My Insider Ideas & VIP Privileges [2025]

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 in all New York’s most discreet boutique lodges. Its unmarked entrance, minimalist design, and Sartiano’s restaurant set the tone: understated, trendy, and extra about refined luxurious than flash.

On this Mercer Lodge assessment, I’ll share what stood out throughout my keep, what may very well be higher, and the small print it’s best to know earlier than reserving.

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 any signage in any respect.

I already knew the place the lodge was, having been to SoHo many instances, 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 visitors are noticed. This understated arrival is intentional: The Mercer presents itself as a non-public residence reasonably 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 observed board video games tucked behind the entrance desk, a small however telling element that reinforces the residential, “make your self at residence” ambiance.

Location: The Cobblestone Coronary heart of SoHo

The Mercer’s location is, for my part, good. It sits on the nook of Mercer and Prince Streets within the coronary heart of SoHo, one in all 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 individuals).

One of many joys of staying right here is how naturally it encourages you to dwell like an area. 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 turned a small ritual. I usually observed individuals having fun with varied well-known takeout on the foyer tables.

The Mercer is in the midst of a number of SoHo luxurious boutiques, the eating places of Nolita, the galleries of Tribeca, and the allure of Greenwich Village. It is a perfect launchpad for exploring Decrease Manhattan and is straightforward for NYU mother and father because the health club and different buildings are additionally positioned on Mercer Road.

Selecting Your SoHo Loft: Rooms & Suites at The Mercer

The Mercer’s lodging are designed to really feel like a basic New York loft: excessive ceilings, outsized home windows, and completely proportioned areas that emphasize consolation as a lot as fashion.

Facilities in All Lodging

Each room and suite contains:

• Espresso service on request, with Nespresso machines and recent milk
• Complimentary minibar with mushy drinks and snacks, replenished each day (I liked this)
• Dyson hairdryer in each room
• Luxurious bathtub 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 health club 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. toes.

• 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 respiration room with two massive home windows.

Studios & Lofts (extra space, king beds)

Studios start at 350 sq. toes 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. toes and actually seems like a New York loft, with plentiful pure mild by means of large home windows and a beneficiant format.

Suites (top-floor or particular layouts)

The Loft Suite, at 675 sq. toes, has a spacious residing 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. toes, providing distinctive options like panoramic views, a Juliet balcony, or a non-public 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 mixtures that embody kitchenettes and, in some circumstances, fireplaces.

Inside a Loft Studio: My House for a Week

The Loft Studio was splendid 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 all places). At 510 sq. toes, it absorbed the chaos of packing containers and luggage with out ever feeling cramped.

The twin closets—a rarity in New York—proved invaluable, and the extra drawers, bench, and desk gave the house a residential really feel. It felt much less like a lodge room and extra like a well-designed metropolis condominium.

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 glorious, offering near-total blackout when totally closed, guaranteeing a darkish, restful surroundings for sleep.

Throughout a scorching summer season, I appreciated with the ability to seize a small Pellegrino or Eating regimen Coke with out being charged. There have been additionally loads of snacks like popcorn, cookies, and sweet that we might take pleasure in. You may ask for as a lot Saratoga nonetheless bottled water within the fairly blue glass bottles as you want.

The Toilet: A Sanctuary with a Quirk

The lavatory carried that very same sense of house. 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 bathtub salts ready.

The one disadvantage was the vainness: counter house 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 tub to the bed room, which appears stylish however compromises sound privateness, so I stored them closed.

I did like The Mercer branded particular person bathtub 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 toothbrushes.

I forgot to take a photograph of the bathe space, nevertheless it’s a pleasant walk-in bathe with good 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, a uncommon and treasured commodity in New York Metropolis. Rooms going through the cobblestone Mercer Road or the two-way Prince Road do are likely to expertise the town’s ambient buzz. You’ll need to plan your room choice accordingly. Nonetheless, I all the time deliver earplugs to New York Metropolis as a result of this can be a threat in almost each lodge.

The king-sized mattress was very snug, leaning in direction of agency reasonably than overly mushy. I appreciated the thicker, luxurious quilt. My solely critique is with the pillows, which I discovered to be a bit too mushy for my style. Subsequent time, I’d comply with my very own recommendation and ask housekeeping for just a few additional pillows, which might resolve that. I slept rather well right here each night time.

Eating & Drinks: The Sartiano’s Scene

One among The Mercer’s biggest strengths is its culinary program. The lodge is residence to Sartiano’s, a contemporary Italian restaurant that has develop into a eating vacation spot for New Yorkers as a lot as for lodge visitors.

Three Distinct Atmospheres

You may benefit from the Sartiano’s menu outdoors of your loft in 3 ways:

• Sartiano’s Café
  That is the place visitors linger over breakfast, informal lunches, or an aperitif. My daughter and I spent just a few 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 a protracted day.
• Major Eating Room (Downstairs)
  The extra formal eating room is hidden beneath avenue stage, accessed by stairs or, should you’re within the lodge already, by way of an elevator and a dramatic entry of metallic curtains. Designed by Studio Sofield, it resembles a recent Tuscan wine cellar, with uncovered brick, Carrara marble, and an open kitchen. The ambiance was buzzing: loud, energetic, 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 house reserved for lodge visitors. One disadvantage is that the servers don’t patrol this space with as a lot frequency.

Should-Order Dishes

Throughout my keep, all the things we tried was glorious, with just a few standouts:

• Caviar Cannoli – a signature amuse-bouche: tiny cannoli full of 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 – vivid, clear flavors that really feel very of-the-moment.
• Basic 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 offered 24 hours a day, offered 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 reasonably shortly.

(I attempted to pre-arrange the breakfast order for supply the night time earlier than, nevertheless it didn’t arrive on time. I needed to name and comply with up on it.)

A Summertime Gelato Cart

I imply how cool (actually) is that this on a scorching and humid day in New York Metropolis. I noticed lots of people roaming SoHo make the most of this enjoyable daytime deal with.

A Considerate Welcome Amenity

On arrival, we discovered a personalised 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 possibility to complete it. A small misstep in what was in any other case a considerate gesture.

Wellness & Elevated Facilities

• Non-public Exercise Room: A small 24-hour health room is offered by appointment. Visitors additionally obtain complimentary entry to a close-by luxurious health club for a broader gear 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 Model: Discreetly On Hand

Service at The Mercer is one in all its defining traits, and it’s vital to grasp the philosophy earlier than reserving. In case you are a traveler who enjoys being doted on, this isn’t the precise match. The Mercer doesn’t function like a 4 Seasons, the place workers appear to seem out of skinny air to anticipate your each want.

As an alternative, the service right here is greatest described as skilled, environment friendly, and discreetly accessible. Employees are there if you need them, however in any other case fade into the background, leaving you with the sensation of residing in your individual SoHo residence. I did need to ask for issues like replenishing of my Nespresso pods, as this wasn’t robotically completed with housekeeping service, and as soon as my wine didn’t arrive with my lunch. And, I needed to flag down servers just a few instances 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 liked was that after a server had my room quantity, I by no means needed to signal a test. An automated 20% gratuity is included, and also you’re free to go away if you want. It’s seamless and really “New York”—good for a clientele that values time and privateness over small courtesies like reviewing the invoice on the desk. (The draw back is that that you must belief that your invoice is right.)

Is The Mercer Lodge Good for Households?

The Mercer is greatest fitted to households with older kids or youngsters reasonably than these with very younger youngsters. Throughout my almost week-long keep, I observed 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, which means a single, lockable outer door closes off a small non-public lobby that incorporates the doorways to every room, creating a real two-bedroom, two-bathroom condominium.

Whereas The Mercer doesn’t have devoted youngsters’ programming, golf equipment, or play areas, complimentary cribs and rollaways can be found upon request, topic to room class limits. For the precise household—these with older youngsters who respect fashion, house, and the situation—it may well work.

Ultimate 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 power. It’s good for the unbiased, style-conscious traveler, and VIPs who:

• Values location and ambiance – Somebody who needs to dwell 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 workers accessible when wanted, however in any other case unobtrusive.
• Is a foodie – Visitors 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 youngsters – Households could make glorious use of the connecting-room configurations, whereas {couples} and solo vacationers will thrive within the residential, insider vibe.

For me, it was the best alternative offering the proper mix of house, fashion, and site. I liked my room and my expertise, and I’ll completely e-book it once more. You do want to order as quickly as you understand your dates. I’ve already checked two weekends I have to 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 are able to supply Virtuoso-style facilities to our bookings. These embody:

Please use our lodge request kind, and we are able to verify charges. They would be the similar as what you see on the lodge’s web site, plus the above facilities.