The Chelsean New York

This hotel is primarily recognized for its prime location in the heart of Chelsea, offering unparalleled access to New York City's vibrant attractions and transportation hubs. Many guests highlight the panoramic city views available from higher floors, including iconic landmarks, making it a memorable aspect of their stay. It is often chosen for its excellent value given its central setting, appealing to solo travelers, couples, and families seeking a convenient base for exploring the city without overspending. While many guests praise the hotel's overall cleanliness and the friendly demeanor of its staff, some reviews indicate a need for general updates to the property. For those planning a stay, it is advisable to request a room on a higher floor to potentially enjoy better views and mitigate street noise. Guests should also manage expectations regarding in-room amenities, as some standard features may not be available, reflecting its focus on location and affordability.

Facilities & Amenities
The hotel's facilities receive mixed feedback, with a notable recurring issue being the elevators. Many guests report that only one elevator is operational, leading to significant wait times, especially during peak hours, and it is sometimes shared with housekeeping for laundry and garbage transport. On the positive side, the hotel offers a gym or fitness center, which, while described as basic, is generally found to be functional and clean for a quick workout. A lounge space is also available, providing a comfortable area for guests to relax or enjoy a snack. Guests appreciate the provision of bottled water in rooms, though the quantity can vary. However, a common point of contention is the absence of in-room mini-fridges and microwaves, which many travelers find to be essential amenities. Additionally, the vending machines in the lobby are noted to only accept digital payments.

Cleanliness & Room Comfort
Feedback on cleanliness and room comfort is mixed. While many describe their rooms as clean, spotless, and tidy, a significant number express concerns about hygiene, citing issues such as stained sheets, hair on shower walls, and reports of moldy or musty smells. Some guests have also raised serious concerns about bed bugs. Regarding comfort, the beds are generally found to be comfortable, though some guests noted them as either too soft or too firm. Rooms are often described as small but functional, with some offering spacious layouts. Noise levels are inconsistent; while some rooms are quiet, others experience considerable street noise or disturbances from the ground-floor bar. Common complaints include outdated furniture, peeling paint, non-working outlets or lights, and small bathrooms with drainage issues in the shower. The air conditioning unit can also be quite loud, and pillows are frequently mentioned as being old or uncomfortable.

Dining & Food Quality
Most guests note the absence of breakfast service on-site, requiring them to seek options outside, which were generally easy to find nearby. The hotel features an attached restaurant and bar, with some guests praising the food quality and the chef for their offerings. However, the bar atmosphere receives mixed reviews; while some find it convenient, others describe it as unappealing or note its function as a music club that generates significant noise late into the night, particularly affecting rooms on lower floors. This can be a considerable drawback for guests seeking a quiet evening. Additionally, a few reviews mentioned that the restaurant's menu might not be particularly vegetarian-friendly, which could be a consideration for diners with specific dietary preferences. Overall, while convenient for a quick bite or drink, the dining options are not a primary highlight for most visitors.

Location & Accessibility
The hotel's central location is consistently highlighted as its strongest asset, placing guests within easy walking distance of numerous key attractions and transportation hubs. It offers convenient proximity to Penn Station, various bus lines, and multiple subway stations, including the 1 train and red line, making city exploration highly accessible. Guests appreciate being able to walk to popular destinations like Times Square, Madison Square Garden, Hudson Yards, the Highline, and Chelsea Market. The surrounding area is also rich with restaurants and entertainment options, providing ample choices for dining and leisure. However, some guests note that the hotel's entrance can be difficult to locate due to ongoing scaffolding outside. While the location is vibrant, it can also be prone to street noise, including sirens and general city sounds, particularly for rooms on lower floors. Parking is available, with valet service offered, though it is noted to be quite expensive.

Staff & Service
The staff and service at the hotel receive varied but often positive feedback. Many guests consistently praise the team for being friendly, helpful, accommodating, and attentive, contributing significantly to a pleasant stay. The check-in and check-out process is frequently described as quick and smooth. Guests also appreciate services such as luggage storage before check-in or after check-out, and the diligent housekeeping service that ensures rooms are cleaned and restocked daily. Some guests have even reported receiving room upgrades, enhancing their experience. However, there are notable instances of negative feedback, with some guests describing certain staff members as unresponsive, dismissive, or even exhibiting aggressive attitudes during interactions, particularly when addressing issues. These isolated incidents contrast sharply with the generally positive sentiment, indicating an inconsistency in service delivery. The valet service is also mentioned as a convenient option.

Additional Information
Guests should be aware of several additional points that may impact their stay. There have been recurring issues with the hot water supply, including instances of the boiler malfunctioning, leading to a complete lack of hot water or even reports of contaminated water appearing discolored. The hotel's external appearance and signage can be misleading; the entrance is often obscured by scaffolding, making it difficult to locate upon arrival, and the overall exterior may not match online images. Some guests have also reported unexpected charges, such as a destination fee or a very high late check-out fee, which were not clearly communicated upfront. Furthermore, the booking process has been a point of frustration for some, with complaints about not receiving email confirmations and a perceived deceptive pricing structure where rates vary significantly from initial quotes. These operational and administrative aspects are important for prospective guests to consider.