The SoHo experience

Published: 07.08.2010 | Author: Larry Austin | Category: Travel & Leisure

New York has a life of its own and everyone who visits this city that never sleeps is guaranteed an experience of a lifetime. However, New York is not simply one big city but made up of a number of different places and locations all creating one big melting pot of culture.

SoHo is one such location. SoHo which is the shorten form for South of Houston is now well known as the place for the arts. It was during the 1960’s that artists moved to SoHo to the abandoned buildings which had perfect ‘lofts’, the ideal space for artists. These buildings were pre-mid 20th century industrial buildings such as small factories and sweatshops.

During this industrial period SoHo was referred to as Hell’s Hundred Acres and was basically a wasteland. Prior to this the area was over run with brothels and bars compared to anywhere else in the city. These abandoned buildings were as said before ideal for artists to be creative. The large well lit lofty spaces were perfect for canvasses and such artist paraphernalia.

By the 70s SoHo had become a residential area and a popular artistic zone. It is nowadays a hip and happening place visited by many who wish to have an aesthetic experience. The area is bordered by Greenwich Village to the north and by Little Italy to the east and towards southwest is Chinatown which makes a visit to SoHo a culturally enriching experience.

It is easy to access the trains from near the hotel to visit the landmark attractions of New York such as the Empire State Building, Times Square, the Museum of Modern Arts and Ground Zero. The classic Guggenheim Museum is also worth a visit with its unique architecture though it was considered by most as less than successful as a gallery. With its soft while colour and spiral shape this building attracts a lot of attention.

SoHo is full of beautiful cobblestone streets and has art galleries, restaurants, branded fashion shops all housed in historic cast-iron buildings. The area is abundant with restaurants such as Nabu or Café Café which is a coffee and health food café or the SoHo bar and lounge which attracts a large crowd and plays old school music and classics.

Modern SoHo is however no longer the cheap haven for artists that it used to be and most artist lofts are very expensive. This has resulted in many moving to the nearby TriBeCa, though SoHo will always remain as the heart and soul of the artistic community. SoHo has the ability to make an art lover out of all who visit with its alluring galleries and bohemian qualities. The famous Hudson River is on the west of SoHo.

There are many hotels in SoHo so finding accommodation is not difficult. One such hotel is the SoHo Grand Hotel New York, offering guests a comfortable stay right in the heart of matters. Giving guests access to modern SoHo carrying influences of its past, the hotel ensures you are just minutes from an amazing nightlife, from diverse cultural experiences and wonderful shopping.

Larry Austin is a freelance journalist who writes on travel related topics such as hotel and destination reviews etc. He is currently working for roomsnet.com which offers visitors the option of world wide hotel bookings. roomsnet.com offers many last minute hotel deals for holidaymakers.