Thursday

07-03-2025 Vol 2010

Now Now NoHo: Affordable Lodging with a Unique Concept Opens in Manhattan

In a city known for its high accommodation costs, a new hotel, Now Now NoHo, has emerged as a breath of fresh air for solo travelers seeking affordable lodging in one of Manhattan’s most sought-after downtown neighborhoods.

Opening this spring, Now Now NoHo offers a novel hotel experience characterized by its sleeper-cabin-style rooms.

The design takes inspiration from the efficiency of Japanese capsule hotels and the charm of European train cars, combined with the communal atmosphere typical of boutique hostels.

Starting at just $125 per night, these single-occupancy cabins are tailored to meet the needs of modern-day nomads.

This unique concept caters to a demographic that values independence and interaction in their travel experience, with a primary focus on substance rather than size.

The cabins themselves boast a playful, kitschy decor that evokes the romance of historical journeys, reminiscent of the famed Orient Express.

In essence, if the Pod Hotel and The Jane were to merge, Now Now NoHo would be their modern offspring.

The hotel features both “cozy” and ADA-compliant cabins measuring slightly over 32 square feet, in addition to larger “Now of Never” cabins at 53.8 square feet.

Each cabin is equipped with upscale amenities including cozy Brooklinen robes, earplugs, eye masks, and soothing sound machines.

Guests have the option to enhance their stay with a variety of additional offerings such as Fuji Instax cameras, Nintendo Game Boys, Apple iPads, and Solawave Red Light Therapy Masks, among others.

Shared bathrooms, designed in a stylish green and purple Art Deco style, add a chic touch to the communal experience, while a women+ floor caters specifically to women and non-binary guests.

Upon entering the lobby, guests encounter a visually stunning space with striped arches reminiscent of Arabic architecture, creating an atmosphere that feels distinctly different from Noho’s bustling streets.

Remarkable artwork, lush greenery, and exquisite tiling contribute to an ambiance of luxury in this compact area.

The design, led by Islyn Studio, draws inspiration from a range of global travel experiences, reflecting both Islyn Studio’s and Dovetail + Co.’s commitment to exploration and surprise.

The lobby is a representation of movement and wonder, enriched with imaginative textures and immersive art moments.

Now Now NoHo, located at 338 Bowery, aims to embody an “independent spirit” among its guests.

The hotel seeks to attract those adventurers who crave connection without convention, catering to creatives, professionals, explorers, and students of life alike—individuals who approach travel with curiosity and bravery.

Starting at an inviting $125 a night, rooms at Now Now NoHo represent a rarity in New York City’s competitive lodging market, especially in a trendy neighborhood.

Recent articles have highlighted soaring hotel prices in the city, driven largely by the use of hotel rooms as shelters for migrants and the unhoused population.

According to a November piece titled “Why Hotels in NYC Are More Expensive Than Ever”, average hotel room prices reached $388 in October 2024, up 7% from the previous year.

Experts attribute the pricing crisis to a combination of factors, including the city’s repurposing of hotels for migrant sheltering, increased restrictions on short-term rental platforms like Airbnb, and a significant surge in overall travel demand.

As highlighted, one in every five NYC hotels was being used as a migrant shelter at that time.

The city recently closed the arrival center for migrants at the Roosevelt Hotel, which had become a symbol of the city’s challenging efforts to accommodate a rising influx of newcomers since it opened its doors two years ago.

These developments juxtapose with the launch of Now Now NoHo, which aims to provide a refreshing, affordable option in a landscape dominated by rising prices and limited choices.

image source from:6sqft

Charlotte Hayes