Contributor/ Emily Venugopal
Best Known For
A newcomer on the New York hotel scene, The High Line Hotel occupies a former Seminary (Theological College) in the heart of Chelsea. Just around the corner from the High Line public park, this beautiful landmarked building occupying an entire block in a well-kept residential area neighbors one of the city’s thriving gallery and arts areas.
The Good Stuff
This hotel oozes atmosphere and everything possible to maintain its original features and character has been given priority in its restoration. Its part Harry Potter’s Hogwarts and part Oxford University refectory at its best. They’ve thrown out the traditional check in experience replacing it with a groovy looking gent with an iPad instead, and you feel a little as if you’ve walked into a private home instead of a hotel. Its lobby and public areas are stuffed with antiques and artefacts giving it an almost museum like quality. A beautifully restored Citroen van painted in racing green graces its front outdoor patio serving coffee daily, with plans for an al-fresco champagne bar in summer. Gas burning lamps dot the main entrance outside and instantly create a moody atmosphere alerting you to the fact this is no ordinary hotel experience. Six vintage styled bikes are available for guests to use to explore the city with – each bike is named after an apple variety in homage to the apple orchard which used to reside in the space at one time. 75 original 1920’s telephones have been restored from analog to digital allowing guests to use and make international calls free of charge at any time while sipping on a latte or (later in the evening) a glass of wine from the pop up lobby bar.
The Vibe
There’s something another-era like about The High Line Hotel. Reeking in atmosphere and nostalgia, the staff that work here look straight out of another world (via the L train from Williamsburg, perhaps). The room rate is extremely good value too, this is a really well curated hotel and is like nowhere else I’ve ever stayed. Guest rooms are huge by Manhattan standards and rooms have been thoughtfully appointed with CO Bigelow products and witty antique manuals on great sporting events and adventure. This hotel is a hidden gem and with only 60 rooms you may have to fight to get a room its that good.
Inside the hotel – 9/10
This hotel is solid! A small brass band couldn’t be heard next door to your guest room I’m pretty sure. As a result, it has a very relaxing, calming atmosphere which appealing in a city which is constantly on the go. There is no restaurant to speak of, instead guests are invited to use its lobby café/bar or to visit the next door ‘Cookshop’ restaurant, which is excellent and very much in-keeping with the caliber of the hotel.
Outside the hotel – 9/10
The High Line park is around the corner as is Chelsea Market and the Meatpacking district with more boutiques and cafes than you can poke a stick at. The fabulous neighborhood ‘Tipsy Parson’ is worth a look in for cocktails or dinner without a doubt. Chelsea is a great place to stay in in New York in my experience, and The High Line Hotel is a hotel not to be missed. Visit now, before it becomes too popular.
Image courtesy of The High Line Hotel
