Pros (+) Free continental breakfast. Rooms were very clean and details were beautiful. Lobby was very nice. Hotel located in a very good spot.
3 stars
Life Hotel New York
Photos of Life Hotel New York
Overview
Opened in 2017, Life Hotel is the latest incarnation of the 19th-century building that once held the offices and staff living quarters for “Life" magazine. The boutique atmosphere that the hotel offers makes it a welcome alternative to the many characterless hotel options in this part of Midtown.
The surroundings of the hotel aren't the most exciting or picturesque. The hotel is located on a lackluster block with neighboring vape shops, liquor stores, jewelry and cellphone accessory wholesalers, and empty storefronts. Despite the unattractive surroundings and scenery, the hotel is central to many downtown and Midtown destinations. Koreatown, Herald Square, home to Macy's flagship store, Empire State Building, and Madison Square Park are short walks away. Central Park, SoHo, the 9/11 Memorial, and The Metropolitan Museum of Art are short drives away.
Life Hotel's on-site features are slim, which is typical for a boutique hotel. The cozy-casual Henry at Life Hotel bistro offer staples like oysters, pastas, and roasted fish. Across from the restaurant is Life's lobby bar, which serves draft beer, wine, and cocktails, and acts as a work space during the day. The rooftop Chef’s Garden off the second floor can be booked for cocktail events or private dinners for up to 16 people. Guests have access to this outdoor space when it’s not occupied with events. A secret staircase behind the elevator leads guests to Gibson + Luce is Henry's subterranean cocktail bar. The hotel's mini fitness center has one of everything and a small business center offer the necessities.
Accommodations include a variety of styles and sizes, but all are charming and retro. Amenities are extremely modern, with every room featuring large 60-inch flat-screen TVs with Google Chromecast and Wi-Fi hot spots.
Latest deals for Life Hotel New York
*Total includes estimated local taxes & fees payable on check out.
Prices are based on 1 night, not including taxes and fees
Amenities at Life Hotel New York
- Fitness center
- Restaurant
- Free Wi-Fi
- Business center
- Wi-Fi available in all areas
- Flat-screen TV
- TV
- Cable or satellite TV
- Free toiletries
- Internet
Basics
- Free Wi-Fi
- Wi-Fi available in all areas
- Internet
- Body soap
- Linens
- Towels
- Fire extinguisher
- Air-conditioned
- Free toiletries
- Shampoo
- Smoke alarms
- Heating
- Conditioner
Services and conveniences
- ATM on-site
- Business center
- Bottle of water
- Safety deposit box
- 24hr front desk
- Key card access
Accessibility and suitability
- Allergy-free room
- No smoking
- Pets allowed on request. Charges may apply.
- Increased accessibility
- Elevator
Bathroom
- Hairdryer
- Toilet
- Toilet paper
- Shower
- Private bathroom
General
- Family rooms
- Telephone
- Inner courtyard view
- Storage available
Media and entertainment
- Cable or satellite TV
- Flat-screen TV
- TV
Health and safety
- Daily housekeeping
- Safe
Parking and transportation
- Parking
Laundry
- Laundry service
Workspace
- Desk
Dining
- Restaurant
Fitness
- Fitness center
Reviews of Life Hotel New York
8.0
Very good
1818 verified ratings
Wonderful
694
Very good
376
Good
309
Okay
163
Fair
134
Mediocre
67
Poor
75
Summary of reviews
Guests say
Guests appreciated the hotel's great location and cleanliness, but many expressed concerns about the small room sizes and outdated facilities. While some enjoyed the retro feel and modern updates, others felt the hotel did not meet the standards of a 4-star establishment. Overall, it seems to be a decent choice for those prioritizing location over room comfort.AI-Generated from customer reviews
Reviews(10)
Q&A(5)
Tips(10)
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Pros (+) This is a nice hotel with great restaurants and shopping close by. The room was really nice: no drapes and no carpet - a plus!!! The room was very clean and roomy. The bed was the most comfortable ever! I recommend this hotel and I’ll stay here again.
Cons (-) The ac/heat was very loud, perhaps it needs an update.
Pros (+) It’s pretty, loved the design work- especially the lights in the bathroom
Cons (-) Online it said that the hotel offered a 24r airport shuttle and free late check out- these were both 2 big selling points for me. We were traveling from Italy and stopping in Paris one last night before flying back out to head home to the USA. We called before arriving in Paris to arrange for the shuttle and was told that wasn’t actually a service provided and were offered apologies.... so we took...
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Pros (+) The bathroom was large and functional. The staff was pleasant. The WiFi (eventually) worked.
Cons (-) The room was on the second floor and the "windows" had an opaque film over them. When I peeked around the edge of the film, it showed what appeared to be some infrastructural steel beams within a foot or so from the window and behind that a storage area for janitorial or maintenance equipment. Pretty oppressive. And the air conditioning unit made a great racket, but never seemed to blow out cool a...
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Pros (+) Great potential, overall a very good place to stay in midtown. Great potential when renovation is done.
Cons (-) Bathrooms could be cleaner
Pros (+) They provided a complimentary happy hour and breakfast. The bed was comfortable. The shower was amazing. Would definitely stay here again.
Cons (-) Construction in the lobby, which I couldn't hear but it was slightly unsightly and cramped as things were walled off and the reception desk was pushed back. But honestly that was it.
Pros (+) People are nice I like the location
Cons (-) I was charged twice
Pros (+) Centrally located in Herald Square, this hotel is perfect for a visit to New York City. We had a renovated queen room, and though it was small (all hotels are in the city), it was well decorated and incredibly clean, comfortable, and quiet. Romantic lighting, flat screen TV, good sized fullly-equipped bathroom with tub, comfortable bed with plush white comforter, black out shade on the window, air...
Cons (-) N/A
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Pros (+) Staff was very helpful and friendly. The bed was very comfortable and the location was great walking distance to subway stations.
Cons (-) The bathroom toilet didn't flush properly without holding down the handle, very dated and no towel tracks.
Pros (+) Perfect location. Close to all the attractions and the stations.
Cons (-) Staff at the front desk were rude. All you get is an one word answer from the receptionist. Complimentary WiFi was not working at all. They did not have an answer when asked about it. Rooms were very small. Will never choose this hotel again
The questions and answers provided in this section are generated by an artificial intelligence model based on a summarization of user hotel reviews and hotel information.See more
They offer insights and recommendations from previous guests and hotel information to help future visitors enhance their stay at the hotel.
How comfortable are the beds at Life Hotel New York?
Guests have described the beds at Life Hotel New York as comfortable and plush, providing a good night's sleep after a long day in New York.
Is parking available at Life Hotel New York?
Yes, parking is available at Life Hotel New York, providing convenience for guests traveling by car.
How is the food quality at Life Hotel New York?
The cozy-casual Henry at Life Hotel bistro offers staples like oysters, pastas, and roasted fish, providing guests with a delightful dining experience.
How clean are the rooms at Life Hotel New York?
Guests have praised the cleanliness of the rooms at Life Hotel New York, describing them as immaculate and spacious.
What is the best time to visit Life Hotel New York?
Life Hotel New York is a great place to visit in December, during the high season, to enjoy the holiday season and the hotel's charming and retro accommodations.
The questions and answers provided in this section are generated by an artificial intelligence model based on a summarization of user hotel reviews and hotel information.See more
They offer insights and recommendations from previous guests and hotel information to help future visitors enhance their stay at the hotel.
Opt for a Room Away from Street
Some guests recommended choosing a room facing away from the street to minimize noise disturbances, especially for light sleepers.
Check for Ongoing Renovations
As the hotel is undergoing renovations, it's advisable to inquire about the status of the restaurant and bar facilities before booking, to avoid disappointment upon arrival.
Consider Room Size
Some guests found the rooms to be small, so if space is a priority, it's worth considering this aspect when making a reservation.
Explore Nearby Dining Options
Since the hotel's restaurant may be closed due to renovations, guests can explore the numerous nearby dining options for meals.
Inquire About Room Amenities
Guests should check for the availability of in-room tea/coffee facilities and minibar fridge, as these amenities may not be provided in all rooms.
Be Mindful of Noise Levels
Due to potential noise from air conditioning units, guests may want to assess the noise level in the room before settling in, especially if sensitive to sound disturbances.
Take Advantage of Early Check-In
Some guests were pleasantly surprised by the possibility of early check-in, so it's worth inquiring about this option, especially for those arriving ahead of schedule.
Utilize Nearby Public Transportation
The hotel's proximity to a subway station makes it convenient for guests to explore the city using public transportation.
Check for Room Upgrades
Based on positive experiences, guests may consider inquiring about the possibility of room upgrades, as some were offered complimentary upgrades during their stays.
Consider the Hotel's Historical Significance
Guests interested in history may appreciate the hotel's background as the former offices and staff living quarters for "Life" magazine, adding a unique dimension to their stay.
Location
19 West 31st Street, New York, NY 10001
What's nearby
- Koreatown84 yd
- Empire State Building198 yd
- Madison Square Garden0.4 mi
- Times Square0.8 mi
- Rockefeller Center0.9 mi
- Broadway0.9 mi
- Theatre District1 mi
- United Nations Headquarters1 mi
- Museum of Modern Art1.1 mi
- Midtown Center1.2 mi
- New York City Center1.2 mi
- Tiffany & Co.1.3 mi
Policies
Check-in/Check-out | Check in anytime after 3:00 PM, check out anytime before 11:00 AM |
|---|---|
Cancellation/prepayment | Cancellation/prepayment policies vary by room type and provider. |
Essential information about Life Hotel New York
Low season | January |
|---|---|
High season | December |
Average price (weeknight) | $252 |
Average price (weekend night) | $322 |
When to book a room at Life Hotel New York
Price per night. Prices are not fixed and may vary with time.
Average nightly price per month
Average nightly price
KAYAK's top tips for your stay at Life Hotel New York
FAQs when booking at Life Hotel New York
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Value for money | 7.8 |
|---|---|
Distance to city center | 0.7 mi |
Nearest Airport | New York LaGuardia |
Distance to airport | 6.3 mi |
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