It’s hibernation season. We know the chill makes heading outdoors a daunting task, but we have the often overlooked solution to get you out the door: the hotel fireplace.
From ground-floor lobbies to sky-high rooftops, guests and locals alike can seek comfort at any of these properties and snuggle up next to that warm, amber glow. Whether you’re looking to finally catch up on that mile-long reading list, meet friends for (spiked) cocoa, snag a workspace with a view, or simply unwind, these hotels have what you need to get you through the season.
The Jane Ballroom
113 Jane Street, New York, NY
The Jane Ballroom, which functioned as the gritty Jane Street Theater and is the birthplace of the legendary rock musical “Hedwig and The Angry Inch,” is an intimate hideaway to admire. Grab a chair or comfy sofa and take in the elaborate fireplace, salvaged from Belgium, and the rest of the room’s unique trinkets, from modern art and velvet-draped windows, to a stuffed ram and oversized disco ball. Order a Hellfire + Brimstone, made with Bruxo Mezcal, St. George Spiced Pear Liqueur, and Hellfire Bitters, because winter is here.
The Maritime Hotel
363 West 16th Street, New York, NY
This nautically-themed landmark maintains its reputation as the modern, cool hub of Manhattan’s West Chelsea neighborhood with signature porthole windows, white-tiled exterior, and elevated outdoor terraces overlooking Ninth Avenue. The NYC icon recently revealed a transformation – all conceived by
hotelier Sean MacPherson himself. Changes include a new awe-inspiring 16th-century stone fireplace, which MacPherson found in the South of France, a ceiling made with beautiful narrow-slatted oak beams, reupholstered lobby sofas with instant-classic sketches of subway scenes, and a refresh to the much-photographed nautical-themed mural. Guests can cozy up by the fireplace and enjoy light bites and cocktails from Mario Batali and Joe Bastianich’s La Sirena Ristorante, the hotel’s ground floor restaurant.
The Ludlow
180 Ludlow Street, New York, NY
The Ludlow’s Lobby Lounge, known as the living room of the Lower East Side, invites guests and locals to mix and mingle amidst the amber glow of the grand-distressed limestone fireplace. Filled with vintage furniture, Moroccan rugs and oversized chandeliers, the cozy space includes an all-season “secret” garden and a lobby bar, creating a casual workspace by day and buzzing watering hole by night. Dirty French, one of the hottest restaurants in town, serves its full menu here, so pair a Chai Matsuda with a succulent lamb burger for the perfect fall meal.
Zerzura at Plunge at Gansevoort Meatpacking
18 9th Ave, New York, NY
Gansevoort Meatpacking’s newly imagined Saharan-inspired rooftop lounge offers a true sanctuary in the middle of bustling New York City. In addition to stunning 360-degree views of the Hudson River and Manhattan’s skyline, the expansive rooftop features an indoor/outdoor terrace with a retractable glass roof, a secret garden, wrap-around balconies and a heated pool open year-round. The indoor Loft boasts soaring 20-foot ceilings, communal seating, and a roaring fireplace, making it the ideal venue to gather with friends for delicious lite bites and specialty drinks, made with a Mediterranean flare.
Ivy Lounge at Gansevoort Park Avenue
420 Park Ave S, New York, NY
Gansevoort Park Avenue’s newly reimagined rooftop, set twenty stories above Manhattan’s NoMad neighborhood, offers a communal environment for both locals and hotel guests to enjoy year-round. The extensive tri-level renovation reveals a rustic chic atmosphere with flexible lounge-style seating and new
spaces to explore. Patrons can admire the glow of the Ivy Lounge’s terrace fireplace, take a dip in the heated pool concealed by a retractable roof, and admire the breathtaking, unobstructed views of the iconic Empire State Building. When the sun goes down, nighttime revelers can sip on refreshing, hand-crafted cocktails and dance the night away.
The Bowery Hotel
335 Bowery, New York, NY
Travelers looking to escape the city’s chaos can seek shelter in The Bowery Hotel’s soothingly-lit lobby. One of the “warmest spots” in the city, the lobby is surrounded by handmade dark-wood panels contrasted by colorful Moroccan tiles. Situated by the lobby’s signature cozy fireplace, guests can nestle in antique chairs and sofas, hand-picked by hoteliers Eric Goode and Sean MacPherson. Chandelier-like iron fixtures adorn the ceilings and artisan mural wrap around the room; artful details that hint at a storied past. Whether looking to cuddle up with a good book or sip on a Hot Toddy, the atmosphere is casual and unhurried; designed for those who are looking to socialize as well as simply keep to themselves. *Seating prioritized for hotel guests*
5 West 8th Street, New York, NY
The Marlton’s lobby is a “living room for the community” designed by Hotelier Sean MacPherson himself. The room’s chair, sofas and communal table, ceiling light fixtures, and the artisan paintings, were all personally handpicked. The Marlton prides itself on offering visitors a tranquil respite by creating an environment that feels truly relaxed and as a comfortable as being in your own home.
With an inviting and crackling fireplace, there’s nothing quite like it on a cold day. The Marlton’s fireplace brings timeless charm and creates a sense of comfort. The Marlton Hotel opened its doors in September 2013 along the revitalized stretch of West 8th Street in Greenwich Village. A favorite of the Beat Generation, the historic building, reborn as an elegant 107-room “Baby Grand” boutique property, is steeped in warm Parisian-style influences, making it a supremely welcoming environment that also pays tribute to its own rich past.
Refinery Rooftop at Refinery Hotel
63 West 38th Street, New York, NY
Chillier months are approaching New York City, however, rooftop weather is year-round at Refinery
Rooftop. Located above the stylish Refinery Hotel, this 3,500 square foot rooftop bar and lounge features three distinct sections that transition seamlessly from indoor to an indoor/outdoor space with a retractable glass roof to a fully outdoor space, which is perfect for mild or freezing temperatures this winter. Cozy up near the crackling fireplace with with one of Refinery Rooftop’s seasonal cocktails and a selection of comfort food, or enjoy the winter sunsets or snowfalls while listening to some of the hottest tunes from local NYC DJs.
Marmara Park Avenue
114 East 32nd Street, New York, NY
Cozy up and enjoy winter cocktails and light bites fireside in the luxurious lobby of Marmara Park Avenue, recently visited by Beverly Hills housewife Lisa Vanderpump. Guests can gather around not one, but two large fireplaces including a hanging steel fireplace and a 14-foot fireplace. Everything at Marmara Park
Avenue has been custom-designed and individually produced by artisans in the five boroughs to emulate a chic New York City pied-a-terre, led by New York artist/designer Joe Ginsberg. The 128-room hotel also features three penthouse suites, 40 private terraces, and a subterranean wellness center with a swimming pool and authentic Turkish Hammam.