Booklovers’ Paradise at Library Hotel New York

After fabulous three days spent in Hotel Elysée, it was time to check out and experience another wonderful property of Library Hotel Collection – Library Hotel. As a graduate of English Language and Literature, I was beyond thrilled to experience first-hand what this unique concept hotel had to offer.

Housed in the landmark 1921 Hill & Stout building, this hotel boasts with a central location in Midtown Manhattan on the corner of 41st Street and Madison Avenue, just two blocks from the New York Public Library and within walking distance to many of New York City’s top attractions. The building is a great example of the Neo-Gothic architecture from the turn of the previous century with quite a remarkable façade: beautiful sandstone arches and copper clad projecting bays with delightful Gothic motifs formed by terra cotta diamond brick patterns.

The literary theme is evident upon entering the reception area as the shelves of the 6000 books in the Library Hotel’s collection are on display lining the walls leading to the front desk. Personalized and attentive service is a given at any of LHC properties, but at only 60 rooms on 12 floors staff here is determined to make you feel truly special and welcomed. We were swiftly checked in and escorted to our room, making sure everything was exactly the way we liked.

Each of the ten guestroom floors is dedicated to one of the ten major classifications of knowledge of the Dewey Decimal System. Every guestroom bares a unique name (for example, ours was “Advertising”) and features its own library of books and artwork corresponding to that specific subject.

Size of the rooms is more typical of Manhattan hotels, with quite limited space fitting only a full-size bed and a large vanity area with plenty of drawers for storage space. Interior choices feature rich wood furnishings and fabrics in a sleek, contemporary design. Rooms also come with free wifi, minibars, and flat-screen TVs. Each room also has a marble tiled bathroom that is carefully appointed for a very luxurious experience.

As much as I enjoyed our room, the place that drew both my mom and I was the 2nd Floor guest lounge, aka the Reading Room. This space tastefully combines a library with a lounge where you can not only enjoy a complimentary continental buffet breakfast in the mornings but also stop by any time for the complimentary refreshments, snacks, and hotel beverages.

We spent quite a few hours in the evening chatting, reading and drinking tea and coffee. Similar to Hotel Elysee, Library Hotel also holds a complimentary wine and cheese hour every evening from 5 pm to 8pm where prosecco, red wine, and domestic cheeses are available. Quite conveniently, the Business Center on the 2nd Floor allows you to use one of the two computers and printer – perfect if you forgot your laptop.

The Library Hotel also has an elegant rooftop terrace, the Writer’s Den and Poetry Garden, which is always opened for the guests, and also has a bar available from 7 pm to 11 pm. While it was quite cold to take advantage of it during the cold month of March when I visited, I imagine it would a perfect place to unwind from their urban adventures with a late-night cocktail on a late spring and summer evening.

Most importantly, all the bookworms staying at the hotel will not be disappointed. Not only do you have the library of hard copy books available for you to read (especially if you’re like me and still prefer hard copy vs. Kindle), but also have a complimentary access to an array of bestselling eBooks from Simon & Schuster via the Foli App. Selection of daily newspapers and magazines are also provided at the 2nd-floor lounge.

The four days spent at the Library Hotel flew by like 4 seconds. I can see why it is included in Trip Advisors’ top hotels, was voted the #4 Top Hotel in NYC by Conde Nast Traveler’s 2016 Readers’ Choice Awards, and recognized as the #2 Romantic Hotel in NYC by Business Insider in 2016. The ambiance, the implacable service, and superb location simply cannot be beaten.

Have you been to New York? Would you like to stay in a Library-themed hotel? 

Disclaimer: our stay at the hotel was partially complementary. As always, all thoughts and opinions are my own and unbiased.

xoxo, nano

Let’s connect on Instagram | Twitter | Facebook | BlogLovin’ | Pinterest 

PIN FOR LATER: