The Curtain
"How did it strike you on arrival?One of the big openings of 2017—launched by Michael Achenbaum of New York’s trendy Gansevoort Meatpacking NYC—these warehouse-style digs are a slice of Manhattan in East London. It’s a members' club as well as a hotel, and, in case you haven’t quite got the hang of the vibe yet, there’s a nightclub in the basement smothered in Sex Pistols posters. What’s the crowd like?This is not a hotel aimed at the smart of suit or high of heel—the staff wear Carhartt denim, and there’s a sneaker cleaning service. The good stuff: Tell us about your room.Rooms have exposed brick, wooden floors and bottle-green leather chesterfields that match the wardrobes. Some of the larger rooms have terraces with gritty city views. How about the little things, like mini bar, or shower goodies. Any of that find its way into your suitcase?The bluetooth-enabled speakers are a tempting take. Please tell us the bathroom won’t let us down.Black-and-white bathrooms are smothered with marble and have powerhouse rain showers. Maybe the most important topic of all: Wi-Fi. What’s the word?Free. Anything stand out about other services and features? Whether it’s childcare, gyms, spas, even parking—whatever stuck with you.The roof terrace strung with fairy lights has a Med-inspired restaurant and a retractable roof; there’s also a dinky pool surrounded by deckchairs. Chef Marcus Samuelsson has opened a branch of his famed Red Rooster downstairs, serving soul food—shrimp ‘n’ grits, chicken ‘n’ waffles—with a side of jazz. The basement spa does a pleasing hodgepodge of treatments and manicures by Imarni Nails—whose manicurists decorate the talons of Lily Allen and FKA Twigs. What was most memorable—or heartbreaking—about your stay?Chomping on fried chicken to the strains of the gospel choir who perform at Red Rooster every Sunday. Bottom line: worth it, and why?It's the trendiest sleep in town." - Laura Goulden
