Inside the #1 Rated Hotel in New York City
Home to popular sites like the Empire State Building, Central Park, and Times Square, New York City is a must-visit for people all over the world. Already the most populous city in the United States, the Big Apple saw a record 56.4 million visitors in 2014. To accommodate all those tourists, the city is filled with hotels -- and we believe there's one to suit every traveler's style, from iconic, luxe properties in Manhattan to trendy boutiques in Brooklyn to B&Bs in Harlem. With so many options, though, it can be overwhelming. But some properties do lead the pack, and Chelsea Pines Inn comes in as number one of the 463 user-rated NYC hotels on TripAdvisor. With a five-out-of-five star rating, the property boasts 1,649 reviews, of which 1,343 are the highest rating of "Excellent." Here's an inside look at why this Chelsea neighborhood bed and breakfast receives top marks from most past guests.
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The Hotel
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Standard Room
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Deluxe Room
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Free Breakfast
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The Garden
Originally built as a private home, the property was purchased by owner Jay Lesiger and his late partner Sheldon Post in 1983. The five-story walk-up (with no elevator) has an unassuming brick front with a black iron gate, hinting to guests that the hotel has a homey, personal vibe. Located on bustling 14th Street between 8th and 9th Avenues, guests are close to many trendy areas and just blocks from multiple subway lines.
A film theme pervades the property and the staircases and hallways are outfitted with classic, original movie posters. Jay’s father owned movie theaters in Brooklyn, so movies and theatre have been a lifelong passion. Though there's no full restaurant or gym, day passes are available for a nearby fitness center and there's a business center with a few computers.
There are 23 rooms at the hotel, ranging from Standard/Single Rooms to One-Bedroom Suites. Each room is based on one classic movie star, hence the large movie posters above the beds. The Standard Rooms each have a queen bed, private bathroom with Gilchrist & Soames toiletries, flat-screen TV, and mini-fridge. IPod docking stations are present, and many rooms have work desks.
The Deluxe Rooms have all the same amenities as the standard ones, but also include separate sitting areas. All of these rooms have work desks, and some have space available for twin beds. A nice perk is that all rooms have free Wi-Fi and central air conditioning and heat.
In addition to the free refreshments, espresso, and baked goodies available throughout the day, an impressive breakfast spread is set out each morning. It includes fresh juices, local specialty items from the neighborhood (these change daily), and homemade bread by owner Jay. The breakfast lounge is open until 11 p.m., so guests can also enjoy cookies, tea, and coffee at their leisure.
Guests can also have their snacks, or just enjoy an escape from the crowded city, outside in the backyard garden. There are multiple tables with chairs and pretty potted plants filing the space. The aptly named resident cat, Charlie Chaplin, is likely to be lounging outside if the weather's nice.