New York City has always held a special place in my husband Peter’s and my heart, especially after our engagement there in 2022. It’s also where our Instagram name, Auldsouls, was born—its inspiration drawn from that Sex and the City moment when Carrie races across town to make sure Miranda isn’t alone on New Year’s Eve. The soft, nostalgic notes of “Auld Lang Syne” in that scene forever echo New York’s magic for us. Recently, we returned to the city with that same sense of wonder, this time checking 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 SoHo. The moment we stepped out of the cab at the corner of Grand Street and 6th Avenue, the energy of this see-and-be-seen neighborhood wrapped around us like an old friend.
SoHo, short for “South of Houston Street,” is a perfect blend of old New York charm and modern-day chic. Its iconic cast-iron buildings and cobblestone streets offer the kind of beauty that begs to be photographed. Every street feels like an Instagram moment waiting to happen, but there’s more to this place than just good looks.
Wandering through SoHo is like strolling through an open-air art gallery. The neighborhood buzzes with creativity, from the vibrant galleries to the street art that seems to pop up on every corner. We spend hours exploring some of our favorites—Jeffrey Deitch, Eden Gallery, Ronald Feldman Gallery and The Drawing Center—all offering a mix of contemporary and classic works that reflect the artistic heartbeat of this district.
Love at first sight
In the heart of SoHo, we checked into ModernHaus SoHo for our much-anticipated two-night stay. Rising 18 floors above the neighborhood, we take in sweeping views that balance the contrast of downtown’s towering skyscrapers with the charming 19th-century low-rise buildings of SoHo. Stepping into the lobby felt like stepping into yet another art gallery, with walls adorned by pieces from icons like George Condo, Harland Miller, Jean Dubuffet and KAWS—a feast for the eyes at every turn.
The real gem, though, awaited us on the rooftop. Perched on the 18th floor, the outdoor pool was an unexpected oasis—a rare find in this part of the city. The 360-degree views of New York were simply mesmerizing, but the enchantment truly set in as evening approached. By night, the rooftop transforms into Jimmy, a chic bar inspired by Picasso’s Blue Period that becomes a beacon for SoHo’s stylish crowd. With its sophisticated blue modular furniture, sleek tiled walls and floor-to-ceiling windows, it’s the ideal spot for sunset cocktails. Their signature seasonal drink, “Jimmy Is a Woman,” is a must-try—a vibrant blend of Milagro Blanco tequila, habanero, watermelon and lime that perfectly complements the bar’s fashionable, electric atmosphere.
On the ground floor, we were charmed by Twenty Three Grand, a Mediterranean-inspired restaurant nestled inside a greenhouse, making every meal feel like a sun-soaked retreat. The second floor brought us to Jumpin Jacks, an all-day eatery that smoothly transitions from breakfast spot to relaxed lounge. With floor-to-ceiling windows and artwork culled from the personal collection of ModernHaus Owner, Jack J. Sitt, the space radiates cozy elegance, perfect for unwinding at any time of day.
As for our room, the Skyline King Studio was nothing short of a dream. The views of SoHo and Tribeca were captivating and we were delighted to find Le Labo bath amenities waiting for us—an homage to their iconic SoHo shop on Elizabeth Street. The scent of their Santal 33 shower gel is heavenly.
Flavorful finds and fashionable faves
The old real estate mantra “location, location, location” couldn’t be truer than it is here in SoHo. With its prime spot, ModernHaus SoHo places you within a short stroll of the district’s most renowned restaurants, including Michelin-starred Le Coucou and Vestry. For those with a sweet tooth, Flipper’s is just around the corner, serving up its famous soufflé pancakes—so thick, fluffy and delightful that they’re worth every second of the wait.
We indulged in more culinary delights at A Pasta Bar, where handmade pastas like Tagliatelle Al Tartufo Nero and Tonnarelli Cacio e Pepe transported us straight to Italy—even the staff speaks Italian! Between shopping and exploring, we made a point to pause at Café Leon Dore, where watching the baristas at work is as much an art as the cappuccinos and croissants they serve—an absolute must-try.
No trip to SoHo would be complete without a bit of window shopping. The neighborhood’s iconic cast-iron buildings house some of the world’s most luxurious labels, from Prada, Chanel and Gucci to Dior Homme and Louis Vuitton. And of course, SoHo wouldn’t be SoHo without a touch of American chic—Khaite offers that perfectly crafted balance of understated elegance that the neighborhood is known for.
Above it all
Wandering the streets of SoHo can be exhilarating, but when we return to ModernHaus, we slow down and savor the moment. As a yoga teacher, I was especially thrilled to discover the hotel’s rooftop yoga sessions—there’s something about unwinding as the sun rises over the city that’s truly magical. With the panoramic view, it’s easily one of the best spots for yoga in all of SoHo. For fitness enthusiasts, the state-of-the-art gym offers those same breathtaking views, making even a morning run feel like a breeze.
We’ve fallen head over heels for SoHo—the people, the architecture, the shopping and the endless art. Our stay at ModernHaus SoHo was nothing short of dreamlike 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.
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