Meditation, REM sleep, deep breathing, and hypnosis are all known to induce tranquil Theta brain waves, a therapeutic, creativity-enhancing frequency. Aptly named after this mind state, New York’s second Kimpton hotel brings a much-needed dose of Zen to the bustling Theater District. Managed by Highgate, IHG Hotels & Resorts’s 15-story, 200,000-square-foot property is a study in adaptive reuse, with sculptural interiors informed by Morris Lapidus’s original neo-baroque architecture. Brooklyn- and Tokyo-based firm Crème/Jun Aizaki Architecture & Design collaborated with Highgate’s in-house studio, Lucid, to devise Theta’s layered, tactile accommodations.
Soothing modernist motifs predominate. In the lobby, a floor-to-ceiling mural riffs off an aerial view of Isamu Noguchi’s 1958 UNESCO Garden in Paris, with plaster reliefs abstractly representing the earth, while an asymmetrical triptych adds a pop of yellow above reception’s corrugated-concrete desk. “The infusion of art and historical elements served as a rich palette,” Crème founder Jun Aizaki explains.
Throughout the lobby level, the teams transformed existing concrete columns into a series of curvy gypsum archways, framing such social zones as the living room, where Japanese-inspired wood privacy screens and a plethora of plush seating accommodate both solo travelers and larger groups. Another portal leads to Café Otto, replete with communal tables and custom window-niche sofas. The subtle tones of the sand-hued terrazzo-like porcelain flooring, taupe-painted walls, and white-oak millwork unifies the public spaces.
The quiet-luxe concept continues in spacious guest rooms (including the five suites) via pale timber accents, textured wallpaper, channel-tufted headboards, and funky Sputnik-style chandeliers. Each room features fluid, dimensional artwork—custom collaboration by Crème and the online gallery Saatchi Art.
Later this year, the rooftop Bar Sprezzatura will open. Meanwhile, Theta offers complimentary welcome drinks, curated lists of NYC eateries, and fresh pastries from the coffee bar. Like other Kimpton properties, guests can request a house-plant delivered straight to their room with a name tag and take-home care instructions. Talk about restorative hospitality!
