New York City has always held a special place in the hearts of my husband, Peter, and me, especially after our engagement there in 2022. The city is also where our Instagram handle, Auldsouls, originated. Inspired by that iconic Sex and the City moment when Carrie rushes across town to ensure Miranda isn’t alone on New Year’s Eve, the nostalgic tune of “Auld Lang Syne” forever echoes the magic of New York for us. Recently, we returned to the city, filled with that same sense of awe as we checked off a bucket-list stay at ModernHaus SoHo, in our favorite neighborhood, SoHo.
New York’s Hottest Neighborhood is…
No matter how many times we visit New York City, nothing compares to the magic of SoHo. As soon as we stepped out of the cab at the corner of Grand Street and 6th Avenue, the vibrant energy of this must-see neighborhood enveloped us like an old friend.
SoHo, short for “South of Houston Street,” is the perfect mix of vintage New York charm and modern elegance. Its iconic cast-iron buildings and cobbled streets create a picturesque backdrop that begs to be photographed. It feels like every corner is an Instagram moment waiting to be captured, but there’s so much more to this location than its beauty.
Exploring SoHo is akin to wandering through an open-air art gallery. Creativity thrives here, from the lively galleries to the vibrant street art that decorates every corner. We spent hours discovering some of our favorites—Jeffrey Deitch, Eden Gallery, Ronald Feldman Gallery, and The Drawing Center—all showcasing a blend of contemporary and classic works that illustrate the artistic spirit of the district.
Love at First Sight
In the heart of SoHo, we finally checked into ModernHaus SoHo for our eagerly anticipated two-night stay. Rising 18 floors above the neighborhood, we enjoyed sweeping views that beautifully contrast the towering downtown skyscrapers with the charming 19th-century low-rise buildings of SoHo. Entering the lobby felt like stepping into an art gallery, with walls adorned with works by icons like George Condo, Harland Miller, Jean Dubuffet, and KAWS—an eye-catching experience at every turn.
The true treasure awaited us on the rooftop. Situated on the 18th floor, the outdoor pool was an unexpected oasis—a rarity in this part of the city. The 360-degree views of New York were simply breathtaking, but the magic truly began as evening fell. By night, the rooftop transforms into Jimmy, a chic bar inspired by Picasso’s Blue Period, attracting SoHo’s stylish crowd. With its sophisticated blue modular furniture, sleek tiled walls, and floor-to-ceiling windows, it’s the perfect spot for sunset cocktails. Their signature seasonal drink, “Jimmy Is a Woman,” is a must-try—a vibrant mix of Milagro Blanco tequila, habanero, watermelon, and lime that captures the bar’s fashionable, electric vibe.
On the ground floor, we were enchanted by Twenty Three Grand, a Mediterranean-inspired restaurant nestled in a greenhouse, making every meal feel like a sun-drenched escape. The second floor features Jumpin Jacks, an all-day eatery that seamlessly transitions from a breakfast spot to a casual lounge. With floor-to-ceiling windows and art collected from the personal collection of ModernHaus Owner, Jack J. Sitt, the space exudes cozy elegance, perfect for unwinding any time of day.
As for our room, the Skyline King Studio was a dream come true. The views of SoHo and Tribeca were enchanting, and we were delighted to find Le Labo bath amenities waiting for us—paying homage to their iconic SoHo shop on Elizabeth Street. The fragrance of their Santal 33 shower gel is beyond heavenly.
Flavorful Finds and Fashionable Favorites
The real estate mantra “location, location, location” couldn’t be more accurate than in SoHo. ModernHaus SoHo is ideally situated within walking distance of the neighborhood’s finest dining options, including the Michelin-starred Le Coucou and Vestry. If you’re in the mood for something sweet, Flipper’s is nearby, serving its famous soufflé pancakes—so thick, fluffy, and delicious that they’re worth every moment of the wait.
We indulged in further culinary delights at A Pasta Bar, where handmade pastas like Tagliatelle Al Tartufo Nero and Tonnarelli Cacio e Pepe whisked us away to Italy—even the staff speaks Italian! Between shopping and exploring, we made sure to stop by Café Leon Dore, where watching the baristas at work is as captivating as the cappuccinos and croissants they serve—an absolute must-try.
No trip to SoHo would be complete without a little window shopping. The neighborhood’s iconic cast-iron buildings house some of the world’s most luxurious brands, from Prada and Chanel to Gucci, Dior Homme, and Louis Vuitton. Of course, SoHo wouldn’t be SoHo without a touch of American chic—Khaite captures that perfectly crafted balance of understated elegance the neighborhood is known for.
Above it All
While exploring the streets of SoHo is exhilarating, returning to ModernHaus allows us to slow down and savor our experiences. As a yoga teacher, I was particularly excited to discover the hotel’s rooftop yoga sessions—there’s something magical about unwinding as the sun rises over the city. With panoramic views, it’s easily one of the best spots for yoga in SoHo. Fitness enthusiasts will love the state-of-the-art gym, which also boasts breathtaking views, making even a morning run feel effortless.
We have completely fallen in love with SoHo—the people, the architecture, the shopping, and the endless art. Our stay at ModernHaus SoHo was nothing short of dreamy, and we couldn’t imagine staying anywhere else.
About the authors: Miriama and Peter Matay of @auldsouls are European-based content creators specializing in luxury travel, fashion, and lifestyle.
Want more New York getaway inspiration? Keep reading…
