Reception desk at The Twenty Two, a new hotel and private club in Manhattan.
Photo: Courtesy of The Twenty Two
Hotel of the Week: This Cinematic Hotel and Private Members Club Is Manhattan’s Buzziest New Hideaway
The Twenty Two New York—the first Stateside foray for the British brand—weaves together character and contemporary luxury
Exterior of The Twenty Two New York, which is located in a renovated brownstone once belonging to philanthropist Margaret Louisa Vanderbilt. Photo: Courtesy of The Twenty Two
Despite Union Square’s status as a prime New York City gathering place, until recently, there were very few chic boîtes for the in-crowd to rendezvous over dinner and drinks, or spend the night. The Twenty Two New York—a buzzy hotel and private members club located at 16 East 16th Street that opened in February—has already made a strong first impression (and amassed a waitlist for its exclusive membership).
If the name, The Twenty Two, sounds familiar, it’s because the original Natalia Miyar-designed outpost in London’s posh Mayfair neighborhood is a darling in elite circles. Following in its stylish older sibling’s footsteps—though considerably larger at 80,000 square feet—the Manhattan debut prioritizes leisure and unfussy luxury.
Reception desk at The Twenty Two, a new hotel and private members club in Manhattan. Photo: Courtesy of The Twenty Two
Set inside a restored brownstone that heiress and philanthropist Margaret Louisa Vanderbilt originally built as transient housing for independent women back in 1891, The Twenty Two leans into its legacy. Designed by Alexy Kos and Che Huang of London-based Child Studio, the interiors are full of character with nods to American styles past. Despite its plethora of classic charms, the property is an unmistakably modern and cosmopolitan affair that eschews formality in favor of the easygoing elegance of warm neutrals like ivory and amber, rich wood, and plush drapery.
Guest suite at The Twenty Two New York. Photo: Courtesy of The Twenty Two
Guest suite at The Twenty Two New York. Photo: Courtesy of The Twenty Two
“Our vision was to give the hotel a cinematic quality, one that feels both familiar and enigmatic—a hideaway in the heart of Manhattan where guests can discover a range of intimate spaces, each with its unique atmosphere and personality,” says Kos. “The lobby references the Craftsman era with a moody palette of dark mahogany, antiques, and tall paneled doors.” The reception desk, inspired by the bureau desk in the pantry room of the Margaret Louisa Home, is a custom combination of paneled mahogany woodwork and an undulating Emperador marble countertop.
Adorned with velvet headboards, chevron floors, Shaker-style furniture, and rotary phones, rooms and suites channel the spirit of the original accommodations while adding plenty of polished upgrades such as Italian Calacatta marble bathrooms and Rivolta Carmignani for a hit of hedonism.
Bar at Cafe Zaffri inside The Twenty Two New York. Photo: Gentl & Hyers
The downtown decadence continues at Cafe Zaffri, aka “Zaf’s,” the see-and-be-seen, all-day Levantine restaurant from the female powerhouse team behind Raf’s and Michelin-starred The Musket Room. A collaboration between Post Company and Child Studio, the aesthetic is decidedly “old world” but with a contemporary undercurrent.
Aperitifs are enjoyed in the sumptuous bar. In the garden atrium, a skylight illuminates the marble tables and reclaimed wooden fireplace—a treasured find from a European chateau. The dramatic main dining room evokes bygone grandeur with a Tiffany glass ceiling, floral walls, and custom toasted orange banquets. It’s an opulent setting to dig into breads and spreads, grilled octopus, and house-made baklava mille feuille.
Cafe Zaffri inside The Twenty Two New York was conceived in collaboration between Post Company and Child Studio. Photo: Gentl & Hyers
Members (and hotel guests on a limited basis) have access to the second-floor club lounge. Replete with slump-worthy sofas and arm chairs, it’s intentionally designed to encourage striking up a conversation and lingering over a cocktail before meandering over to the member’s restaurant for a plate of pasta al limone.
The ultimate goal of The Twenty Two is for locals and card-carrying jetsetters crossing the pond to have a familiar—and fabulous—base in both global cities. Socializing remains an important part of the vision. “At The Twenty Two, we believe in the power of community to bring people together,” says Navid Mirtorabi, founder and principal of The Twenty Two. “This belief has shaped our concept into a unique destination where like-minded individuals from all over the world can converge.”
Cover: Reception desk at The Twenty Two, a new hotel and private club in Manhattan.
Photo: Courtesy of The Twenty Two
