Brooks Reitz

The Ludlow

  • Where:
  • Why:R&D for an upcoming cafe we are opening in Charleston.
  • When:July 2014
  • Who:My business partner, Tim, and Ari Kolender, our chef at Leon’s and our new cafe, St. Alban.
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The Ludlow Great fixtures, and a view that’s tough to beat.

Great fixtures, and a view that’s tough to beat.

The Ludlow The beds, reproduced from an original that MacPherson found, were beautiful and comfortable.

The beds, reproduced from an original that MacPherson found, were beautiful and comfortable.

The Ludlow The sparseness of the front lobby is a stark contrast to the space beyond.

The sparseness of the front lobby is a stark contrast to the space beyond.

The Ludlow Design details: Brutalist chandeliers, sconces from Apparatus, and plenty of space to lounge. The entry lobby details - plenty of wood, and Stephen Kenn sofas.

Design details: Brutalist chandeliers, sconces from Apparatus, and plenty of space to lounge. The entry lobby details - plenty of wood, and Stephen Kenn sofas.

The Ludlow Gorgeous details; and shoes ready to explore the LES.

Gorgeous details; and shoes ready to explore the LES.

The Ludlow Looking out over the LES, with room for friends.

Looking out over the LES, with room for friends.

Highs & Lows

  • Incredible location. If you want the buzz of NYC, this is the place to stay.

  • Gorgeous design. Sean MacPherson nailed all the details, from the lobby to the room.

  • Food and drink. With the talent in place, you don’t have to leave the building for a proper drink or a memorable meal.

  • The entry foyer is lacking the energy of the plush, sexy room beyond it.

  • In the soft opening phase, I encountered a few kinks. We had to move late night because of malfunctioning AC.

  • Small rooms…but you aren’t here to hang out in the rooms!

The Barometer

  • Design

  • Website

  • Environmental Consciousness

  • Night's Sleep

  • Service

  • Amenities

  • Takeable Treats

  • Refer a Friend

  • Overall Value

  • Life Changing

Total: 40/50

Important Bits

  • Type

    Boutique hotel.

  • Vibe

    It’s much more rock n’ roll than other MacPherson designed hotels in town. It feels like a more spare, youthful Gramercy Park Hotel. It maintains some of the grit and funk of the LES, but still feels comfortable. de Sede sofas give a very 70’s vibe and the speakers, mounted from the ceiling are large enough to tell you that this place was meant to be lived in.

  • Location

    In the heart of the action on the Lower East Side in NYC. Steps away from plenty of bars, restaurants, coffee shops, and a quick walk to some great shopping.

  • Rooms

    184

  • Music

    An eclectic mix, mostly leaning toward rock. We heard Talking Heads, The Clash and Metallica, among others.

  • Year Opened

    2014

  • Designed By

    Sean Macpherson

  • Health & Wellness

    No gym, but passes to Ludlow Fitness.

  • Restaurant

    Dirty French, the newest spot from the Torrisi/Carbone crew, will open early September. Sean MacPherson is helping with the design, as well. Judging from early shots, it looks to be a moody, darker update to the McNally-esque bistro design formula. This will no doubt be a buzzy, tough table with the food to match.

  • Bar

    The lobby bar is currently open. I spied Damon Boelte, well known barman from Prime Meats, behind the stick. The program is overseen by Thomas Waugh, a Death & Co. alum who most recently won raves for his creations at ZZ’s Clam Bar. The drinks favored the rich and boozy, so I stuck to some simple aperitifs and basic nightcaps.

  • Minibar

    A well stocked mini-bar with some classic standbys: Bombay Sapphire, Jameson, etc. Alcohol, candy, chocolates - a big selection of most things you might need for a wild night out (or in).

  • Children

    Because this is in a serious drinker’s part of town, I’d say leave them at home.

  • Price

    Affordable luxury.

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