In a city where hotels and restaurants are in one minute, out the next, Eric Goode has managed to build places with major staying power. Indeed, the hospitality entrepreneur is responsible for the development of, among other projects, The Maritime, The Jane, and the Bowery Hotel—all downtown landmarks known for their stylish accommodations and nightlife—as well as buzzy restaurants like The B Bar and The Waverly Inn. “I’ve found it incredibly exciting and incredibly rewarding to travel and to not just be a tourist,” says Goode, who, when he’s not working on his various hospitality projects with co-owner Sean MacPherson, spends his time saving the world’s turtles for his Ojai-based Turtle Conservancy. (His recent trips have taken him to far- flung destinations like South Africa, Singapore, and Hong Kong.) “I’m blessed with what I have in New York to support this passion.” Here, for travelers to New York City, are Goode’s projects to check out.
The Maritime
A stunning, modernist building designed by New Orleans architect Albert Ledner and built in 1968, this Meatpacking District mainstay originally served as the headquarters for the National Maritime Union. Today, the building houses 126 contemporary rooms and suites that play off the nautical theme; all have signature 5-foot porthole windows, teak wood desks, and midnight blue carpeting. Also on board, as of this year: La Sirena, a buzzy, indoor-outdoor Italian restaurant from Mario Batali and Joe Bastianich. From $225.
The Jane
This West Village property delivers serious style at an affordable price point. Set in a red brick landmark that dates to 1908, the hotel now offers 200 rooms, and the décor plays off the history of the building (it was once a home to sailors, and even housed passengers from the sinking of the Titanic) by evoking ship cabins. After hours, the lobby and rooftop bar become hip gathering places. From $99.
The Bowery Hotel
With its polished hardwood floors, plush velvet sofas, and welcoming staff, this Lowest East Side property draws a mix of celebrities (Diane Kruger, Liam Hemsworth) and New York glitterati. Two of the highlights: the spacious, luxurious rooms, which all have floor-to-ceiling warehouse-style windows along with marble bathrooms, and the downstairs Italian restaurant, Gemma. From $395.
The Ludlow Hotel
Goode and MacPherson’s latest hotel is part of the dramatic reinvention of New York City’s Lower East Side, which has gone from gritty to glamorous. The 175 rooms feature details such as handmade silk rugs, exposed wooden beams, oversized windows, and Indo-Portugese-style beds. As with Goode’s other properties, there’s a standout restaurant: here, it’s the lobby-level Dirty French, from Major Food Group’s Mario Carbone, Rich Torrisi, and Jeff Zalaznick. From $295.
The Waverly Inn
Goode teamed up with MacPherson and Vanity Fair editor Graydon Carter for the reinvention of this century-old West Village tavern, where scoring a reservation can be next to impossible. Diners come for chef Jeffrey Teller’s upscale comfort food, the cozy setting (think red banquettes, four fireplaces, and low ceilings), and warm, convivial atmosphere.
The Park
Set in the heart of Chelsea, this sprawling restaurant-bar-event space consists of several beautifully designed rooms, including a 4,000 square-foot wisteria-filled garden; a glass-enclosed atrium; and the Red Room lounge, decorated like an Asian-inspired speakeasy, with red glass topped tables and silk-covered banquettes. Open for brunch, lunch, and dinner, the menu offers everything from ham and cheese waffles to pesto and ricotta pizza.
BBar & Grill
Set in an old Gulf Station, now reborn as a hip lounge that draws a young crowd, the B Bar is a NoHo staple because of its atmospheric garden setting. Here, underneath strings of fairy lights, you can enjoy brunch, dinner, and alfresco cocktails until the wee hours. Diners can pair their drinks with $4 chicken, short-rib, and fish tacos—served up until 4 a.m. on Friday and Saturday nights.
