The Refinery Hotel NYC is a boutique hotel in Manhattan's Midtown South, known for its blend of historic architecture and contemporary design. It occupies a former refinery building, retaining original features like exposed brick and steel beams while offering modern comforts.
The building dates to 1912 and originally housed the William Ulmer Levernon Refining Company. Its conversion into a hotel preserved key industrial elements, such as the steel trusses and terracotta facade. The hotel opened in 2012, becoming part of New York City's adaptive reuse trend.
The hotel offers 12 floors of accommodations, including standard rooms and suites. Rooms feature custom-designed furniture, high ceilings, and large windows. Suites add living areas and kitchenettes. The largest set, the Refinery Set, spans 600 square feet.
The Refinery Hotel sits near Madison Square Park and the Flatiron District. Guests walk to landmarks like the Empire State Building and the Metropolitan Pavilion. Subway access at the 23rd Street station connects to all boroughs.
The hotel's lobby includes a working refinery-era crane, repurposed as a chandelier. The rooftop bar, The Refinery Rooftop, offers skyline views. The property also houses a fitness center and a 24-hour business center.
I stayed here during a summer visit. The staff highlighted hidden details, like the original refinery blueprints displayed in the elevator lobbies. The proximity to both tourist sites and quiet residential streets made it ideal for balancing sightseeing and relaxation.
The hotel appeals to travelers seeking character over cookie-cutter luxury. Its blend of old and new, combined with a central location, makes it a standout among NYC boutique hotels.