MADE Hotel

Much like its competition down the block -- the iconic Ace Hotel New York -- the MADE Hotel is capitalizing on the NoMad neighborhood's newly trendy status and vibrant mix of locals and tourists. The strategy is paying off, as this is one of the most popular new hotels in New York as of our 2018 visit. The ground floor serves as a lively hub for the neighborhood. You'll find a great little coffee shop that doubles as a co-working space, plus lots of informal seating areas that lead back to the cool lobby bar. Outdoor seating is also available when the weather is warm, which always adds to a property's local buzz in New York. The upbeat vibe continues at the hotel's rooftop bar, Good Behavior, which is a destination in its own right. There, DJs spin on select nights, as couples and friends sip cocktails at the bar or on the terraces, which have great skyline views. The look is equal parts garden conservatory and Brooklyn loft. Overall, the hotel draws younger guests looking for savvy features and photogenic decor (read: influencer-ready design features). The small rooms are ideal for couples or solo travelers. 

Smack in the middle of Midtown Manhattan, the MADE is tucked onto West 29 St. amid what was once New York's major wholesale district. Over the last decade, this part of the city has become incredibly trendy. Much of that activity is clustered along Broadway, which is half a block from the hotel. There, you'll find lively restaurants and cafes, as well as other hipster-ready haunts and boutiques. A few of the wholesale retailers still remain, and the area can feel a bit grittier than other parts of town, but make no mistake that this is premium real estate. Madison Square Park is a five-minute walk south of the hotel, where the original Shake Shack resides (and which is essentially across the street from Eataly). A 10-minute walk leads to Union Square and Fifth Avenue shopping, while it's about the same amount of time in the opposite to reach Madison Square Garden on foot. You can be in the middle of Times Square in 15 minutes on foot, or -- for culture of a more refined kind -- the same walk directly west leads to the Chelsea Gallery District. Budget an hour to reach JFK by using LIRR trains from Penn Station and the AirTrain. Otherwise, leave at least 75 to 90 minutes to reach any area airport by public transit (including Newark and Laguardia). Taxis can take as little as 30 minutes to reach any airport, though traffic can push that figure to an hour or more.

The design game at the MADE Hotel is on point, with a vibe that's clear as soon as you set foot into the quiet rooms. Many are compact -- particularly the Studio options -- but the loft-living atmosphere is undeniable. Details include shabby-chic fabrics woven into decorative headboards, platform beds, brass fixtures, hardwood floors and walls, and unfinished concrete ceilings. Space-saving design features include under-bed drawers, exposed hanging racks, hidden flat-screen TVs (with phone, tablet, or laptop mirroring), fold-away desks, and stools. Most rooms lack much in the way of seating beyond those stools, so you'll be unwinding on the bed (most likely alone or with your loved one -- more than two in these rooms would be a tight squeeze). 

On that note, you'll want to make sure you're intimate with any traveling partner that joins you, since the wall to the bathroom is punctuated with transparent glass blocks with direct views of the toilet and rainfall shower. To be clear, the bathrooms are beautiful, but not exactly private. For a better view, the wall of windows in every unit opens onto cool Gotham vantages, particularly on higher floors. Other standard features include Frette bathrobes and towels, bespoke bath products, hairdryers, soft Leesa mattresses, air-conditioning and heating, and snack bars featuring local treats (fee for the latter). There are no USB charging outlets in rooms, and don't expect coffeemakers either (you must order this via room service for a steep fee or head down to the lobby coffee shop to buy one). Mini-fridges are available on request, as are irons and other necessities. 

Despite the busy part of  Manhattan, there's little to no traffic noise in rooms, though you can hear neighboring guests through the walls. While almost all rooms offer just the basics and minimal seating, higher-category suites are available with proper living areas, stunning city views, and even balconies in some.

This hotel's strongest suit are its social hubs, which range from subdued to lively. The ground floor is the locus of most of the activity at the MADE, where a cute local coffee shop sits right at the entrance. Here, windowside seating is a perfect spot for starting the day, and a wide array of pastries can be sampled. Proper breakfasts are also available, with on-trend offerings including chia pudding (though expect to pay gentrifying-neighborhood premiums on these dishes -- they aren't included in nightly rates). To the back of the lobby is one of two bars, where you'll spot guests sipping cocktails in the evening. The whole space includes numerous casual seating areas for co-working -- expect to see locals and guests with laptops at all hours (Wi-Fi is free). For more refined dining, Ferris is the hotel's restaurant that churns out locavore new American cuisine for dinner (reservations are recommended). There's also a patio when the weather is nice. On the top floor, Good Behavior has a cool urban garden vibe and two terraces with great skyline views. A bespoke cocktail list is available, and DJs spin on select nights.