In a city that thrives on reinvention, Ian Schrager’s PUBLIC Hotel is the quintessential downtown New York hotspot that fuses bold style with democratic luxury. The brainchild of the Studio 54 legendary nightclub, patronised by a stellar guest list, such as Andy Warhol, Sylvester Stallone, Elton John, Tommy Hilfiger, Diane von Fürstenberg and more, PUBLIC has mastered the art of creating an experiential haven without the velvet rope pretensions. Forget stuffy, overpriced lobbies. PUBLIC is where “luxury for all” becomes a living, breathing ethos. From its cultural programming to its culinary credentials, here’s why PUBLIC is the place to be (and be seen) in New York right now.
In a nod to Schrager’s nightlife roots, PUBLIC’s Microclub is an intimate playground for music aficionados. Since its December 2022 debut, the club has hosted the likes of Ty Sunderland, Benji B, and Honey Dijon against a backdrop of hypnotic James Turrell-inspired LED art. It’s a dance floor where the city’s tastemakers and music lovers alike come to revel in a transcendent audio-visual experience.
Chef Diego Muñoz brings his Peruvian flair to POPULAR, a dining destination that takes diners on a global tour of flavour. Think wood-fired pollo a la brasa, sublime ceviches, and pisco cocktails that dance on the palate. For those seeking something more casual yet equally curated, LOUIS, the on-site global bazaar, delivers decadent street eats crafted by Michelin-starred John Fraser.
Dog Days and Igloo Nights
From pooch-friendly stays to rooftop igloos, PUBLIC knows how to cater to the eclectic New York crowd. Cozy up in a fire-lit igloo with mulled wine in hand or let your furry friend lounge in luxury with PUBLIC’s pet policy. Schrager has clearly taken the pulse of the modern traveller — and he’s got his finger right on it.
Instagrammable Escalators and Euro-Chic Gardens
PUBLIC’s aesthetic is minimalism done right. Herzog & de Meuron’s design vision is a study in contrasts — from the copper-toned, reflective escalators to the lush, ivy-clad Bowery Garden that channels European elegance without a hint of pretense.
Bar Chrystie: A Piano Bar Without The Piano
Schrager’s love affair with New York’s cocktail culture shines at Bar Chrystie, where old Hollywood glamour meets downtown edge. Curated by mixologist Rob Krueger, the bar’s lineup of inventive cocktails pairs perfectly with a sultry playlist featuring Aaliyah, D’Angelo, and Maxwell.
PUBLIC is about experiences over excess, access over exclusivity, and making luxury feel like it’s for everyone, not just a select few. Schrager has redefined the downtown New York scene once again, and PUBLIC stands as his magnum opus — the perfect union of past, present, and what’s next.
Images courtesy of PURPLE PR.
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