Manhattan boutique hotel Civilian combines a great location and innovative dining with stylings taken straight from Broadway.
It’s easy to feel like you’re backstage at an Off-Broadway set when wandering through Civilian, one of the newest boutique hotels to open in New York. Located on 305 W. 48th Street, in the city’s vibrant Theatre District, the 203-room property is a living homage to the stage, with photographs, sketches, and models from the likes of Hadestown and Slave Play, and costumes sprinkled throughout guest spaces – many, including replica guns from Hamilton and a shrug from Cabaret, can be found in a library nook that doubles as a private events space. Theatre seats rescued from an upstate production house grace the intimate lobby.
Even in the hotel’s snug little guest rooms (two-person Cozy and four-person Spacious) there are nods to the theatre, including wallpaper inspired by the costumes of designers Isabel and Ruben Toledo that complements four-poster beds and pillowcases punctuated by patterns from costume designers Jeff Mahshie and David Zinn. Touches of luxury include bathroom amenities by Public Goods, Oeko-Tex Egyptian satin cotton linens, and minibars packed with locally-sourced goodies.
While the hotel’s location is great for any Manhattan foray, its newly opened restaurant and bar are proving popular with visitors and locals alike. Located on the first floor is the David Rockwell-designed Rosevale Kitchen & Secret Garden, an American bistro featuring rich red leather banquettes, ribbed leather ceilings and brass accents. The bistro champions local farms and producers with dishes like Steak Tartare with Thai larb and shrimp chips; Caviar & Chips, sterling white sturgeon roe served with potato chips; and Seared Duck Breast with wild rice farrotto, kabocha squash purée and pho spiced orange duck jus, all of which are just the ticket for a pre-fixe bite. During the warmer months, be sure to slip into the terracotta-lined secret garden for evening aperitifs.
Alternatively, head upstairs to the Rosevale Cocktail Lounge, home to a bespoke cocktail programme by mixologist Francesco Lafranconi that incorporates one of the city’s largest vermouth selections. Top libations to try include the Mr. Lee Manhattan, with Nikka Coffey Grain, Lillet, and orange bitters; and The Play, Rosevale’s take on an Old Fashioned with Michter’s US1 Straight Rye, Bacardi Ocho, falernum syrup, and bitters, best enjoyed on the brick terrace overlooking bustling 48th Street.
Finally, the Civilian rooftop bar is the place for budding starlets to be discovered. With panoramic views of Midtown, the chic space serves light bites accompanied by craft cocktails utilising fresh ingredients, and a rotating roster of DJs.
