Our stay at Hotel Theta came about somewhat by accident. We were planning a trip to New York City, and prices were generally astronomical. I was ready to book a room in Long Island City, which often fits our needs for a hotel close to Midtown Manhattan, but during my searches on the IHG website, I spotted a property I didn’t recognize. The Kimpton Hotel Theta, which opened in late 2023, was bookable with IHG points. Since we were staying for four nights, I could use points and take advantage of the 4th night free benefit that comes with the IHG One Rewards Premier Credit Card.
We prefer staying in Manhattan because it’s more convenient, and this seemed like a great opportunity to check out one of IHG’s newer Kimpton properties in New York. While the Hotel Theta had mixed reviews on TripAdvisor, I decided to take a chance. As it turned out, the stay came with a few surprises—some good, some less so.
Kimpton Hotel Theta
790 8th Ave, New York, NY 10019
As we arrived at the hotel, we remembered that we’d stayed at this hotel before. Well, not this hotel. Before it was the Hotel Theta, this property was a Hilton Garden Inn. I was a bit worried, as a new coat of paint and some stylish decor won’t turn an HGI into a Kimpton. However, as soon as we walked through the front door, all our memories of the hotel were gone.
Booking & Cost
We booked four nights using IHG One Rewards points, totaling 173,000 points. The nightly rates varied: 55,000, 66,000, and 52,000 points for the first three nights, with the fourth night free thanks to IHG’s 4th Night Free perk for cardholders. Standard cash rates were over $300 per night, so this was a good redemption.
Even on an award stay, we were charged a $47.04 nightly destination fee. It covered upgraded Wi-Fi, two bottles of water per day, Peloton gym access, a $20 laundry credit, and access to a digital newspaper reader. (More on this later)
Elite Benefits
As IHG Platinum members, we were thanked at check-in, but no substantial benefits were offered beyond the usual Kimpton “Happy Hour.” There was no mention of a room upgrade or early check-in/late check-out. We weren’t expecting anything extra for this stay, so that was fine.
Room & Amenities
We stayed in a standard 1 King room, which ranges from 300–350 sq. ft. It had a clean, modern aesthetic with soft tones, abstract art, and minimalist furniture. A wraparound couch and small table provided a useful sitting area. There was a full-length mirror and a modest open wardrobe with a robe and hangers.
The bed was very comfortable, and the lighting was warm and ambient. The bathroom was compact, as we expect when staying in NYC. It had a small walk-in shower, modern white fixtures, and a bright backlit mirror.
One big downside: our window overlooked a noisy construction site. Work started early, and there was minimal soundproofing—not enough to block out the jackhammers or the cranes pounding in footings for a high-rise. If you prefer a quieter stay, it’s best to request a room facing 8th Avenue. You’ll trade construction noise for street noise, but it’s probably the better option.
Hotel Facilities
The hotel features a compact gym equipped with treadmills, ellipticals, Peloton bikes, and free weights. It was clean and mostly empty when we visited.
Bar Sprezzatura is the rooftop restaurant and bar. It’s a nice space with greenery and string lights, plus both indoor and outdoor seating. Getting there involves navigating an unfinished stairwell, which feels somewhat unusual.
Breakfast & Dining
Only IHG Diamond members receive complimentary breakfast at Kimpton properties, so we weren’t expecting anything included with our stay. With so many options in Manhattan, we didn’t mind.
Instead of eating at the hotel, we went to Pick a Bagel one morning (pictured below), grabbed coffee and pastries at Pret a Manger on another day, and had brunch at Sarabeth’s on Central Park South.
Guests can grab free drip coffee from the lobby coffee bar between 6:00 and 9:00 a.m., which is a nice perk before heading out for the day.
Destination/Resort Fee
The $47.04 nightly fee didn’t include much. Listed perks included: upgraded Wi-Fi, a laundry and dry cleaning credit, bottled water, PressReader access, and gym usage. It felt steep and was one of the more egregious fees we’ve ever paid at a hotel.
Final Thoughts & Verdict
In all, we enjoyed our stay at Hotel Theta. The location is great—especially if you’re in town to see Broadway shows—and it’s also convenient to several subway lines, which makes getting to and from the airports or exploring the city much easier.
The room was comfortable, the rooftop bar was a nice touch, and booking with points (plus the 4th night free benefit) offered solid value. That said, the construction noise and the hefty destination fee did take away from the experience.
Hotel Theta is a good fit for IHG loyalists, couples, or solo travelers seeking a central location and a boutique ambiance. If you’re sensitive to noise or hoping for elite perks, you might want to look elsewhere—or at least request a quieter room.
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