Last year, (Chelsea Pines Inn) underwent a much-needed makeover of its lobby and rooms. The paint is fresher, and the bed sheets newer. But the inn, thank heavens, hasn't lost its campy, rough-around-the-edges charm.
Perfectly situated for traipsing around Chelsea, the meatpacking district and the West Village.Book early. It took several calls before a room openedup. Light fixtures, tiled walls and faux metallic floor looked new. The water pressure was good, too. Gilchrist & Soames toiletries further freshened things up.
The greatest amenity was the staff, which was flawlessly welcoming and helpful. It does offer what many pricier hotels can't seem to get a grip on: local calls and Wi-Fi at no extra charge. Continental breakfast (included) is served in the downstairs breakfast room and new solarium, in addition to 24-hour coffee, tea and Oreos and chocolate chip cookies.
In terms of novelty, coziness and price, it's hard to beat! Book early. It took several calls before a room opened up.
Aric Chen, "Check In/Check Out", The New York Times Sunday Travel Section, March 9, 2008
New York gay hotel value: Chelsea Pines Inn version 2.0 When a guesthouse registers on the gaydar for 22 years, it's easy to take for granted -- which would be a mistake where the 26-room Chelsea Pines Inn (317 W. 14th St., between Eighth and Ninth avenues, New York City; 212-929-1023 or 888-546-2700; www.chelseapinesinn.com; $150-$349) is concerned.
We recently revisited this gay-owned B&B in the Chelsea gayborhood, within a block from the L subway line, and found that friendly owner/operator Jay Lesiger and his partner Tom Klebba have poured $500,000 into a makeover, which included redoing the lobby, breakfast room, and patio to make them more contemporary and open; adding central air; and renovating the higher-end rooms. A vintage cinema theme still prevails -- each room has a movie-star name -- but it's woven into a brightened-up natural palette that doesn't tip into kitsch.
Diva-worthy touches to the superior deluxe and deluxe rooms include high-thread-count sheets, flat-panel TVs, and iPod docks (not to mention that they rival many New York apartments in size). The other rooms are scheduled for sprucing this winter, but economy-minded guests benefit from the updated common areas, free wifi and a sizable daily complimentary continental breakfast.
With average Manhattan hotel rates leaping across the $300-a-night mark, Chelsea Pines Inn not only delivers value, but also the all important location, location, location. LoAnn Halden - Gay.com
So, you've managed to swing your way over to good ol' NYC from wherever it is that you hail from, and you're ready to party like it's Labor Day or Fashion Week or whichever other fab fall Gotham to-do you're here for - but you just can't possibly afford a room in this town? Think again, Not only is the Chelsea Pines Inn ridiculously affordable year-round and perfectly located-sandwiched, as it were, in a three-way between Chelsea, the West Village and the Meatpacking (district)-but also, it's now exceptionally affordable...
The most welcoming hotel in the Chelsea area (and one of the friendliest in Manhattan), Chelsea Pines Inn is owned and run by Jay Lesiger, a native Brooklynite who seems bent on dispelling the myth that New Yorkers are cold and unfriendly. Jay bends over backwards to make sure guests enjoy their visit; along with personally baking a different loaf of bread for each morning’s breakfast (it’s served amidst an ample spread of bagels, fruits, and cereals), he and his staff publish a daily newsletter for guests covering walking tours, concerts and other events happening that day. Jay also serves as concierge and is happy to make dinner reservations (he’s worked out a 10% discount at some of the best local restaurants), book limousines, and get theatre tickets, for which he takes no commission whatsoever (in fact, he scours the Web for cheaper seats for his guests).
He and his partner opened the guesthouse in 1985 when it was a run-down boarding house. To hide the scarred walls (since renovated), Jay covered them with his large collection of movie posters, and the tradition stuck: Now each room is named after a different star and filled with movie memorabilia. Rooms are larger than most NYC hotel digs, each with a small fridge, TV, safe, and phone. Beds are firm, comfortable, and topped with 300-thread-count sheets; and each front-facing room comes with a white-noise machine to block out street sounds.
Deluxe rooms have queen-size beds (some with) daybeds, as well as their own bathrooms... Each economy room has its own shower and sink but shares a toilet (one for every two rooms)…Though 70% of the guests at Chelsea Pines are gay, everyone is made to feel comfortable here, and I highly recommend this hotel for people of all orientations.
Featured in their recent cover story " Best of Gay New York"
"How can you say no to sleeping under tawdry posters from cheesy ’50s films in the Susan Hayward or Rock Hudson rooms at the Chelsea Pines Inn? There’s a cozy back patio, and the staff is obliging."
"A favorite lodging for gay travelers, this hotel lies on the border of Chelsea and Greenwich Village. It’s perfectly placed within walking distance to the area’s bookstores, bars and clubs. The friendly staff will do their best to accommodate even the most cantankerous of guests. Make sure you take a Hershey’s Kiss from the Viagra container at the front desk. The hotel is artfully outfitted with classic movie posters and cozy furniture. Take advantage of the opportunity to lounge in the atrium breakfast room/common area and the leafy garden. There are enough amenities here to rival the well-equipped budget chains, including cable TV, air conditioning and a great breakfast."
gay.com UK
With 1950s film star-themed rooms, super friendly staff, and a well-stocked breakfast buffet, it’s the perfect place to wakeup in.
Reservations: To check availability or reserve a room visit our reservations pageor call 888.546.2700 or 212.929.1023
