Once under the management of the Trump hotel group – though now thoroughly grown up and determinedly distancing itself from that past – The Dominick has come into its own as a quintessentially ‘native New Yorker’ hotel: self-assured and unapologetically cool, if not a touch aloof. More condo/residence than hotel, this towering presence in SoHo offers rare rooftop poolside lounging and enviable square footage, wrapped in an air of confident solitude.
Arriving at The Dominick was not unlike entering an uptown gallery. The smartly dressed doormen nodded at us with a hint of recognition… warmth in theory, but stopping short of excitement. Our check-in by reception staff was polished, modern and efficient, but not particularly effusive.
To be fair, once we reached the room, any lingering need for overt hospitality vanished. The views of New York City from our private lodgings were cinematic. If we wanted a true Manhattan sense of place, then we most definitely got it here. Yet there was something about the vastness of the cityscape laid out before us, juxtaposed against the hushed, unfussy – perhaps bordering on unremarkable – interiors, a palette of greys, taupes and warm wood accents, that evoked a sense of serenity.
The higher the room category at The Dominick, the higher the floor. SoHi suites (which span the 27th to the 40th floor) and Penthouses (rising high above the 40th floor) give you much more bird’s-eye-for-your-buck. The Duplex, meanwhile, was our favourite suite.
Our Skyline View King room at The Dominick was generously proportioned by New York standards. At 40 sqm/425 sqft at entry level, it felt more like an NYC pied-à-terre than traditional hotel accommodation. There was a distinct residential quality to the layout, kept simple to make the most of the building’s lofty perch. Our bathroom was clad in marble and again, surprisingly spacious, with a huge, deep soaking tub that could easily seat three (well, it is NYC after all!) and is all about the view. Le Labo amenities seal the deal, naturally.
Another place for a social dip includes the hotel’s heated, outdoor rooftop pool. Now here’s where The Dominick gets to flex. Open seasonally, it is one of the very few in Manhattan. We found it on the 7th floor, peering over the Hudson River, offering a beautiful, unobstructed sunset show. There’s something deeply satisfying about floating in a warm pool, Aperol Spritz in hand, right in the heart of this thronging city. It’s peaceful, almost absurdly so – and as close as Manhattan gets to urban mindfulness, if not overlooked by neighbours.
As for service, we found it to be always competent, professional and certainly responsive, but don’t expect warm hugs or names remembered. One could argue that discretion is part of the brand here, and perhaps that’s true. But when you’re paying New York dollars for the privilege, a little sparkle wouldn’t go amiss. The concierge was knowledgeable and got us a table at a nearly impossible-to-book restaurant in the West Village and housekeeping was impeccable. But it was all very New York: polite, precise and on the clock.
| Perfect for | Fly into | Right on time |
| The Insider | JFK / LGA / EWR | GMT -5 |
| While you’re Out There |
| Hudson Square may not be the most obvious destination for wide-eyed tourists, but for the savvy urban explorer, it hides a few gems that are very New York. One particularly unique place to visit is the AIANY Center for Architecture on LaGuardia Place, an unexpected haven for design lovers. It’s not your typical museum or gallery — this is a space that celebrates the built environment in a city defined by it. Rotating exhibitions delve into everything from urban planning and public housing to climate-resilient architecture and futuristic cityscapes. It’s smart, beautifully curated, and gives visitors a thoughtful lens on the very neighbourhood they’re standing in. |
Let’s talk location. Officially, The Dominick resides in Hudson Square, a pocket of Lower Manhattan wedged between SoHo, Tribeca and the West Village. It’s a curious neighbourhood – a little like Brooklyn’s forgotten cousin who turned out to own a trust fund. Architecturally, it’s a mishmash of old printing warehouses, fresh-faced condos and glass-fronted office buildings. Spiritually, it’s not quite sure what it wants to be, which is a tad odd for Manhattan. A short walk north and you’re in the heart of SoHo’s shopping labyrinth within minutes. Walk west and you hit the Hudson River Greenway. But Hudson Square itself still lacks the texture, soul and lived-in feeling of its more famous neighbours. Yes, there’s a Shake Shack, Starbucks and CVS nearby. So is the occasional foodie gem. But don’t expect to be charmed by cobblestone alleyways or leafy brownstone walks. It’s more stark than romantic.
That said, for those in the know, that’s part of the appeal. There’s something thrilling about staying just a whisper away from the action. The Dominick is an excellent base for those who already understand New York City’s geography, and who know that the best bagels are worth a 15-minute walk and relish the chance to retreat to a quiet, high-rise cocoon at day’s end.
So here’s what we think: The Dominick is not for first-timers to the city. It’s not the place for wide-eyed Times Square pilgrims, those with a FOMO-fuelled itinerary, or those who expect hotel staff to be thrilled to see them. This is a property for seasoned visitors – for people who already know where they’re going and don’t need hand-holding to get there. It’s understated, sleek and quietly high-brow, with the kind of facilities (hello, rooftop pool!) that put it in rarefied air.
It’s also a hotel that, for all its polish, could stand to loosen its collar a bit. A touch more soul in the service, a hint more exuberance in the interiors and The Dominick could easily go from excellent to exceptional. Still, for the right traveller – the OutThere readers who are proud NYC regulars (it’s your number one city break after all, so our research tells us) – it is a compelling, solid under-the-radar option.
As part of the esteemed Preferred Hotels & Resorts family, The Dominick carries with it an unspoken promise: a quiet assurance of quality, character, and individuality that seasoned travellers instinctively recognise. It means that the hotel has a distinctive personality, eschewing cookie-cutter luxury for something far more resonant.
www.preferredhotels.com | www.thedominickhotel.com
Photography courtesy of The Dominick
