The Chelsean NYC Review 2025: Honest Hotel Guide
You land at Penn Station with a suitcase and a dream of seeing New York without spending the price of a Broadway ticket every night. Ten minutes later, you’re standing outside a sleek black building on 25th Street, wondering, “Is The Chelsean NYC hotel actually good, or just another overpriced city hotel?” I’ve asked myself that exact question—twice in 2025 alone—so I put together everything I wish someone had told me before I booked.
Key Takeaways
- It’s no longer the Four Points by Sheraton—it fully became The Chelsean in 2024
- Location of The Chelsean NYC is unbeatable: 8.8/10 on Booking.com for a reason
- Rates at The Chelsean NYC Hotel start around $209 off-season, but jump to $450+ in the fall
- The downstairs bar, The Rose, is awesome… unless you want to sleep before 2 AM on weekends
- Couples and solo travelers love The Chelsean NYC Hotel; families and super light sleepers often look elsewhere
What Is The Chelsean NYC Hotel?
Picture this: a 158-room hotel that used to be a Sheraton, got a fresh coat of paint, a neon-pink cocktail bar, and decided to go independent. That’s The Chelsean NYC. It sits at 160 West 25th Street, literally a 10-minute walk from Penn Station and four minutes from the 28th Street subway stop. You can roll out of bed and be sipping coffee at Chelsea Market or walking the High Line before most people finish breakfast.
Rooms & Amenities: What You Actually Get in 2025
I stayed in a Standard King and a Double Queen this year. Here’s the honest rundown:
- Beds are really comfortable in Chelsean NYC Hotel—firm but not hard (the kind you don’t want to leave)
- 55-inch TV with normal channels plus Netflix login
- Mini-fridge (empty, perfect for leftovers or Trader Joe’s snacks)
- Water pressure in the shower is excellent—no weak trickle here
- Windows open a little, which is rare in NYC and a lifesaver in spring
- Bathrooms are small but clean; the lighted mirror is great for makeup
The 24-hour gym is basic (two treadmills, dumbbells up to 50 lbs, yoga mats) but almost always empty. The Chelsean NYC hotel has a small outdoor patio with tables—a nice spot for morning coffee when the weather cooperates.
The Rose Bar: The Best Part and the Biggest Catch
Let’s talk about the elephant in the room—or the bass in the floorboards. The Rose is a neon-pink cocktail lounge on the ground floor with $10 happy-hour drinks and DJs Thursday through Saturday. Hotel guests never pay cover, which feels like a win… until you’re on the 6th floor trying to sleep at 1:30 AM. Real talk from my stays and hundreds of reviews:
- Thursday nights are manageable
- Friday and Saturday, the music thumps until 2 AM
- Ask for a room ending in 10–18 (they face 25th Street and are farthest from the bar elevator)
- Higher floors (9–14) are quieter than 4–7
If you’re out partying anyway, you’ll love coming home to your own bar downstairs. If you have an early flight, bring earplugs or pick another hotel.
What Guests Are Saying in 2025 about The Chelsean NYC Hotel
I pulled the latest scores as of November 2025:
- Booking.com: 8.3/10 (3,600+ reviews)
- Google: 4.1/5
- TripAdvisor: 3.9/5 (still climbing as more people discover the new name)
People rave about:
- Walking distance to everything in Chelsea
- Friendly front-desk staff who actually remember your name
- Clean rooms and fast elevators
The complaints you’ll see over and over:
- Bar noise on weekends
- Tiny bathrooms
- Street noise if you get a low floor facing 25th
How Much It Actually Costs in 2025
Here’s what I paid and what friends paid this year:
- January weekday: $209
- May weekend: $359
- October peak: $489
Pro tip: Book direct on their website. You usually save $15–30 per night compared to Expedia, get free cancellation until 24 hours before, and they throw in 10% off drinks at The Rose.
Quick comparison with similar hotels nearby (all walkable from Penn Station):
- Cambria Hotel Chelsea: bigger rooms, rooftop bar, usually $50–80 more
- Motto by Hilton Chelsea: micro-rooms, super trendy, similar price but louder vibe
- INNSiDE New York NoMad: slightly nicer, breakfast included, $70+ more
A Perfect Chelsea Day Starting at The Chelsean
Roll out of the hotel and try this:
- Grab coffee and a croissant at Café Grumpy (3-minute walk)
- Walk the High Line south to north—takes about 35 minutes with photos
- Lunch at Los Tacos No.1 inside Chelsea Market
- Head to Hudson Yards, go up to Edge at sunset (book tickets ahead)
- Back to the hotel to freshen up
- Happy hour at The Rose (5–7 PM, drinks are $10)
- Dinner at Cookshop or Blossom Bar—both under 10 minutes away
You’ll rack up 15,000 steps and never take the subway once.
Who This Hotel Is Perfect For
Perfect match:
- Couples on a city weekend
- Solo travelers who want to be in the middle of everything
- Anyone going to a concert at Madison Square Garden (15-minute walk)
- Budget-conscious business travelers
Probably look elsewhere if:
- You’re traveling with kids under 12 (no cribs, very bar-focused vibe)
- You’re a super light sleeper and staying Friday/Saturday
- You want a pool, spa, or big breakfast buffet
Booking Hacks That Actually Work in 2025
- Check the hotel’s own website first—almost always cheapest
- Join their email list; they send 15–20% flash sales a few times a year
- If you’re flexible, shift your trip by one day—Sunday–Thursday rates drop hard
- Use the “Pay Now & Save” rate if you’re 100% sure of your dates (saves another 8–12%)
Final Thought
The Chelsean NYC Hotel isn’t trying to be the fanciest place in the city—and that’s why I like it. You get a clean, comfortable room in one of the best neighborhoods, steps from everything, without paying $600 a night. Just know what you’re signing up for with the weekend bar energy, pick a quiet-room number, and you’ll have a fantastic New York stay.
Ready to book or still have questions? Drop me a message or check availability directly at thechelseannewyork—tell them you read the honest review and ask for a high-floor room away from the elevator. Safe travels!
FAQs
1. Is the Chelsean NYC Hotel noisy at night?
Yes, on weekends. The Rose Bar plays music until around 2 AM, especially on Fridays and Saturdays. Higher floors (9–14) and rooms ending in 10–18 are much quieter.
2. What are the room prices at The Chelsean NYC in 2025?
Rates usually range from $209 in the off-season to $450–$500 during peak fall months. Booking direct often saves $15–30 per night.
3. Is The Chelsean NYC good for families?
Not really. The hotel has no cribs, limited space, and a nightlife-focused vibe. It’s better suited for couples, solo travelers, and business stays.
4. How far is The Chelsean NYC from Penn Station?
About a 10-minute walk, making it ideal for Amtrak and LIRR travelers. It’s also a 4-minute walk to the 28th Street subway.
5. Are the rooms clean and modern?
Yes. The rooms are recently refreshed, clean, and comfortable, with great showers, 55-inch TVs, mini-fridges, and lighted mirrors.
