Life Hotel New York, New York
About the Hotel
The Life Hotel New York occupies the former offices of LIFE Magazine, offering a unique blend of historical significance and modern comfort. With 98 one-of-a-kind guestrooms featuring retro details, the hotel epitomizes a mid-century aesthetic while paying homage to its rich past. A prominent gold cherub sculpture above the entrance further signifies its deep-rooted legacy in American media. Located in the heart of Manhattan, the hotel provides easy access to numerous attractions and transport options, making it a convenient choice for visitors.
Location
The Life Hotel is strategically situated within a short walk from major transportation hubs, with Penn Station just three blocks to the north. It is conveniently located between vibrant neighborhoods, including Chelsea, Koreatown, and NoMad. Guests can reach iconic attractions such as the Empire State Building and Madison Square Garden within 2 km. Major airports are accessible, with LaGuardia Airport approximately 15 kilometers away.
Rooms
The Life Hotel offers 98 spacious bedrooms, each uniquely shaped to maximize comfort in the city. Rooms are adorned with vintage-style brass bedframes, stylish leather desk chairs, Carrera marble counters, and rain shower heads in the bathrooms. Selected upper-floor rooms feature private patios with stunning views of the Empire State Building. Room amenities include air conditioning, complimentary Wi-Fi, 60-inch flat-screen TVs, and modern bath essentials.
Eat & Drink
The hotel features HENRY restaurant, run by Chef Michael Vignola, offering cocktails, wine, and dishes cooked in a wood-burning oven. Guests can also enjoy a cozy lobby lounge bar serving beer, wine, and snacks in a communal workspace setting. A breakfast bar provides fresh pastries and specialty coffee, complementing a quick morning meal. Guests receive complimentary coffee, tea, or juice daily, enhancing their dining experience.
Leisure & Business
Leisure amenities include a fitness center equipped with Peloton bikes and a small business center providing complimentary printing services. A unique 'microgym' features cardio machines and resistance equipment, catering to fitness enthusiasts. The rooftop Chef's Garden can be reserved for both cocktail events and intimate private dinners, accommodating up to 16 guests for a unique social experience.
Select your room type
Price and Room Availability Calendar
Getting around
A list of all available modes of transport
Facilities
General
- No smoking on site
- Wi-Fi
- Paid parking
- Safe deposit box
- 24-hour reception
- Pets allowed
- Rooms/ Facilities for disabled
- Wheelchair access
- Security
- Allergy-free rooms
- Lift
- Coffee shop
- Smoke detectors
- Fire extinguishers
- Key card access
Sports & Fitness
- Fitness centre
Services
- Housekeeping
Dining
- Restaurant
Facilities for people with disabilities
- Toilet for disabled
- Bathroom for disabled
Room features
- Air conditioning
- Heating
Bathroom
- Free toiletries
Media
- Flat-screen TV
Location
Reviews and Ratings
Despite some room issues like the small size and lack of amenities, the hotel's prime location near major attractions and transportation options makes it a convenient choice. The service is friendly, although there were some concerns with certain aspects. The limited dining options are a downside, especially during special events. Overall, it offers good value for visitors seeking a central spot in Manhattan.
The hotel's rooms were very good, clean, and well-maintained, but the couch was uncomfortable for sleeping with no bedding available. I wished for more storage space. The staff's service was mixed, some members being rude and threatening while others cared for guests' comfort. The location was fantastic, near major attractions and transit hubs. The dining offerings were basic but sufficient. The hotel had some positive aspects but also some drawbacks.
The hotel provides beautifully furnished rooms with luxe wooden floors, excellent cleanliness, and a comfortable interior. The natural light in the room is a plus, especially when your window faces the hotel entrance. The service was a mix of politeness and intrusiveness, slightly affecting the overall stay. The location is convenient, although room sizes may be compact. The dining experience offers fresh, enjoyable options. The facilities are satisfactory, offering what is needed for a pleasant stay.
My stay at the hotel was a mix of positives and negatives. The room, despite being small, had a contemporary feel with high ceilings, wood floors, and a large TV. The bed was extremely comfortable and everything was spotlessly clean. However, the lack of storage space was a downside. The service was a bit of a rollercoaster, initially not very welcoming but eventually proving to be amazing, friendly, and helpful. The location was ideal for exploring, being close to many attractions and dining options, but the room size might be a challenge for some. The dining was decent with simple dishes available, although I had limited involvement. Additional positive aspects included convenient access to most places and being near subway entrances, but the air-conditioning system on the wall might not be everyone's preference.
The hotel had a prime location in the heart of NYC, making it convenient for exploring. The rooms, although spacious for the city, seemed a bit neglected in terms of maintenance. The service was warm and welcoming, reflecting a customer-centric approach. The complimentary breakfast was lacking in variety and quality. Overall, a decent option with potential for improvements.
The hotel is ideally located near major attractions like Madison Square Gardens and Times Square, making it a perfect spot for a great trip in Manhattan. The rooms are spacious and quiet, ideal for work and relaxation, though the main light issue can be an inconvenience. The service was friendly and helpful, but there were some lapses in communication and elevators etiquette. The dining options, while not the healthiest, offered a good variety for breakfast. The facilities were adequate but could be improved, with fresh bread rolls being a highlight.
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