The hype
Travelers are obsessed with the views and location but consistently frustrated by the slow elevators and tight quarters.
Motto By Hilton New York City Chelsea
$165-325/ night
Book this if You want a jaw-dropping Manhattan skyline view without the $800 price tag and don't mind living in a shoebox to get it.
Why People Love It
- Landmark View rooms on floors 26-42 offer Empire State Building views that rival observation decks
- Prime Chelsea location: 2 blocks to Madison Square Park, walking distance to everything
- Lulla, the on-site Italian restaurant, is actually a neighborhood hotspot, not just a hotel trap
Quick Take: It's a high-tech hostel for grown-ups where the views are massive but the square footage is microscopic.
Reviewed by @kellygiovannac: I felt totally spoiled by the smart features here. Opening the curtains from bed was the ultimate lazy morning hack, and seeing my name on the TV was such a cool personal touch. It's the perfect high-tech crash pad for a solo NYC trip.
Guest Who Stayed Here Said
Reality check
The 'Destination Fee' feels like a cash grab, though the $10 daily food credit helps soften the blow if you actually use it.
- You travel light (carry-on only is best)
- You prioritize waking up to a view of the Empire State Building over having floor space
- You're a solo traveler or a couple comfortable with zero privacy (glass bathroom walls, sink in hallway)
Cleanliness & Maintenance
8.5
- Housekeeping: Generally reliable daily service, though some long-term dust issues on high surfaces.
- Bathroom hygiene: Modern and clean, but grout lines in the showers are starting to show the hotel's high turnover.
- Maintenance: New build feel, but elevator sensors and AC units are frequent complaint points.
- Linens & towels: Crisp, white, and standard Hilton quality. No luxury thread counts here.
- Odors & scents: Neutral to fresh; no lingering smoke smells reported.
Sleepability™
7MODERATE
0-4LOUD
4-7.5MODERATE
7.5-10SILENT
- Elevator mechanical hum (avoid rooms near the shaft)
- AC units can be aggressive
- Hallway noise due to thin doors
Before you book
Good to know
- There is a mandatory daily 'Destination Charge' (~$35) that includes a $10 food credit and premium Wi-Fi.
- Luggage storage is available but space is tight in the lobby.
- The sink is often located in the entryway hallway, not inside the bathroom.
What to pack
- Earplugs (for the AC hum)
- A power strip (outlets are plentiful but sometimes in weird spots)
- Minimal luggage — there is no closet, just hooks and a few drawers
Room Genie
Best picks
- Landmark View King (Floors 26-42) — specifically the '07' line (e.g., Room 4107) for the best Empire State views
- Corner rooms for slightly more light and less neighbor noise
Rooms to avoid
- Floors 16 and below (views are blocked by neighbors)
- Rooms ending in '01' or '02' if you're sensitive to elevator dinging
Room Request Genie – copy & paste
“I am requesting a 'Landmark View' room on the highest possible floor (26+). If available, I would love a room in the '07' line for the skyline view. Please ensure I am as far from the elevator bank as possible.”
FAQ & Hidden tips
Everything you actually want to know before you book.
Is the destination fee worth it?
Barely. You get a $10 daily food credit (use it for coffee/breakfast at Lulla) and a local gym pass, but it's mostly a junk fee.
Can I see the Empire State Building from my room?
Only if you book a 'Landmark View' room. 'City View' usually means looking at other buildings.
Is there a fridge in the room?
Yes, a small mini-fridge is standard, but no microwave.
How bad are the elevators really?
Bad. During peak times (9-11 AM), allow 15 minutes to get downstairs.
Is the neighborhood safe?
Yes, Chelsea/Flatiron is very safe, busy, and well-lit.
Can I control the room temperature?
Yes, rooms have individual thermostats, though the fans can be loud.
Insider Tips
- ✨
The 'Flex' rooms have a Murphy bed that often requires staff to lower/raise — don't book this if you want autonomy.
- ✨
Use the $10 daily credit at the coffee bar in the morning; it expires daily and doesn't roll over.
- ✨
The lobby bathrooms are often cleaner and more spacious than the one in your room if you need a moment of peace.
5 things to know before you go
💡The bathroom vanity is often in the hallway, meaning you brush your teeth while your roommate puts on shoes.
💡The 'Landmark View' is one of the best value-for-money views in NYC, rivaling hotels that cost double.
💡Housekeeping sometimes misses the dust on the high mirrors and vents.
💡The elevators are smart-dispatch (you pick your floor outside), which confuses first-timers.
💡You get free bike rentals, but good luck riding them in midtown traffic.
Local Playbook
Map
See where Motto By Hilton New York City Chelsea is located and what's nearby.