RFR Hands Over 11 Howard Hotel to Landlord Commerz Real Following Court Order

The Brief - RFR Holding surrendered the 211-key 11 Howard hotel in Soho to landlord Commerz Real following a New York City Civil Court order. - German asset manager Commerz Real initiated court proceedings after alleging RFR Holding owed tens of millions in unpaid rent. - Accor-backed hospitality group Ennismore assumed immediate management and operations of the luxury hotel asset.

Aby Rosen's RFR Holding surrendered the 211-key 11 Howard hotel in Soho to landlord Commerz Real following a court order that resolved a prolonged possession dispute. Hospitality group Ennismore, backed by French hotel giant Accor, assumed operations of the property immediately upon the handover.

What Led to the Handover of 11 Howard? The transfer of the luxury asset follows a legal battle in New York City Civil Court that culminated in a trial last Spring. Landlord Commerz Real, a German asset manager, sought possession of the hotel after claiming that RFR Holding accumulated tens of millions of dollars in unpaid rent. RFR Holding initially refused to vacate the property, leading to a bitter standoff over control of the building until a judge ordered the firm to turn it over.

Who Is Operating the Soho Hotel Property Now? With RFR Holding out of the property, hospitality operator Ennismore has taken control of daily operations. Ennismore is backed by global hospitality company Accor, bringing major corporate oversight back to the boutique asset.

| Property Detail | Fact | | --- | --- | | Hotel Name | 11 Howard | | Total Key Count | 211 keys | | Neighborhood Location | Soho, New York City | | Incoming Operator | Ennismore (backed by Accor) | | Outgoing Leaseholder | RFR Holding | | Property Landlord | Commerz Real |

What Are the Financial Claims in the Dispute? According to court filings from the civil trial, Commerz Real alleged that RFR Holding failed to make contractually required lease payments amounting to tens of millions of dollars. RFR Holding held onto the asset despite the landlord's notices, forcing the legal proceedings that eventually mandated the firm check out of the building.

Where Does the Case Stand for Property Professionals? The current surrender resolves the immediate question of physical possession and operational management at 11 Howard. The available court disclosures confirm the operational transfer to Ennismore and the departure of RFR Holding, though further financial settlements or appeals are not detailed in the court record cited by the original report.

FAQ ### What is the primary source of this reporting? This coverage relies on court documents and reporting originally published by real estate news outlet The Real Deal.

Did RFR Holding voluntarily exit the property? No, RFR Holding surrendered the hotel after a New York City Civil Court judge ordered the firm to vacate following a bench trial.

Are additional financial remedies expected in this case? The initial reporting focuses on the resolution of physical possession and operational transfer, leaving any further monetary judgments unconfirmed.

Sources - [The Real Deal — New York](https://therealdeal.com/new-york/2026/11/04/aby-rosen-checks-out-of-11-howard/)

Sources

• The Real Deal — New York