Inside Bar Cicchetti at Motto with Manager Bassim Ouachani

Towering 42 stories over Chelsea’s vibrant neighborhood, Motto by Hilton is a uniquely urban and carefully curated hotel. It is just two blocks from Madison Square Park and the Flatiron Building with dozens of eateries, museums, and shops a short walk from its doors.

 

 

We spoke with the hotel’s General Manager, Bassim Ouachani, to learn more about the space and of course the ground-floor full-service restaurant Bar Cicchetti—designed and operated by Fabio Viviani, Bravo’s “Top Chef” Fan Favorite and well-known restauranteur. Bar Cicchetti is a contemporary eatery that offers seasonally inspired menu items, as well as craft beer and cocktails.

 

 

Tell us about Motto by Hilton. What inspired the space?

Motto by Hilton New York City Chelsea is centrally located in one of the city’s most desirable areas, it incorporates unique and modern design elements and encourages guests to connect with the neighborhood culture by providing them with authentic and locally minded experiences.

Motto Chelsea features a full-service restaurant, craft bar and lounge designed and operated by Fabio Viviani, Bravo’s “Top Chef” Fan Favorite and well-known restauranteur. Occupying the ground floor, Bar Cicchetti is a contemporary eatery that offers seasonally inspired menu items, as well as craft beer and cocktails.

The 42-story hotel was designed by Stonehill Taylor, a renowned local architecture and interior design firm, using unique works of art, such as the jewel-tinted, stained-glass reception desk backdrop, to pay playful tribute to the property’s location within the city’s art district. Motto Chelsea’s design was also inspired by the number 24, an homage to the hotel’s address on 24th Street. For instance, the 24-hour day is reflected in moments of light and dark in the materials used in the space. Chromium, the 24th element on the periodic table, and 24-karat gold are referenced through the brass and chrome finishes of light fixtures, case goods, art and more. From the kaleidoscopic ceiling entryway installation to playful color pairings in artwork and area rugs, a vibrant, 24-bit color depth was used to produce color digitally in its truest form.

 

 

Tell us about being a “lifestyle” space. What does this mean? 

Hilton’s lifestyle hotels cater to today’s modern travelers and are in popular urban cities across the world. Each hotel includes unique and locally inspired F&B options, comfortable amenities with the guests’ personal and professional needs top of mind, and communal spaces to work and play in that both guests and locals will enjoy.

 

 

Why are locals and travelers interested in this type of space?

In the thick of Chelsea’s vibrant neighborhood fun, Motto Chelsea’s lobby offers more than a place to check-in and check-out. A neighborhood gathering space, Motto Commons is a perfect place for locals to meet, work or socialize, whether taking a seat at the coffee bar, stepping into the sunken conversation pit, or enjoying the outdoor terrace.  Hotel guests will be greeted and assisted by “Motto Hosts,” Team Members who are “in the know” about the city and neighborhood and will happily help provide access and curated recommendations about the local scene. On the ground floor, are welcomed into Bar Cicchetti where they can enjoy the charm of a traditional Italian restaurant with the structured elegance of the most notable NYC destinations. Motto Chelsea is the ideal launch pad for any New York City adventure conveniently located for travelers who want to take in the city’s architectural wonders, gorgeous parks, art galleries and boutique shopping. The High Line, Chelsea Market, Madison Square Park and the Chelsea art district are each within walking distance of the hotel.