New York City is one of my places to visit. There is so much to see and do, making it a city you can go back to countless times and have a different experience every time. Even if you have explored every corner of Manhattan, it’s a short trip to Brooklyn! When planning a trip to NYC, I always start with a short list of must-do activities before deciding on an area to stay at. The NYC train system might be great but convenience is always key. For trips I will be spending the majority of my time on the Upper West Side, Midtown, or Chelsea, staying at the Kimpton Hotel Theta is a non-negotiable.
Situated between Times Square and Hell’s Kitchen, Kimpton Hotel Theta is a hotel that is worth planning a trip to NYC around. With a central location, sleek design, spacious rooms, and great amenities, there’s truly no better place to stay in the city.
Kimpton Hotel Theta Review
The Hotel
When you first enter Hotel Theta (part of the Kimpton Hotels family), you’re instantly greeted by a bright and airy mid-century modern lobby with plenty of public spaces to sit and catch up with friends, enjoy a coffee and pastry from Café Otto (a coffee window in the lobby!), or get some work done. Off of the lobby, there is a marketplace filled with all of the snacks and beverages you could be craving.
The entire staff is so kind and helpful, too! Whether you forgot toiletries or want recommendations from a local, they go above and beyond to ensure an amazing stay.
In the mornings, stopping by Café Otto (in the hotel lobby) for pastries and coffee is a must! It’s quick, easy, and delicious.
Kimpton Hotel Theta has over 360 guest rooms spread across 15 floors and is home to their on-site restaurant, Bar Sprezzatura. Guests also have access to a 24-hour fitness center complete with weights, a cardio machine, yoga mats, and a Peloton bike.
There are also plenty of places to get outside for a walk, including Central Park and the Theater District.
Kimpton Hotel Theta On-Site Amenities
- Morning coffee and tea service via Café Otto
- 24-hour gym
- Loaner bikes for guest use
- Pet-friendly rooms (!!!)
- On-site restaurant and rooftop bar
- Daily hosted social hour 5-6 PM
- In-room safes
- Same-day laundry and dry cleaning services
Finding a pet-friendly hotel in NYC can be hard but Hotel Theta makes traveling with your animals easy! Their pet-friendly policy extends from dogs and cats to other animals (no size, weight, or breed restrictions). Pets of all sizes stay free and your room will be stocked with treats, bowls, and beds to help your four-legged friends feel at home. Pets are also welcome at the nightly social hour!
Bar Sprezzatura
Located on the top floor of Kimpton Hotel Theta, Bar Sprezzatura instantly transports you to Italy without having to leave NYC. Every corner is bright, colorful, and well thought out, and the added greenery makes you feel like you’re in the Italian Riviera.
The restaurant has both indoor and outdoor space and is the perfect spot for lunch, dinner, or a quick cocktail! This is also where you’ll get to enjoy the daily hosted social hour from 5-6 PM.
P.S. Book a reservation during sunset, you won’t regret it!
During our stay at Hotel Theta, we visited Bar Sprezzatura for dinner and it was one of the best meals I’ve had in a long time. On the recommendation of our waiter, we ordered:
- Caprese Cortino – Mozzarella, yellow tomatoes, pesto, pepperoncini
- Spicy Big Eye Tuna Cannoli with caprese chili crisp
- Montaug Fluke – Marcona almonds, buttermilk, vinaigrette, coriander, smoked trout roe (this was an absolute favorite!)
- Ravioli Caprese – Sugo di pomodoro, ricotta, basil
All of Bar Sprezzatura’s menu items are small plates and are designed to be shared. I always love this because it allows me to try different things. For a cocktail, I went with the Shrub Life, a refreshing cocktail made with rose gin, grapefruit, lemon, strawberry basil shrub, and Lambrusco.
See the full Bar Sprezzatura menu here.
The Rooms
The Kimpton Hotel Theta is a design-forward hotel in the heart of Manhattan where you can relax and recharge. Every corner has stunning mid-century modern details (and great views!) and the iconic building was originally designed by midcentury architect, Morris Lapidus. The design in the lobby continues into the guest rooms, which are larger than most New York hotels. They also have in-room mini-refrigerators and Atelier Bloem bath products.
If you’ve forgotten to pack any products, Kimpton Hotel Theta also has a “Forgot it? We’ve got it!” program that provides you with essential toiletries like toothbrushes, hair brushes, and more. I absolutely took advantage of this during my stay, I’m always forgetting something!
During our stay at the Kimpton Hotel Theta, we stayed in a queen room with two beds, which had ample room for two people and was about 325 square feet. Featuring a flexible workspace, a full bathroom (including a shower/tub combo!), and the comfiest beds, it was the perfect urban oasis after days spent exploring the city. There are also large flat-screen TVs in all of the guest rooms that allow streaming of Netflix!
The Location
Kimpton Hotel Theta is located between Times Square and Hell’s Kitchen and is right around the corner from the closest subway station, making it convenient to get to surrounding areas. The nearest airport to the hotel is LaGuardia Airport (a 30-minute drive) but JFK is just as convenient. If you are flying into JFK, you can also take the AirTrain from the airport before switching to the E. This will get you to the Kimpton Hotel Theta in a little under an hour for just $15!
There is so much to explore in the area directly around the hotel and I recommend utilizing Hotel Theta’s loaner bikes, which are free for guests. Whether you’re going to get coffee or want to bike around Central Park, they’re a fun and easy way to see the city.
Activities Near Hotel Theta
Starting to plan your NYC itinerary? Here are some favorite attractions close to Hotel Theta:
- Rockefeller Center
- Radio City Music Hall
- The Museum of Modern Art
- Empire State Building
- Central Park Zoo
Photography by Hannah Lozano Photography
This post was written in partnership with Kimpton Hotel Theta and Bar Sprezzatura. All opinions and views are my own. Thank you for supporting the brands that make Hello, Her possible!