1. The Hotel Chelsea
Boutique hotels
5 out of 5 stars
💎 Best for: Rock ‘n’ roll history and antique furniture
Hotels rarely carry as much cultural weight as the Chelsea Hotel (its new owners will demand you call it The Hotel Chelsea, though that name is unlikely to catch on). Legends such as Leonard Cohen, Patti Smith, Dylan Thomas, Iggy Pop and Stonewall figure Stormé Delarverie once called the striking red‑brick building—with its French‑Quarter‑style balustrades and iconic neon sign—home, and even Taylor Swift has referenced it in a song.
After a decade of legal battles and renovation, the 155‑room property finally reopened to the public. It has received a fresh coat of paint, yet the whimsical, slightly worn‑in apartment‑building vibe endures. Much like Los Angeles’ Chateau Marmont before its makeover, the hotel feels lovingly maintained rather than modernized; wooden floors, ornate brass fixtures, and suites that feel lived‑in with mismatched furniture, velvet sofas, plush cushions, leopard‑print chairs and antique writing desks. Additional thoughtful touches include monogrammed sheets, robes and slippers.
The original Victorian staircase, adorned with artwork contributed by former residents, is worth a climb. New additions include an off‑beat, luxurious spa on the top floor featuring a purple‑tiled steam room, treatment rooms with floor‑to‑ceiling windows, and outdoor balconies that offer impressive city vistas.
Time Out tip: When dining on‑site, skip the new French bistro Café Chelsea and opt for the historic El Quijote, a flamboyant Spanish restaurant dating back to 1930 that was a favorite of Andy Warhol.
Address: 222 W 23rd Street, 10011, New York
Price: From $527 per night
Closest transport: C, E to 23rd St
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