NEW YORK, NY.- The James, a hospitality brand synonymous with the seamless blend of modern, residentially styled, state-of-the-art technology and guest-centric service found at its Chicago location, will bring those same attributes to its new property in New York City . The James New York, anchoring the southwest corner of Soho at Grand and Thompson Streets, opened September 1, 2010 with 114 guestrooms and suites bathed in natural light and unobstructed views of Manhattan . The property is evocative of the neighborhoods it borders, a juncture between the artistry of Soho and the industrial qualities of Tribeca.

The James New York, designed by the Office for Design and Architecture (ODA) in collaboration with Perkins Eastman and custom interiors by Amanda Sullivan with The James Design team, blends elements of artistry and community throughout. The hotel boasts distinctive features including a lush, tri-tiered urban garden, personally curated corridor art collection and a stunning rooftop pool deck and bar, complete with 360-degree views of the Manhattan skyline.

In homage to the creative neighborhood it calls home, The James New York will feature a mix of local and international artists, both prominent and up-and-coming. This program is reflective of the brand’s commitment to the arts and is an extension of its sister property’s extensive cultural partnerships in Chicago .

“The stylish and culturally rich neighborhood of Soho is the ideal home for The James New York, providing a perfect backdrop for the brand’s artful blend of exquisite hand-crafted design, seamlessly intuitive service and personalized comfort,” said Brooke Barrett, Co-CEO of Denihan Hospitality Group, owners and operators of The James brand.

“Our strategy was to identify a hospitality group with new ideas and fresh thinking” said Shai Shamir, Managing Director of Brack Capital Real Estate, (BCRE) owner and developer of The James New York. “The James brand embodies the modern version of a luxury hotel with a strong focus on design and service, making it the perfect addition to the Soho hotel landscape.”

Living Spaces
The James New York will offer personalized comfort; generous complimentary amenities; custom-designed, modern furniture; and impeccable service to create an environment that is ideal for both business and leisure travelers in each of the 114 guestrooms, which include spacious corner rooms with wrap-around views, four one-bedroom suites and one 1300 sq.-ft. Penthouse Loft, located on the 16th floor.

Environmentally thoughtful details can be found throughout the property, including reclaimed wood and rugs made from all-natural fibers, all of which are complemented by an overall color scheme inspired by nature, in a palette of warm tones. No detail has been overlooked. Mindfully planned features in each guestroom include easily accessible electrical outlets, high ceilings, windows that open outward (a rarity among New York City hotels) and reading lights embedded in the headboards. The spacious guest bathrooms complete with huge standing showers and under floor heating, are separated from the living area by a floor-to-ceiling glass wall and a remote-controlled screen for privacy. The screen, commissioned by Dutch artist Nienke Sybrandy, blends art and function and provides an additional piece of moveable, nature-inspired artwork to the décor.

The Penthouse Loft, on the 16th floor of the newly built hotel, was designed by renowned Dutch architect and interior designer, Piet Boon and is the epitome of luxurious living. The loft includes a master bedroom and adjacent master bath—a wet room replete with free-standing tub and door less double shower-- an additional half-bath for guests, a dining room, a wet bar and a grand living room with expansive skyline views including both the Brooklyn and Manhattan Bridges.

In keeping with the hotel’s interest in environmental sustainability and responsibility, The James New York has partnered with Harmonic by Intelligent Nutrients, a certified organic, food-based, natural beauty line to provide all in-room amenities. Guests can enjoy a selection of Intelligent Nutrients’ innovative full-sized products during their stay at The James or request the smaller take home travel-sized version of the brand’s all-natural shampoo, conditioner and body wash. Each guest room mini-bar will also feature a Harmonic Travel Kit ($25) and Harmonic Lip Balm ($12) for sale.

Other unique in-room amenities include turndown from Kee’s Chocolates, who will also provide an assortment of sweet treats available for purchase and Air Plants, easy-to-care-for in-room greenery, created for The James New York by Brooklyn-based florists Moss and Rose as well as state-of the-art audio technology from Bowers & Wilkins, including Zeppelin I-pod docking stations. Guests can further explore the hotel’s SoHo neighborhood with ease on a iPads loaded with customized local shopping and dining guides. And getting around in style, while remaining environmentally conscious, is easy as a guest of The James, with complimentary bicycles courtesy of Public Bikes or use of the hotel’s Lexus RX 400 hybrid vehicle.

The whole family can be accommodated in style when staying at The James New York. The hotel offers an array of complimentary Paul Frank gear for the kids, including pajama sets, dog tag-style necklaces and Paul Frank coloring sheets. For guests traveling with their dogs, sleeping pads and doggy bowls will be provided by SoHo-based pet retail shop Doggystyle, along with a specially-created amenity treat bag (available for purchase).

For guests looking to stay fit on the road, The James New York will feature a state-of-the-art fully equipped gym with natural light and river views.

Social Spaces
Inspired by its picturesque location at the crossroads of New York’s famed Soho and Tribeca neighborhoods, the design of The James New York is dedicated to natural light and open space, two elements which are traditionally difficult to find in New York hotels.

The Sky Lobby, a third-floor glass-walled welcome and reception area, is accessible by a glass elevator that transports guests from the ground floor entry to a private living room and business networking lounge. Glass walls provide views of the neighboring sculpture garden, Lent Space, an exhibition area and tree nursery managed by the Lower Manhattan Cultural Council.

The exterior of the second floor features a lush, multi-tiered urban garden designed by the hotel’s Horticulturist, award winning landscape designer Rebecca Cole, who has created a welcome respite for guests above the city’s hustle and bustle. Replete with grass and botanicals, the urban garden is enclosed by industrial, concrete walls – a protective shell for the hidden greenery within. The urban garden is also the location for the one of the hotel’s culinary venues; a 100-seat Garden Bar & Restaurant, designed by Thomas Schlesser of Design Bureaux. The expansive outdoor space has a variety of comfortable seating arrangements amid park-like landscaping and will feature a working herb garden to be utilized in The James New York’s food and beverage offerings. Outdoor space is further maximized through a modern indoor/outdoor special events and meeting room featuring state-of-the-art video conferencing and in-room private dining capabilities. The James New York will feature a high-end dining establishment (opening in November 2010), also designed by Thomas Schlesser of Design Bureaux.

The hotel’s sexiest and most coveted feature is the rooftop pool deck, bar and lounge. With inspiring views of the city skyline, gorgeous architectural features such as concrete “halo” roof that frames the pool deck, teak decking and outdoor shower, plush outdoor chaises and the glass enclosed all-season bar and lounge; guests can enjoy The James New York rooftop all year round. The stunning enclosed rooftop bar—a sexy masculine design by Thomas Schlesser of DBGB Kitchen, The Publican and Bar Boulud fame, boasts a drink menu artfully conceived by the artisanal cocktail pro’s behind New York ’s Hotel Griffou. The Hotel Griffou principals, Johnny Swet and Larry Poston join forces with nightlife kingpin, David Rabin, to create an unforgettable haven above SoHo only at The James New York.

In homage to the creative neighborhood it calls home, The James New York features a carefully curated art collection selected by The James New York Art Curator Matt Jensen who utilized the database of Soho based non-profit artist collective, Artists Space (www.artistsspace.org) to find new and emerging artists to populate the hotel’s corridor arts program. Every detail of the hotel has been meticulously thought out from room numbers – whimsically designed by John Paul Philippe (www.j-pinc.com) – to the one-of-a-kind textiles and light fixtures hand selected by furniture curator Cristina Grajales (www.cristinagrajalesinc.com), whose years of respected residential expertise brought her work with architecture buff Brad Pitt and designer Helmut Lang.