The Mercer Hotel: An Iconic Industry Haven

The enchanting Mercer Hotel is an architectural gem nestled in the heart of Downtown Manhattan’s Soho neighborhood. Since its construction in 1890, the Mercer has been an integral part of the community, upholding its legacy by prioritizing intention, heritage, and discretion. This ultra-sleek Romanesque hotel has been practicing “quiet luxury” for years, long before it became a buzzword in the industry. Renowned French architect and designer Christian Liaigre meticulously designed the interior to reflect the contemporary warm tones and downtown culture. The high ceilings, combined with minimalistic aesthetics, create a serene and tranquil environment amidst the bustling city. The lobby feels like a living room, exuding a “home away from home” essence. To the right of the lobby, guests can immerse themselves in a curated selection of books by David Strettell, the founder of Dashwood Books, catering to a diverse clientele.

In the Spring, the Mercer will launch its new restaurant, but in the meantime, guests can order from its iconic neighbor, Lure FishBar. The Mercer values its community, as demonstrated by its limited-edition collaboration with Ladurée, a beloved Soho staple with illustrations drawn by Pauline Lévêque on the packaging. Michel Heredia, the Director of Sales and Marketing said, “bringing together these two iconic brands, our collaboration with Ladurée was a symbol of the strength of a local creative act. Icons at a large scale. I cannot think of a better world to stage than Soho to unite these two beloved neighbors.”

The boutique hotel is not only focused on guests but also passionate about protecting endangered bees. With 40% of bees endangered, their impact on biodiversity is crucial to pollinate food crops. The hotel has installed hives on its roof, and its 70,000 bees roam the city going to Madison Square Park, Chinatown, and Hudson River, eventually making their way back home to The Mercer. Heredia stressed the importance of raising awareness about the fragility and rarity of honey, with 1/12th of teaspoon of honey representing a bee’s life. Heredia continued saying, “It’s necessary to spread the word about how valuable bees are.” Despite new hotels popping up all over the city, the Mercer has cemented its place in Soho.

“We’re a part of this beautiful institution, and to have that heritage is something you cannot buy.”

The Mercer has hosted some of the most famous fashion and entertainment creatives, celebrities, and artists throughout the years, including Karl Lagerfeld, Marc Jacobs, Kanye West, and Jay-Z, who even rented out an entire floor to record “Watch the Throne.” With the upcoming Met Gala on May 1st, the hotel is sure to attract even more A-listers. Although, what sets the Mercer apart is its commitment to exceeding guests’ expectations. The dedicated staff anticipates and caters to every need, providing a personalized touch that keeps clients returning time and time again. Despite the significant hit the hotel industry took after the COVID-19 pandemic, the Mercer stands tall. Heredia emphasized that “the ones who fought to survive are still here. We’re a part of this beautiful institution, and to have that heritage is something you cannot buy.”