Refinery Hotel: A Refuge with a View by Robin Gorman Newman
(Rooftop Fireplace)
New York in January is a place that many, other than tourists, want to escape, once the ball has dropped and new years excitement has waned.
But, for my 13 year old son and I, given the opportunity to squeeze in a quickie staycation, no matter the time of year, is something we never tire of.
(Cupcakes)
Nothing beats the cold like sitting by a warm fireplace, and Refinery Hotel offered that and more during our recent stay, and it was a real treat. Not to mention that we were greeted in our room with decadent treats….luscious cupcakes from the famed Magnolia Bakery.
We were in town to attend BroadwayCon, the second annual convention devoted to theatre, and I was looking for a hotel convenient to Javits Center that was just a quick Uber ride away.
(Lobby)
Located in the heart of the Fashion District, just blocks from Macy’s Herald Square, Bryant Park, the Theater District, Times Square, and the Empire State Building, Refinery Hotel, in the building that was once an early-20th century millinery, features 197 custom-furnished rooms, of varying sizes, spanning 12 floors, plus Winnie’s, a lively, classy lobby jazz bar (which on the Friday night of our arrival had live music), a clubby restaurant, Parker & Quinn, with excellent food (fab kale salad) and vibe, and an impressive, sprawling rooftop space on the 13th floor that serves food, drink and hosts events.
There is also a more intimate event space, for up to 35 guests, called The Hatbox. It is an industrial gallery space, with a nod to Refinery Hotel’s history as a former hat factory and Prohibition-era tea room. Hatbox has housed fashion designers presenting their collections to sculptors installing their latest works of art to local brands creating pop-up shops.
All rooms include a 42-inch flat screen LCD HD TV, Frette linens and bedding, plush bathrobes, a safe (big enough for a laptop), a well-stocked minibar, iron/ironing board, hair dryer, an iHome docking station, charger, radio, and alarm clock. You can also request a refrigerator, which we always do, given our propensity for leftovers.
The room decor is dark brushed oak hardwood floors and dark furniture, a desk and rolling chair, with ample square footage, particularly by NYC hotel standards. And, their “do not disturb sign” made me chuckle.
Our room on the 9th floor, a Deluxe Double Queen, had two very comfortable platform beds…and I have high sleep standards. Even the cushy down comforter was to my liking…I so prefer comforters vs. the blankets and sheets often provided. We had a good view of the street through the large windows, so we could enjoy the Big Apple bustle and evening lights.
The bathroom was sleek, with a spacious shower, and the Noir toiletries by The White Company were pleasing — the Amber, Mandarin & Sandalwood Body Lotion smelled pretty and felt rich.
The hotel offers:
All day/all night Room Service
A Fitness Room with state-of-the-art equipment (on the 2nd floor)
Newspapers available in the lobby or delivered to guestrooms upon request
Complimentary coffee in the lobby
Pet Friendly stays
Free Wi-Fi
Valet Parking
In-Room Hair/Makeup Services (for a fee)
Part of our goal was to get in some quality, chill time, and The Refinery Rooftop, owned/operated by In Good Company, was the perfect place to do that. Prior to 6pm, children are permitted, and they serve food and drink. We perched ourselves by the cozy fireplace, I, with a cup of mint tea, and read, talked, and played on my son’s computer, and it was a really lovely respite.
They had just finished hosting a party for a fitness group, and I could see it would be a unique space to host a function. I was advised they have even held weddings and receptions there. And, by night, it’s a popular scene for signature cocktails and socializing.
(Outdoor Space)
The ceilings are constructed from wood salvaged from the original building’s water tank, and the indoor/outdoor space has a retractable glass roof. The outdoor terrace, which includes porch swings and a memorable view, is enclosed in a tent in winter, to make it viable year round.
Overall, Refinery Hotel proved to be an excellent choice, and we would definitely return. I’m already reviewing my son’s school schedule to figure out when we can plan our next visit.
It is located at 63 West 38th Street, between 5-6 Avenues.
