Budget hotel in a historic Chelsea walk-up near public transportation
Walking distance to Union Square and Greenwich Village
Functional rooms with mini-fridges, flat-screen TVs, and AC
Three-dollar voucher to the tasty diner next door
Free Wi-Fi
On-site ATM and watercooler
Non-renovated rooms are dated and worn
Five-story walk-up without an elevator
Some rooms have shared bathrooms
No on-site restaurant, bar, or other features
Situated beyond the hustle-and-bustle of Midtown, but still accessible to all Manhattan has to offer, the budget Chelsea Inn - 17th Street is close to the subway and within walking distance of Union Square, Washington Square Park, and Greenwich Village. The 37-room inn occupies two historic walk-ups and has no elevators or on-site features. Rooms are cramped and functional, with flat-screen TVs, window unit ACs, and free Wi-Fi, though some have shared bathrooms. The hotel is undergoing renovations through 2016, and rooms awaiting an update can look tired and worn. Guests looking for a budget hotel may also want to consider the Hotel 309, which has a cool backyard lounge area, though Wi-Fi isn’t free.
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Scene
Budget hotel in two classic NYC walk-up buildings
Situated in two adjoining five-story walk-up buildings built in the late 1800s, the Chelsea Inn was once a private residence. The primary building features a Queen Anne-style facade with molded red brick detailing and elegant bay windows. Inside, the inn maintains some of its architectural features with an oblong winding staircase with wainscoting as well as molded details and a central ceiling skylight. The hotel was built in the image of European budget properties and walks the line between charming and run-down, but guests who don’t require the typical hotel amenities seem to appreciate both the value and the historic vibe. There are few common areas -- the lobby is just a long front desk -- but the small space and lack of an elevator certainly gives guests a New York experience. As of our visit in late 2015, the hotel was undergoing extensive renovations, including replacing old carpeting with wood floors and modernizing the rooms. The work is expected to be completed by late 2016. Those who stay here are budget-minded travelers seeking something slightly outside of the more touristy Midtown area that's a step up from dorm-style hostels.
Location
Convenient location in Chelsea, a seven-minute walk to Union Square
The hotel’s location on 17th Street right off Sixth Avenue puts this Chelsea hotel in close proximity to other hip Manhattan hangouts like Greenwich Village and Washington Square Park. The area is south of the hustle-and-bustle of Midtown, but still has plenty to offer. Union Square is only two blocks away, while Fifth Avenue offers lots of shopping. Restaurants and public transportation stops abound; the F, M, L and 1, 2, 3 subway stops are a quick walk from the hotel, and trains can take guests to most city attractions in under a half hour. - Five-minute walk to F, M, and L subway stop
Rooms
Small, functional guest rooms with AC, flat-screen TVs, and shared or en-suite bathrooms
As of 2015, the hotel has been in the process of renovation, with some rooms newly refurbished, while others are dated and worn. Rooms are small, and their layouts can feel cramped, though they range in size and shape from double and twin rooms to two-bedroom suites. Older, unrenovated rooms feature green wall-to-wall carpeting, mauve curtains, and cream-colored walls occasionally accented by a framed picture or other wall art. Bathrooms may be somewhat haphazardly decorated, with terra-cotta-colored tile floors and beige-tiled showers. Some rooms have a shared bathroom, though such rooms also have their own in-room sink. Renovated rooms have nice wood floors and brick accent walls, while bathrooms are fully tiled in chic gray and white. All rooms include flat-screen TVs with cable, free Wi-Fi, safes, hairdryers, and individual toiletries. Some rooms also have mini-fridges and coffeemakers. Many guests find the rooms dark, and each only has one small window.
Features
Free Wi-Fi, but no on-site features
The hotel has no on-site property features, but it does offer free Wi-Fi (though some guests have complained that it’s slow). Additionally, in lieu of a hotel breakfast, each guests receives a three-dollar meal voucher to the Belgium diner next door, and guests are happy with the food here.
