The Hotel Chelsea

We’ve been searching for a great NYC hotel since The Nomad closed, and this is the one we’ll return to every year. The whole building is fascinating: we walked down every floor to look at the wall art and history, something I’ve never felt like doing in a hotel before. The rooftop gym and spa are lovely, and the roof itself is worth visiting for the nighttime view. There’s a target, a Papaya Dog (!!!), and a 24 hour bodega right outside, plus vintage shops around the corner and a great little guitar store in the Chelsea building. We were there on a Monday in May to get engaged, and the design team did a FANTASTIC JOB. We’re both into NYC art culture from the ‘60s and ‘70s, so the hotel’s mix of original spaces and luxury really spoke to us. Hospitality was outstanding too. I work in the industry and emailed to ask if we could pre-pay. They made a big exception, and when I mentioned the engagement, they upgraded us to the room where DYLAN THOMAS LIVED. It was an enormous suite with a king bed, a balcony right under the sign, a vintage tub, a waterfall shower, and lots more. We felt like VIPs all stay. Key staff seemed to have been briefed about us, a remarkable touch for a couple staying one weekday night without spending thousands. I wish I knew names, but shout out to the curly-haired receptionist, the lobby bartender who looks like John Mulaney, and the whole bell desk team. We had drinks at the lobby bar, dinner at el quijote, and breakfast at cafe Chelsea. All three had lovely settings, attentive service, and food that rivals NYC hotel restaurants right now, as good as the Nomad. The price surprised me a little, but at about 750ish before fees, I thought the room was a bargain. I believe every room has a balcony, and that was my favorite part.

This was a memorable, quirky place to stay, and we loved it. Hotel Chelsea is the current version of the Chelsea Hotel known for its literary and rock n roll history, set inside a beautifully restored, nearly 150 year old apartment building. It feels like a four to five star hotel, with a gorgeous restored French cafe and a good Japanese restaurant. Our loft room was spacious and comfortable, with a nice view of the Empire State Building. The walls are covered in art collected from former residents. Some pieces are good, some are absolutely awful, and all are fun to look at. Staff were professional and friendly, and the hotel is close to the 23d St subway stations. The small gym and coed sauna were just okay, though massage and health treatments are available. It was expensive but not outrageously so for an experience of this quality. This isn't your dad’s favorite Marriott business hotel, and that’s part of the appeal. Highly recommend it for a trip you’ll remember.

Hotel Chelsea’s past is fascinating, and pieces of it remain tucked into corners after the building was remodeled into a luxury hotel around 2021. It was once a bohemian refuge and residence. Some residents still live in rent-controlled apartments, marked by decorated doors. People much cooler and more refined than I am decorated the lobby and restaurant/bar at night, but it never intruded on my stay. My room was a quiet retreat. After a long day working, I ordered room service, had steak frites in peace, soaked in the giant tub, and streamed Summer House by Google Cast from my gigantic bed. I like quiet opulence and excellent service when I ask for it, rather than staff constantly checking on me. That’s exactly what I look for when I travel, and I’ll stay here again if I return to the city.

The food, drinks, and atmosphere were all on point, and the staff were courteous and helpful. Hotel Chelsea is close to several subway lines, so it’s easy to get around NYC. We thoroughly enjoyed our recent stay and look forward to the next one.