The hype
Travelers love the 'cool' factor and spacious rooms but consistently complain about the noise levels.
Refinery Hotel
$350-550/ night
Book this if You want a high-energy, industrial-chic launchpad in the Garment District where the rooftop scene is the main event.
Why People Love It
- The Refinery Rooftop view of the Empire State Building is legitimately cinematic
- Soaring 12-foot concrete ceilings and distressed hardwood floors give rooms a genuine loft feel
- Surprisingly generous pet policy with no fees
Quick Take: A stunning factory-turned-hotel that trades sleep quality for a buzzing rooftop nightlife scene.
Reviewed by @itskimberlyfisher: I was honestly shocked by how huge this room felt for NYC. The industrial loft vibe is exactly my style, and having a separate living area made it feel like my own apartment. The minibar setup is next level. Highly recommend for a city escape.
Guest Who Stayed Here Said
Reality check
You are paying for the vibe and the view, not for a silent sanctuary or a massive gym.
- You plan to spend your nights at the rooftop bar anyway
- You are traveling with a dog (no pet fees is a huge perk)
- You appreciate industrial design like exposed pipes and original factory details
Cleanliness & Maintenance
8.5
- Housekeeping: Generally reliable daily service, though some reviews note missed dust in corners.
- Bathroom hygiene: Sparkling. White subway tiles and brass fixtures usually kept in great condition.
- Maintenance: Good, but watch out for scuffed hardwood floors or worn velvet sofas in high-traffic rooms.
- Linens & towels: Frette linens are crisp and high quality; towels are plush.
- Odors & scents: Lobby smells signature-scented (fresh/woody); rooms are generally neutral but old smoke smells can linger in carpets.
Sleepability™
5.5MODERATE
0-4LOUD
4-7.5MODERATE
7.5-10SILENT
- Rooftop bar bass (affects floors 10-12)
- Street traffic/sirens (affects floors 2-5)
- Elevator/hallway noise due to hard flooring
Before you book
Good to know
- The rooftop bar is open to the public and gets packed; hotel guests get priority but it's still chaotic.
- In-room coffee is a pour-over setup with Copper Cow Coffee and Fellow kettles (hipster, not instant).
- There is no valet parking; you must self-park at a nearby garage (iPark) for ~$72/day.
What to pack
- High-quality earplugs (essential)
- A white noise machine if you are sensitive to city sounds
- Smart casual outfits for the rooftop—dress code is enforced after dark
Room Genie
Best picks
- Atelier Rooms (facing the courtyard/atrium) for the best chance of quiet
- Floors 6-9 are the 'Goldilocks' zone: buffered from street noise and below the rooftop bass
Rooms to avoid
- Rooms on the 2nd and 3rd floors facing 38th Street (street noise)
- Rooms on the 11th and 12th floors directly under the rooftop bar (vibration/bass)
Room Request Genie – copy & paste
“I am a light sleeper and would love a room facing the internal courtyard or atrium. Please avoid the top two floors (due to rooftop noise) and the lowest floors (street noise). Ideally floors 6-9.”
FAQ & Hidden tips
Everything you actually want to know before you book.
Is the rooftop bar free for guests?
Access is free, but you pay for drinks/food. Reservations are highly recommended even for guests.
Does the hotel have a pool?
No, there is no pool. The rooftop is a bar/lounge only.
Is it actually pet friendly?
Yes, surprisingly so. No pet fee and generally no weight limit, which is rare for NYC.
How bad is the elevator situation?
It can be frustrating. The same elevators serve the popular rooftop bar, leading to long waits on weekends.
Is there coffee in the room?
Yes, they provide Fellow electric kettles and Copper Cow pour-over coffee kits.
What is the resort fee?
Approximately $51.64 per night, covering wifi, gym access, and domestic calls.
Insider Tips
- ✨
If the main elevators are gridlocked by rooftop partygoers, ask the staff if you can use the service elevator.
- ✨
The 'Atelier' rooms often have internal views which sounds bad but guarantees a much quieter night's sleep.
- ✨
Parker & Quinn downstairs is actually a solid restaurant, not just a tourist trap—great for a rainy night.
5 things to know before you go
💡The 'view' from many lower-floor rooms is just a brick wall or an air shaft.
💡The hardwood floors look amazing but amplify the sound of footsteps from the room above you.
💡You might get a glass of wine at check-in, but it depends on how busy the front desk is.
💡The gym is often described as 'claustrophobic' and lacks heavy lifting equipment.
💡Housekeeping can be hit-or-miss with restocking the fancy coffee kits.
Local Playbook
Map
See where Refinery Hotel is located and what's nearby.