Chelsea Pines Inn

Chelsea Pines Inn is a three-star gem that is energetic, impeccable and oh-so-friendly. It is a popular spot, so be sure to book well in advance.

The Chelsea Pines Inn is a head-to-toe homage to Hollywood’s Golden Age. Done up in rich hues, plush bedding and plenty of throw pillows, the 23 guest rooms feel suave and sophisticated, much like the glamorous stars they celebrate. Each room is dedicated a different silver-screen personality (Susan Hayward, Paul Newman, Ann-Margaret...), replete with oversized movie posters, both framed and as uber-cool headboards.

The best deal at the Chelsea Pines Inn is probably the small “standard” room, which is plenty comfortable for those guests unfussy about space. “Deluxe” rooms are more spacious, offering a small sitting area and, in some, an extra twin bed. The Chelsea Pines also offers one-bedroom suites, which feature a separate living room equipped with a daybed. The private bathrooms are very clean. Some have flashy black-and-white tiling, while others have stylish glass bowl sinks. All are equipped with Gilchrist and Soames toiletries.

All rooms are equipped with air conditioning, a flat-screen TV, iPod/iPad dock, telephone, mini-fridge and safe.

If the fun décor doesn't suck guests in, the friendly staff will. Someone is always on hand to book theater tickets, offer tourist advice or simply chat, and each room receives a morning newsletter listing the weather, area happenings and (yes) the type of fresh bread being served that day. A lovely breakfast spread (included in the room rate) offers homemade bread plus yogurt, fresh fruit, espresso and more. Cookies are also available throughout the day.

The Chelsea Pines resides in a 19th-century five-story walk-up, which serves as the setting the setting for H.P. Lovecraft’s short story “Cool Air.” It may not have an elevator, but it offers a sunny breakfast atrium and a delightful courtyard. 

Although the Chelsea Pines Inn has historically been a gay-oriented hotel with a mostly gay clientele, it’s just as likely to shelter European families. 

In addition to free Wi-Fi throughout, the hotel offers a business center devoted to Judy Garland. 

Location

The Chelsea Pines sits on 14th Street, a major cross-town thoroughfare with good bus and subway access. It’s just a short walk to casual (and affordable!) eating inside the gourmet Chelsea Market, as well as the more upscale restaurants in the Meatpacking District. Adjacent to both areas is the elevated High Line park, the popular elevated park that runs along abandoned railroad tracks up to Hell's Kitchen.

To the south of the Chelsea Pines lies charming Greenwich Village, with its historic homes, tree-lined streets and a wide array of excellent eateries. And just four blocks east is bustling Union Square (check out its Saturday farmer’s market).

Transportation

Subways: Many different subway lines stop along 14th Street. The Eighth Avenue/14th Street stop, on the same block as the hotel, provides West Side access through the A/C/E lines, and the L train runs crosstown along 14th Street and into Brooklyn. Just two blocks away, at Sixth Avenue, you can pick up the F/M lines, and two blocks beyond that is Union Square, for just about everything else.