Lonely Planet Review
New York's number one rock 'n' roll, bohemian sleeping quarters, the Chelsea Hotel, has been immortalised in songs by the likes of Bob Dylan and Leonard Cohen. Sid's Nancy died there in 1979 and other famed residents have ranged from Dylan Thomas to Ethan Hawke.
A stay here can feel like life on a film shoot (there's probably one going on next door). In from the guitar shops, along bustling two-way 23rd St, the Chelsea's lobby oozes with relics of an illustrious past which pre-dates its rock 'n' roll flirtation. The massive wooden mantle over the fireplace and the wall-mounted seats herald a far fussier age than that of fuzz-box distortion pedals. Priced somewhat for its lore, the mix and match style of the rooms show their decades - most are huge, with ruby-red carpets or drip-drop designs on rugs over wooden floors. Some have shared bath; suites have small kitchens, sitting areas, and settees in front of the windows. Rooms come with Internet access and there's wi-fi in the lobby. Hallways are lined with artwork from past and present residents - about two-thirds of the hotel are long-term residents.
Review by author
Robert Reid