Unique NYC Hotels: The Mercer

The Mercer Lobby. Photo: Sarah Leon

Andre Balazs is known for his impeccable ability to combine luxury with style, and The Mercer is a perfect embodiment of this. The sister hotel to the Chateau Marmont in LA, the hotel is a magnet for celebrities, fashion designers, musicians and stylists. If you’ve seen Rihanna and A$AP Rocky’s “Fashion Killa” video, then you’ve had a glimpse inside The Mercer’s Courtyard Loft.

Location: 147 Mercer Street, between Prince Street and Broadway

The rooms: Designed to create the experience of a Soho artist’s loft-style living. All rooms have a very lux, breezy feel, with light colors, large windows and outfitted exclusively with Christian Liaigre furniture.

The vibe: Beyond the chic design and plush beds, the staff is really what makes The Mercer a standout. Hotel guests are treated like family. Many return guests know the managers and concierges by name and vice versa.

If you go: Stake out a spot in the lobby for some prime people watching. Beyond hotel guests, The Mercer lobby is a favorite spot for locals. You can oftentimes see a magazine editor interviewing an up-and-coming musician or actress about to release a new film; Paul Haggis working on a script for a new project; or Andre Balazs himself, who lives just down the street.

For dinner: Venture over to La Esquina, a funky Mexican Taqueria and speakeasy in Nolita. Enter through the Taqueria and look for the guy or girl holding a clipboard.

To see more from the popular place, check out the Mercer Hotel’s Instagram, and to book your New Year’s stay/maybe party with Rhianna, check out the Mercer Hotel’s website.