Where do I even begin? The hotel is truly storied in the best possible way. There is history, there is charm, there is character, there is art around every corner. If these walls could talk and had a podcast, I would absolutely tune in.
The hotel’s story dates back to 1884, and my own introduction to it came in March 2026. Even the address feels perfect: 222. Balanced, memorable, almost poetic.
From the moment I walked into the lobby, I was taken in. A beautiful fireplace, eclectic furnishings, artwork everywhere, it immediately sets the tone. Even check in feels like a step into another era, with tassel keys offered as a novelty, which I happily opted into.
My room was a beautiful balcony room overlooking West 23rd Street and the iconic sign. It had the original flooring, original wood moldings, and so much character. Even the peephole was ornamental. The room struck that rare balance of old world charm and modern comfort beautifully. The flat screen TV felt unobtrusive, the Marshall speaker looked timeless, and the minibar setup fit seamlessly into the space.
The bathroom amenities were thoughtful, and the bathtub? Absolutely majestic, one of the best hotel tubs I’ve had the pleasure of soaking in. The shower pressure was fantastic, especially by New York hotel standards. And the turndown touches, the macarons and sleep wellness shots, honestly made for one of the best nights of sleep I’ve had in a while. My Oura Ring gave me an 88 sleep score, which in my book is elite.
What I loved most was how the hotel let me slow down. This was technically a work trip, but it felt like a pause in time. Waking up to the sounds of the city felt nostalgic to me, especially having lived in Center City Philadelphia for a period of my life. Each morning, I’d open the balcony doors and play music on the Marshall speaker, everything from David Bowie to Julio Iglesias, and for a moment, it really did feel like stepping into another time.
I also had the chance to try the food here. Room service breakfast was excellent, and dinner at the Chelsea Bar was a highlight. The burger? Finger licking good. The martini? Very spirit forward, but decadent and memorable.
One of my favorite moments was simply walking all 11 floors, taking in the artwork along the staircase and soaking in the building itself. This hotel is not just a place to stay, it’s an experience, a mood, a little time capsule with soul.
Beautiful hotel, truly special. A heartfelt shoutout to Courtney K. and Marcus N. for the thoughtful touches and wonderful hospitality. This one is firmly on my list to return to.