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Stepping into the luxurious Refinery Hotel, which occupies the site of a former hat factory, feels like entering a gentleman’s club from the Gilded Age.
The hotel’s loft-like rooms boast high ceilings and are surprisingly spacious in a part of town where most hotels tend to elicit a sense of claustrophobia. My room had a minibar with whiskey from Upstate New York, and plenty of living space, along with great views of Fifth Avenue. My favorite feature of the room was the bathroom, which had tiled floors that gave me a sense of being in someone’s pre-war apartment. Even the wallpaper in my room, which featured black-and-white pictures of the Empire State Building, told a cohesive story about an era of New York that was undoubtedly epic. My only gripe was the lack of natural light, a product of being located in the most densely packed neighborhood in the city. The hotel’s clientele, from what I noticed, was a mix of businesspeople and groups of adult friends, which no doubt contributed to the hotel's mature and quiet atmosphere.
Head to the top of the building to find the Refinery Rooftop Bar, which has a spectacular line of vision towards the top of the Empire State Building and a hefty bar. The menu features classic drinks, cocktails, spirtzes and a robust selection of elevated American dishes, including burgers, sliders and healthy sides like baby roasted carrots. The hotel also has a gym, although it’s quite small and has only the bare necessities.
The hotel’s location couldn’t be more central. Located on West 38th Street, you’re just around the corner from Bryant Park, which boasts a lovely Winter Village if you happen to be in town during the holidays. It’s also just one block from Times Square.
Nearby
1. The Morgan Library and Museum: Check out the collection J. Pierpont Morgan amassed in his lifetime, including drawings by Michelangelo, Rembrandt and Picasso.
2. Macy's Department Store: It's a classic tourist destination for a reason: Where else can you browse through 2.2 million square feet of shopping space?
3. Joe's Pizza Broadway: Get a taste of the most beloved slice in the city.
Time Out tip
If you're staying at Refinery, definitely take time to check out the Refinery Rooftop upstairs. The views are great, and their selection of top shelf liquors is even better.