Design and technology live side-by-side at Sister City, a New York hotel rewriting the rulebook on how to experience a city through travel. Designed by creative agency Atelier Ace—that’s the folk behind the game-changing Ace Hotel—guests can look forward to an evolving respite, a place where the simplest of details are taken care of without fuss nor extravagance.
Check-in via self-service kiosks that generate room keys; scan the day’s weather with a 24-hour rooftop sky camera; make requests via an intuitive digital interface; and enjoy a first-of-its-kind generative ‘Lobby Score’ by Julianna Barwick, using Microsoft’s AI technology to create an immersive soundtrack informed by the changing environment as seen by the sky camera. Mindful design, artful technology and seamless functionality combine to make every aspect of a stay at Sister City as seamless as can be.
The 200 rooms are simple and modern with unadorned walls and custom cherry-wood furnishings, Atelier Ace creating a space for guests to enjoy serenity (the hotel has also teamed up with Headspace to provide a grounding meditative service) yet convenience, guests having the ability to personalise their stay without even leaving their bed. Throughout the hotel, attention to detail, craft, form and materiality—from the Italian cherry-wood furnishings to the fact that each original Noguchi lantern is hand-numbered and stamped—can be seen and felt. An urban garden lends a further sense of calm to one of the world’s busiest cities, as does a smattering of lush greenery found in the hotel’s public spaces.
Up on the 11th floor, Last Light offers views of the New York City skyline from its two outdoor terraces and interior bar, serving an inspired menu of cocktails, natural wines and craft beers in a space that has neighbourhood bar appeal. Floret, an all-day restaurant, will open soon, chefs Joe Ogrodnek and Andrew Whitcomb providing diners with a menu that makes use of seasonal ingredients snapped up from local purveyors.
Inspired by the philosophy of ‘less but better’, Sister City is a hotel distilled to its most integral and beautiful parts, a hospitality experience where efficiency and grace unite, where human connection is there if desired and where a good night’s sleep is guaranteed.
Sister City New York Photography, Adrian Gaut / Brian W. Ferry / Daniel Krieger
