Central location two blocks from the Empire State Building
Beautiful, early 20th-century building with an extensive art collection
Stylish, cozy rooms with upscale amenities and shower/tub combos
Popular all-day American restaurant, and hopping cocktail lounge
Seasonal rooftop bar with great city views and free morning yoga
Discounted rates at neighboring fitness center with classes
Twice-daily housekeeping with turndown service, and 24-hour room service
Valet parking available for a fee
Free, property-wide Wi-Fi
Rooms are small even by New York standards
Most rooms have views of a brick wall
No gym or spa on-site
Rooms lack coffeemakers and kettles
Rooms on lower floors may be subject to traffic noise
Housed in a beautiful turn-of-the-century Beaux-Arts building, the 42-room HGU New York is an upscale boutique with a trendy vibe and a focus on wellness and local culture. Rooms are plush, stylish, and outfitted with a wide array of great amenities, including CO Bigelow toiletries, pillow-top mattresses, Frette towels and linens, and free Wi-Fi. Most, however, are small even by NYC standards, and some may get traffic noise or have dark interior views. The restaurant and lounge are popular among locals for its hopping atmosphere and cultural events, while its seasonal rooftop bar offers great city views and free morning yoga classes. The hotel has partnered with a local gym, a meditation center, and a spa, but there are no fitness and wellness facilities on-site. It's worth comparing rates with the equally stylish Roger Hotel, which has larger rooms.
Disclaimer: This content was accurate at the time the hotel was reviewed. Please check our partner sites when booking to verify that details are still correct.
Scene
Beautiful historic boutique with chic interiors and a trendy atmosphere
Though its handsome exterior may suggest an upmarket, mellow boutique popular among well-heeled, middle-aged couples wanting to splurge, only parts of that description apply to the HGU New York. Upscale it is, but the vibe is hip and buzzing, with an age range that skews younger. The property is housed in a beautiful Beaux-Arts building dating back to 1905, and although some of the original architectural elements remain -- such as ornate ceiling moldings and pillars in the lobby -- the hotel was fully redesigned in 2016. The combination of classic touches like wooden floors, tufted benches in neutral hues, and red rugs with large-scale contemporary art and sleek details such as brushed gold lamps creates eye-catching spaces with a posh feel. Open mic nights, corporate and private parties, and live music evenings are popular with locals, keeping the atmosphere lively and sometimes even a little bit loud into the evening. In the summer, the hotel’s rooftop bar, offering views of the Empire State Building, is a popular hangout spot for New Yorkers and visitors alike. Most guests seem to enjoy the party scene, but those not so keen on late-night revels may want to consider the Night Theater District, which is also in this price range. Another solid pick for a little bit less money is the Paramount Hotel, while those seeking top contemporary luxury may prefer the James New York – SoHo, but it's farther from Midtown sights.
Location
Quiet location a four-minute walk from the Empire State Building
Surrounded by the offices and residential buildings of Murray Hill, the HGU New York is somewhat removed from the frenzy of the city’s busiest tourist areas, yet still conveniently located for exploring the top sights. The Empire State Building is less than a five-minute walk from the hotel, while Madison Square Park, Madison Square Garden, Penn Station, and Grand Central Terminal are all a 10-minute walk away. The Chrysler Building can be reached in about 15 minutes. For attractions farther afield, the 6 subway line stops right around the corner, while the D, Q, and R lines stop at Herald Square, located less than 10 minutes away on foot. The drive to LaGuardia Airport takes about 30 minutes, while it could be up to an hour to JFK International Airport, depending on traffic. Valet parking is available for a steep fee.
Rooms
Small, polished rooms with upscale amenities, but often poor views
Room sizes vary between categories -- ranging from tiny 120-square-foot Queen Standard Rooms to more spacious one-bedroom King Suites with separate sitting areas -- but all have the same polished, inviting feel as common spaces. They have a tasteful combination of gray and earth tones, wood finishes, plush rugs, and fur-like throws, as well as unique artworks purchased directly from local artists. Posturpedic pillow-top mattresses, thick duvets, Frette sheets, and a selection of pillows are comfy, and robes embroidered with the hotel’s name can be found in the closet. Each room is equipped with a wide array of modern technologies, such as radios with USB ports, HDTVs, iPads for in-room use, and wireless charging stations. Additionally, rooms come with a few other great perks, including free Wi-Fi, minibars stocked with Dean and Deluca snacks and artisanal liquors, and free alkaline water. Bathrooms are charming but tight, with pedestal sinks, subway tiles, big shower/tub combos, and CO Bigelow toiletries. Turndown service is also standard. All rooms have big windows, but most have poor views of a wall, which can also keep rooms dark. Units overlooking the street, on the other hand, may get traffic noise. Also on the downside, no coffeemakers or kettles are provided.
Features
Popular lounge, solid restaurant, and seasonal rooftop bar with views
HGU New York is not only sought-after among young couples visiting New York but also among locals. The lounge is the main draw here, with a weekly events calendar that can include anything from parties to live music. This is also where a big part of the hotel’s extensive art collection is displayed. Located off the lobby and offering direct street access, the Restaurant at Rose Hill serves an all-day menu made with local and seasonal ingredients. Free coffee and tea are available for about an hour in the restaurant every morning, but full breakfast is not included in the standard rate. Room service is available 24/7 for a fee. The seasonal rooftop bar is another nightlife hotspot, with great city and Empire State Building views, and a good cocktail menu. During the day, the rooftop is quieter, with morning yoga classes (free for guests), and ample seating. There is no gym or spa on-site, but the hotel has partnered with a couple of local business that provide fitness and wellness services, including the neighboring gym -- which offers group classes and personal trainers -- a meditation studio, and a spa offering cryotherapy sessions and infrared saunas. Although there is no designated meeting space, the rooftop bar and lobby lounge can be rented out for private events.
