I’m typing this from my Loft Studio at The Mercer Lodge in SoHo, the place I’ve simply spent six nights. With solely 73 rooms and suites, The Mercer is one among New York’s most discreet boutique inns. Its unmarked entrance, minimalist design, and Sartiano’s restaurant set the tone: understated, fashionable, and extra about delicate luxurious than flash.
On this Mercer Lodge evaluate, I’ll share what stood out throughout my keep, what could possibly be higher, and the main points you must know earlier than reserving.
Fast Overview
The Mercer Lodge Reservations: E-book with Our VIP Advantages
My company Cadence has a particular relationship with The Mercer through which we will provide Virtuoso-style facilities to your keep.
What I really like
Good to Know
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The Artwork of Arrival: If You Know, You Know
The Mercer expertise begins earlier than you even step inside. There isn’t a grand cover, no glittering signal, no fanfare. In truth, there isn’t a signage in any respect.
I already knew the place the lodge was, having been to SoHo many occasions, however a first-time visitor might simply drive previous with out realizing it. The one clue is a doorman in a lavender polo and slacks, who steps ahead when lodge friends are noticed. This understated arrival is intentional: The Mercer presents itself as a personal residence somewhat than a spectacle, mixing seamlessly into the neighborhood.
The doorway opens right into a serene foyer designed by Christian Liaigre, with deep sofas, heat lighting, and a curated library of artwork and design books. I even seen board video games tucked behind the entrance desk, a small however telling element that reinforces the residential, “make your self at residence” environment.
Location: The Cobblestone Coronary heart of SoHo
The Mercer’s location is, for my part, excellent. It sits on the nook of Mercer and Prince Streets within the coronary heart of SoHo, one among New York’s most iconic neighborhoods.
Mercer Road itself is a comparatively quiet, one-way cobblestone lane off of the busier West Houston Road. Prince Road carries a livelier buzz with its outlets and eating places (and extra folks).
One of many joys of staying right here is how naturally it encourages you to reside like a neighborhood. Inside a five-minute stroll are two of New York’s most well-known bagel outlets (Pop Up Bagels and Leon’s Bagels), and bringing them again to my room every morning grew to become a small ritual. I typically seen folks having fun with varied well-known takeout on the foyer tables.
The Mercer is in the course of a number of SoHo luxurious boutiques, the eating places of Nolita, the galleries of Tribeca, and the attraction of Greenwich Village. It is a perfect launchpad for exploring Decrease Manhattan and is straightforward for NYU dad and mom for the reason that gymnasium and different buildings are additionally situated on Mercer Road.
Selecting Your SoHo Loft: Rooms & Suites at The Mercer
I actually did love staying right here. Right here’s what to anticipate in your room or suite.
Facilities in All Lodging
Each room and suite contains:
- Espresso service on request, with Nespresso machines and recent milk
- Complimentary minibar with comfortable drinks and snacks, replenished every day (I cherished this)
- Dyson hairdryer in each room
- Luxurious tub merchandise, together with Mercer’s personal line and Dr. Barbara Sturm collaboration
- Comfy beds wearing exceptionally crisp, high-thread-count sheets and thick duvets
- 24-hour in-room eating from Sartiano’s full menu
- Day by day housekeeping and turn-down service
- Complimentary gymnasium passes to a close-by high-end health membership
Visitor Rooms (for solo vacationers or {couples})
The entry-level rooms are compact however polished, beginning at 250 sq. ft.
- Courtyard Room(about 250 sq. ft.) faces the tranquil bamboo backyard.
- Mercer Room (about 280 sq. ft.) overlooks cobblestoned Mercer Road.
- Mercer Room Deluxe (about 300 sq. ft.) provides extra respiratory room with two giant home windows.
Studios & Lofts (extra space, king beds)
Studios start at 350 sq. ft with a separate sitting space, whereas Deluxe Studios are a step up in measurement with views of both Prince Road, Mercer Road, or the courtyard. The Loft Studio—my room sort—gives greater than 500 sq. ft and really appears like a New York loft, with plentiful pure gentle by means of large home windows and a beneficiant format.
Suites (top-floor or particular layouts)
The Loft Suite, at 675 sq. ft, has a spacious dwelling space and grand arched home windows, with some items that includes fireplaces. Bigger one-bedroom choices embody the Nook Loft, Penthouse Loft, and Courtyard Loft, every round 950 sq. ft, providing distinctive options like panoramic views, a Juliet balcony, or a personal terrace.
Two-Bed room Choices (for households and teams)
These configurations hyperlink two rooms into an apartment-style format. Choices vary from a Deluxe Studio paired with a Loft Studio (about 935 sq. ft.) to expansive top-floor SoHo Suites, new Nook Suites, and Penthouse or Courtyard combos that embody kitchenettes and, in some circumstances, fireplaces.
Inside a Loft Studio: My Dwelling for a Week
The Loft Studio was perfect for my keep, particularly since I used to be serving to my daughter transfer into her NYU dorm and juggling way more baggage than standard (we had stuff in every single place). At 510 sq. ft, it absorbed the chaos of bins and baggage with out ever feeling cramped.
The twin closets—a rarity in New York—proved invaluable, and the extra drawers, bench, and desk gave the area a residential really feel. It felt much less like a lodge room and extra like a well-designed metropolis residence.
Round My Loft
The room additionally featured a big flat-screen TV (I’m guessing it’s round 40 inches), environment friendly and quiet air con, and a ceiling fan, which we didn’t want to make use of. The ground-to-ceiling curtains have been wonderful, offering near-total blackout when absolutely closed, guaranteeing a darkish, restful atmosphere for sleep.
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Free bottled juice and comfortable drinks.
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Free snacks (different objects are paid)
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Closet and funky entrance door.
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Magnetic don’t disturb and housekeeping card – actually cool!
Throughout a sizzling summer season, I appreciated with the ability to seize a small Pellegrino or Food plan Coke with out being charged. There have been additionally loads of snacks like popcorn, cookies, and sweet that we might get pleasure from. You possibly can ask for as a lot Saratoga nonetheless bottled water within the fairly blue glass bottles as you want.
The Lavatory: A Sanctuary with a Quirk
The lavatory carried that very same sense of area. A wider-than-usual, deep soaking tub (with salts and oils prepared) and separate walk-in bathe anchored the design, with plush towels and complimentary tub salts ready.
The one disadvantage was the self-importance: counter area was scarce, and whereas there was a magnified mirror, I’d have most well-liked a lighted one for make-up. A set of shutters above the bathtub opens the bathtub to the bed room, which seems to be stylish however compromises sound privateness, so I stored them closed.
I did like The Mercer branded particular person tub facilities within the bathe, however since I’ve thick hair, subsequent time I would think about bringing my very own. The physique lotion was superior, and I appreciated the container with cotton swabs, and so forth., in addition to the CO Bigelow toothbrushes.
I forgot to take a photograph of the bathe space, but it surely’s a pleasant walk-in bathe with good water strain.
Sleep, Consolation & Quiet
My Loft Studio confronted away from Mercer Road, looking onto a quiet courtyard and a residential constructing. The view was unremarkable, so we stored the curtains closed for privateness, however the profit was a profoundly quiet room.
I heard zero avenue noise, which is uncommon in lower-rise New York Metropolis inns. Rooms dealing with the cobblestone Mercer Road or the two-way Prince Road do are inclined to expertise town’s ambient buzz. You’ll need to plan your room choice accordingly. Nonetheless, I all the time carry earplugs to New York Metropolis as a result of this can be a danger in practically each lodge.
The king-sized mattress was very snug, leaning in the direction of agency somewhat than overly comfortable. I appreciated the thicker, luxurious cover. My solely critique is with the pillows, which I discovered to be a bit too comfortable for my style. Subsequent time, I’d observe my very own recommendation and ask housekeeping for a number of further pillows, which might resolve that. I slept very well right here each night time.
Eating & Drinks: The Sartiano’s Scene
One among The Mercer’s best strengths is its culinary program. The lodge is residence to Sartiano’s, a contemporary Italian restaurant that’s a eating vacation spot for New Yorkers as a lot as for lodge friends.
Three Distinct Atmospheres
You possibly can benefit from the Sartiano’s menu outdoors of your loft in 3 ways:
- Sartiano’s Café
That is the place friends linger over breakfast, informal lunches, or an aperitif. My daughter and I spent a number of enjoyable afternoons right here on the street-side tables, with me sipping rosé and sharing appetizers — a setting that felt equally pure for people-watching because it did for catching up after an extended day. - Essential Eating Room (Downstairs)
The extra formal eating room is hidden under avenue stage, accessed by stairs or, when you’re within the lodge already, through an elevator and a dramatic entry of metallic curtains. Designed by Studio Sofield, it resembles a up to date Tuscan wine cellar, with uncovered brick, Carrara marble, and an open kitchen. The environment was buzzing: loud, vigorous, and each bit the glamorous New York hotspot. - The Foyer
I discovered myself right here with my laptop on a number of events on this area reserved for lodge friends. One disadvantage is that the servers don’t patrol this space with as a lot frequency. Nevertheless it’s quiet and excellent for work or a solo meal.
Should-Order Dishes
Throughout my keep, every part we tried was wonderful, with a number of standouts:
- Caviar Cannoli – a signature amuse-bouche: tiny cannoli stuffed with mascarpone and topped with caviar, memorable each for the style and its Instagram-ready presentation.
- Ricotta sourdough toast topped with marinated cherry tomatoes – easy, recent, and addictive.
- Yellowtail crudo – brilliant, clear flavors that really feel very of-the-moment.
- Traditional Caesar salad – crisp, completely balanced, and a reminder {that a} well-done staple can nonetheless impress.
- Meatballs & Pastas – the restaurant’s most talked-about dishes, impressed by household recipes however reimagined with a contemporary twist.
In-Room Eating
In-room eating is obtainable 24 hours a day, supplied by Sartiano’s. It’s a wide selection and scrumptious. We solely ordered breakfast as soon as by means of it, as a result of the meals within the restaurant areas comes out somewhat shortly.
(I attempted to pre-arrange the breakfast order for supply the night time earlier than, but it surely didn’t arrive on time. I needed to name and observe up on it.)
A Summertime Gelato Cart
I imply how cool (actually) is that this on a sizzling and humid day in New York Metropolis. I noticed lots of people roaming SoHo benefit from this enjoyable daytime deal with.
A Considerate Welcome Amenity
On arrival, we discovered a customized amenity ready in our Loft Studio: an overflowing fruit bowl with pears, apples, grapes, cherries, and kumquats; a martini glass of gummy worms for my daughter; a fragile Ladurée cookie for me; and bottled waters. It was beneficiant, elegant, and deeply appreciated.
My solely disappointment? Housekeeping cleared the fruit bowl the very subsequent day, lengthy earlier than we’d had the prospect to complete it. A small misstep in what was in any other case a considerate gesture.
Wellness & Elevated Facilities
- Personal Exercise Room: A small 24-hour health room is obtainable by appointment. Company additionally obtain complimentary entry to a close-by luxurious gymnasium for a broader tools choice.
- Dr. Barbara Sturm Mercer Facial: A 60-minute remedy with anti-inflammatory therapeutic massage, scalp therapeutic massage, and red-light remedy for that signature “SturmGlow.”
- Cultural Entry: The Mercer gives invitation-only entry to Zero Bond, an unique downtown members’ membership for individuals who need curated cultural immersion past the lodge.
The Mercer Service Type: Discreetly On Hand
Service at The Mercer is one among its defining traits, and it’s essential to know the philosophy earlier than reserving. If you’re a traveler who enjoys being doted on, this isn’t the correct match. The Mercer doesn’t function like a 4 Seasons, the place employees appear to look out of skinny air to anticipate your each want.
As a substitute, the service right here is finest described as skilled, environment friendly, and discreetly accessible. Employees are there while you need them, however in any other case fade into the background, leaving you with the sensation of dwelling in your individual SoHo residence. I did should ask for issues like replenishing of my Nespresso pods, as this wasn’t routinely performed with housekeeping service, and as soon as my wine didn’t arrive with my lunch. And, I needed to flag down servers a number of occasions in The Foyer. These are all pretty minor issues, however you do must ask for issues typically.
This method aligns completely with the lodge’s minimalist, insider ethos. Hallways are hushed, interactions are polished, and extraordinarily pleasant. It by no means feels understaffed—simply deliberately unobtrusive.
One factor I cherished was that after a server had my room quantity, I by no means needed to signal a verify. An automated 20% gratuity is included, and also you’re free to depart while you want. It’s seamless and really “New York”—excellent for a clientele that values time and privateness over small courtesies like reviewing the invoice on the desk. (The draw back is that you have to belief that your invoice is right.)
Is The Mercer Lodge Good for Households?
The Mercer is finest suited to households with older youngsters or youngsters somewhat than these with very younger children. Throughout my practically week-long keep, I seen a number of households, however none with toddlers or infants.
The actual consideration for households is room construction. Most traditional rooms and studios have a strict most occupancy of two, making connecting setups much less of a comfort and extra of a necessity for teams of three or extra.
We had initially booked a Deluxe Studio and Loft Studio Connecting set (till my husband needed to keep residence with the canine, so we dropped the Deluxe Studio). They’re positioned facet by facet, outer-connecting, that means a single, lockable outer door closes off a small personal lobby that comprises the doorways to every room, creating a real two-bedroom, two-bathroom residence.
Whereas The Mercer doesn’t have devoted children’ programming, golf equipment, or play areas, complimentary cribs and rollaways can be found upon request, topic to room class limits. For the correct household—these with older children who recognize type, area, and the situation—it could work.
Last Verdict: Who Is The Mercer Lodge Good For?
I can say with confidence that this lodge isn’t for everybody, and that’s exactly its energy. It’s excellent for the impartial, style-conscious traveler, and VIPs who:
- Values location and environment – Somebody who desires to reside like a SoHo native.
- Appreciates design and structure – A visitor who prefers Christian Liaigre’s minimalist loft interiors and the authenticity of a landmark cast-iron constructing over conventional grandeur.
- Prefers discreet service – Privateness-first vacationers who need employees accessible when wanted, however in any other case unobtrusive.
- Is a foodie – Company who see a James Beard-driven restaurant as integral to their keep, not simply an add-on.
- Travels solo, as a pair, or with older children – Households could make wonderful use of the connecting-room configurations, whereas {couples} and solo vacationers will thrive within the residential, insider vibe.
For me, it was the perfect alternative offering the proper mix of area, type, and site. I cherished my room and my expertise, and I’ll completely guide it once more. You do want to order as quickly as you realize your dates. I’ve already checked two weekends I should be in NYC, and the entire lodge is bought out.
Make Reservations with VIP Facilities
Our company, Cadence, has a particular partnership with The Mercer Lodge in that we will provide Virtuoso-style facilities to our bookings. These embody:
Please use our lodge request type, and we will verify charges. They would be the similar as what you see on the lodge’s web site, plus the above facilities.