Refinery Hotel

Profile

The Refinery Hotel opened in 2013, drawing inspiration from its previous life as the Colony Arcade Building, an upscale millinery factory and tea salon built in 1912. The raw-edged design pays homage to the hat industry with touches like replicas of antique tools in the lobby and writing desks designed to look like early-1900s sewing machines in the rooms, while dark brushed-oak floors, 12-foot ceilings, marble mosaic bathrooms, and antique bronze accents evoke the building's heyday. Featuring original artwork and custom furnishings, the 197 well-sized guest rooms and suites are also equipped with contemporary conveniences like 42-inch LCD TVs with premium cable, iHome stations, locally sourced mini-bar items, and Frette linens. All have walk-in rain showers stocked with Beekman 1802 products, while some also have separate tubs. Select rooms also have up-close Empire State Building views. The Prohibition-era nods continue in Winnie's (named for the teahouse proprietress), an intimate lobby lounge featuring live music and cocktails created by mixologist Alex Ott, while the all-day Parker & Quinn restaurant is the place for gourmet comfort food and an after-work bar scene. Equipped with a retractable glass roof and fireplace and featuring panoramic city views, the year-round Refinery Rooftop has become an area hotspot. A velvet-roped line of locals stretches out the lobby door almost every night, but hotel guests enjoy preferred reservations. A gym and 24-hour meeting rooms are also on-site. — Sandra Ramani

Spacious guest rooms, some with Empire State Building views; free Wi-Fi; several on-site dining and drinking options, including a popular rooftop lounge; central location; pet friendly (up to 60 pounds, with $500 deposit).

Cons
Immediate area doesn't offer many conveniences; small lobby; no spa.

Claims to Fame
Popular with the fashion and entertainment crowds, so you never know whom you might spot.