social spaces that are very buzzy in the evenings which is is a draw for many. But truthfully, having stayed in a lot of SoHo hotels lately, this is pretty typical of the area. You wouldn’t let your kids run wild in any of the hotels really nor do they advertise a lot of kid-friendly perks.

The Soho Grand is a solid choice for families with teen and tweens though who will appreciate the location and vibe. For those with toddlers, it can work but don’t expect to receive a lot of child-friendly amenities.

Final Verdict: Who Is The Soho Grand Perfect For?

The Soho Grand Hotel is a great fit for the traveler who wants to be in the middle of SoHo’s creative energy.

It is for the style-conscious individual who appreciates design with a story and wants to stay in a place with a distinct point of view.

It’s for people who want a luxury New York hotel at a usually really good price point for the neighborhood.

It is for the social traveler and nightlife enthusiast who enjoys a vibrant scene and likes having a lobby bar, a live music club, and a seasonal outdoor spot just an elevator ride away.

And most of all, it is for the devoted pet owner who wants their animal companion to be as welcome as they are. For this traveler, there is no better hotel in New York City.

Make Reservations with VIP Amenities

As a luxury travel advisor, I can book your stay at the Soho Grand Hotel with complimentary VIP amenities through preferred partner programs like Virtuoso. These perks add significant value to your stay.

When you book with me, you’ll receive:

• Upgrade on arrival, subject to availability
• Daily breakfast credit of $45 per person, for up to two guests per bedroom, served in the restaurant (credit is non-cumulative)
• $100 USD equivalent Food & Beverage credit to be utilized during stay (not combinable, no cash value if not redeemed in full)
• Complimentary New York Happy Meal “Dirty Martini & French Fries”, served exclusively in our Club Room, once during stay
• Early check-in / Late check-out, subject to availability
• Complimentary Wi-Fi

Use your 24/7 Virtuoso page to book. I’ll be notified and will follow up to collect your pre-arrival details.

My Other Favorite SoHo NYC Hotels

As an NYU parent, I’m staying in all the hotels in the area where I have benefits. Overtime, I’ll share my reviews. These are my other favorites.