US: Global real estate investment and hospitality management company Highgate has opened the Romer Hell’s Kitchen “neighbourhood hotel” in Manhattan, New York.
The 295-room hotel has been designed by local firm Goodrich with room interiors by Islyn Studio. Highgate’s in-house design and construction studio, LUCID, led project management for all design partners.
Amenities include a living room, library, the Neighbourhood Cafe, and a Corner Store which will host pop-ups for local small business owners.
Romer team members will also be trained by Phil O’Brien, founder and publisher of W42ST, to provide guest recommendations on local dining venues, galleries, live music and more.
In early 2024, Romer Hell’s Kitchen will open a speakeasy-inspired piano bar with live performances.
“When we say that Romer is built to embrace its neighbourhood, we mean it,” said Highgate CEO Arash Azarbarzin. “The inspiration for Romer came from my constant travel throughout my career. When I arrive in a new destination, whether it be for business or leisure, I want to experience that place as authentically as possible. I want to eat where the locals are eating and discover the best that the destination has to offer – rather than ending up in tourist traps. With Romer, our aim is to design, program and activate this hotel so that it not only delivers the brand promise, but serves as an extension to exploring the local neighbourhood.”
Callie Peck, creative director of Romer Hell’s Kitchen, added: “We created Romer Hell’s Kitchen internally from the ground up on a single premise — give everyone the ‘good neighbour experience.’ By beginning this process before interior design even started, we made sure that every part of the hotel had a distinctive purpose. Romer celebrates the thrill of the unexpected and encourages people to ditch their overly researched itineraries for more authentic New York experiences just around the corner.”
Romer Hell’s Kitchen joins Romer Waikiki at The Ambassador, a 368-room hotel in Hawaii, also managed by Highgate.
