Suite Dreams: Kitano New York Hotel's $1 Million Tatami Suite

As guests enter The Kitano New York's Tatami Suite, after following the Japanese tradition of removing their shoes so as not to track in contaminants, they will first notice the distinct aroma of the tatami mats. This earthy aromatic is thought to calm and soothe the soul in Japanese culture, allowing guests to enter into a state of tranquility. The 805 square-feet suite offers a sleeping quarter with two twin beds, which can be replaced with traditional futons if the guests prefer. The sleeping quarters is connected to an authentic tea pantry. With this unique feature, The Kitano New York can easily convert the sleeping quarters after removing the beds into an authentic tea ceremony room with access to the pantry. The suite also features a spacious common area that measures eight tatami mats (a standard unit of measurement in Japan) as well as a traditional Japanese bathroom in which a large tub for soaking and a separate shower for bathing.

The most significant aspect of Kitano New York's suite is the tatami matting that lines the floor, which symbolizes a higher class level in the Japanese culture. The mats are constructed with woven rush plant on the surface and rice straw inside-two common goods that grown abundantly throughout the country. In addition to signifying class level, tatami mats are used commonly used in Japan to keep warm in the winter and cool in the summer as it also acts as a cooling agent in the hot and damp climate. Typically, the mats last for approximately four years; however, once become worn, they can easily be replaced without changing the rush underneath. The mats are also eco-friendly as they can be used as a fertilizer once they are no longer used as flooring.

Each design aspect of the Tatami Suite, which cost $1 million to construct and features artworks, furnishing and cedar accents imported directly from Japan, incorporates the strict tradition of the Japanese culture. The formal entry way, sleeping quarter/tea ceremony room and common area all feature a Tokonoma, a small alcove that often houses decorative scrolls and signifies that the most important guest should be seated with his or her back facing the area. The walls are constructed with the traditional Juraku, a sand-based well cement that removes moisture from the air, while the ceiling features the Sukiya Zukuri architectural design component that hides all nails from sight.

In addition to enjoying the Tatami Suite accommodations, guests can also experience all of The Kitano New York's on-site offerings such as the Michelin-rated Hakubai Restaurant, which features some of the country's most authentic Japanese cuisine with its unique Kaiseki delicacies. Guests of the Tatami Suite are invited to enjoy this dining experience in-room as the hotel will arrange for service and presentation to take place in the suite's common area.

The hotel also offers The Garden Café, which is situated in a historic townhouse adjacent to the hotel. The restaurant is located in a tranquil urban garden setting of exotic plants and vegetation. It features American contemporary cuisine. The Kitano Boutique also is a great spot to select a keepsake memento from a New York escape, as it features a unique collection of handmade items by European and Asian artists.
The Kitano features traditional East and West services and amenities that are unmatched anywhere in the world. Asian hospitality merges seamlessly with New York style for an ambience that is pure Kitano. Awarded the AAA Four-Diamond rating, The Kitano New York is distinguished by a contemporary interior that is both elegant and supremely comfortable. The newly-refurbished guestrooms feature custom-made mahogany and cherry furniture, down comforters, exquisite artwork and Roman pleated shades with windows that open to views of the historic Murray Hill, Grand Central Terminal, the Empire State Building and other New York landmarks. The renovation was designed to bring the same sense of serenity combined with the maximum level of comfort and service for which the hotel is known to the guestrooms. For hotel reservations, visit www.kitano.com or call 212-885-7000.