As the workday comes to a close in New York City, the side streets of midtown fold into a slightly vacated calm. The quiet is punctured by taxi engines accelerating and the sporadic sound of glasses clinking from within inconspicuous Irish pubs. It is especially still in the garment district, where the streets are lined with unmarked stores stuffed with fabrics and the forlorn excess of overstock, waiting to be discovered by resourceful fashion foragers. Appropriately, this is where you will find the Refinery Hotel, which opened a little over a year ago, tucked away on 38th street. The hotel’s industrial-chic aesthetic is suffused with the nostalgia of its location—the décor cutting clean, simple lines within airy rooms that have fashion figures sketched onto the walls.
It is luxurious, but not opulent—and perhaps this is why the Refinery Hotel’s most requested room is not the biggest or most expensive suite. Instead, guests frequently ask for a cozy corner room with character that has a clear view of the imminent Empire State Building. The Empire State King room is not advertised, but can be requested by regulars.
The hotel’s most widely known feature may be its charming rooftop, but its signature restaurant Parker & Quinn’s, helmed by Executive Chef Jeffrey Forrest, guarantees a robust and savory experience. In every respect, the Refinery Hotel is an idyllic destination for those who wish to find a luxurious respite from the city’s bustle.
Below, General Manager Randy Taormina tells us about the most sought-after room at the property.
The Empire State King
The most requested room:
The Empire State King is a special room category at the hotel, and it is the most requested by our repeat guests.
What makes it so special:
These large corner rooms feature a long hallway that separates the bedroom area from the guest room door, and each also guarantees incredible, up-close views of the Empire State Building. The rooms are located on the hotel’s upper floors, which means they are extremely protected against outside traffic and noise.
The rate:
$489 per night.
Celebrity guests:
We don’t share information about our guests.
A room inside the hotel
Your personal favorite:
The Studio Queen rooms.
Because…
The Studio Queens have a cozy yet inviting layout that showcases the hotel’s industrial-chic décor in a marvelous way. Additionally, despite its size, the room still features a very spacious bathroom (consistent with all of rooms and bathrooms in the hotel). We have a number of repeat guests who also request this room category when staying with us.
Fun fact:
The hotel’s décor was inspired by the 100-year-old building’s history as a hat factory, so guests will see design elements like desks modeled after Singer sewing machines or art installations with old hat making tools. These deep roots to the Garment District contribute to the role the hotel plays in the neighborhood today.
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