Life Hotel New York, New York
About the Hotel
Life Hotel New York occupies the historic building that was once home to LIFE Magazine, renowned for its iconic contributions to American culture. This boutique hotel features original period elements alongside modern amenities, providing a unique blend of nostalgia and comfort. With 98 distinct guest rooms, the hotel embodies a mid-century vibe complemented by curated photography showcasing the magazine's legacy. It is strategically located between Chelsea, Koreatown, and NoMad, offering easy access to various attractions.
Location
Situated just five minutes' walk from Herald Square, Life Hotel offers easy access to public transportation options, including the subway and nearby Penn Station. Attractions such as the Chrysler Building, Madison Square Garden, and Central Park are within reasonable distances. The hotel is also conveniently located about 15 km from LaGuardia Airport, making it a practical choice for travelers visiting New York City.
Rooms
The 98 guest rooms at Life Hotel boast unique layouts, showcasing a spacious design typical of New York accommodations. Each room features vintage-inspired decor, including wrought iron or brass bedframes, Carrera marble bathroom counters, and stylish leather desk chairs. Many rooms come equipped with modern amenities, such as 60-inch flat-screen TVs, Google Chromecasts, and high-speed Wi-Fi. Select rooms on the top floor also offer private patios with views of the Empire State Building.
Eat & Drink
The hotel includes a lobby lounge with an 18-seat bar that serves beverages and snack options. In-house dining is available at the under-development HENRY restaurant, which will feature a menu focused on cocktails, wine selections, and wood-fired dishes. Guests can enjoy complimentary coffee, tea, or juice daily at the breakfast bar, ensuring a convenient start to their day. A rooftop Chef's Garden is also available for private events.
Leisure & Business
Life Hotel provides a compact business center on the fourth floor equipped with complimentary printing services. The microgym features four cardio machines and resistance equipment for guests' convenience. Guests also have 24/7 access to a fitness center that includes Peloton bikes. Additional amenities include concierge services and opportunities to socialize in the open lobby space, designed for both work and relaxation.
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
- 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.
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