Chambers Hotel

The Scene

Chambers Hotel may occupy one of the most enviable addresses for shopping with Bergdorf Goodman, Barneys, and Fifth Avenue on your doorstep, but Chambers has a way of making you pay attention to the art. The Museum of Modern Art is just over 5 minutes away (on foot) along with a plethora of galleries and cultural centers. Times Square is far enough away to keep the neon lights from your front door yet close enough to invite you to the theater. Central Park is closer than you may realize at only 3 blocks north and well worth a stroll around The Pond or perhaps a spin on the ice skating rink.

The Concept

Chambers Hotel is something of a stylish living gallery with over 500 works of art from artists of all kinds. The soaring lobby feels like a sleek blend between a museum and a fashionable home---and the hotel overall gives off a chic, nonchalant vibe. Art is clearly celebrated from the moment you walk in with a bright kaleidoscope of greens and blues on a piece you can’t ignore. David Chang’s ridiculously popular Momofuku Milk Bar and Má Pêche are perhaps the most trendy aspects of the hotel (but have decidedly made their mark on the New York culinary scene in a very positive way). Definitely expect a well-deserved crowd for the Milk Bar and treat yourself to a compost cookie (trust us---worth it).

The Look

All artist’s lofts should look so refined. The art really shines on the walls thanks to the neutral palette that’s delightfully non-faddish but modern. Bright purples and warm oranges pop but don’t even compete with the views or the art. Hallways, on the other hand, are particularly given to grand artistic expression thanks to individual design by different artists; you could find anything from a vivid garden to a studded wall to a neon wonderland of signs. Room size is nothing to write home about, but it’s perfect for a getaway for two (or more if you upgrade to a suite). Word to the wise: paying up for a terrace is well worth it if you crave city views. Showers feature out-of-this-world water pressure and basically guarantee the ultimate in relaxation (especially if you use the famous Red Flower turquoise soap).

In Short

Chambers Hotel is what it is: a modern gallery for modern art. Its service, amenities, and reputation are all exceedingly well-deserved and a natural fit for Midtown---even amidst the ostentatious glamour of all the luxury shops and stores.