Library Hotel by Library Hotel Collection — Hotel in New York

We love this hotel and would rate 5-star except for one bad experience at the rooftop bar (which regardless is a beautiful space). We probably would not hesitate to return as well as it really is very charming and the rooms, though small, are very well appointed with classic books in the rooms and VERY comfortable beds and bathrobes. We slept like the dead, as they say, in our 8th floor room (802). Our breakfast at the restaurant was also very nice and convenient, and the nearby parking at ICON garage (not associated with the hotel, but the hotel provides a discount rate of $45) went off without a hitch. I told the attendant the time we'd be leaving the next morning and when I arrived our car was sitting there waiting at the front.||The hotel was also very considerate in remembering our stay was part of a birthday celebration and left a gift box of chocolates in the room. The front staff were VERY friendly and accommodating, and cheerfully provided complimentary toothpaste and brush as ours was running low. They also provided early check in finding another room for us as our's was not yet ready.||The issues with the rooftop bar were as follows; as it was raining we decided to go up to see if it was open/covered, it was but we were asked if we had reservations as it was full due to rain. We replied no because we didn't know you needed or could even make them (it would have been helpful if we were notified about this at check in). However we were told that they would try to accommodate us by putting us in an area that was shared by another group that would be arriving soon (this group never arrived while we were there). ||They seated us directly behind a large and VERY loud party where we could barely hear ourselves speak even though we were seating right next to each other. It was rather shocking to be at a hotel known as the 'library' to hear people making such a clamor as it definitely detracted from the whole idea of a library setting. We also noticed plenty of empty seats further away and even on the far other side of the rooftop bar which was completely quiet and serene. The staff seemed indifferent to our plight, and after having drinks and eating some food we departed to get away from the noise, while noticing all the empty seats so much further away from the din of the...

I am so thankful to have stumbled upon The Library Hotel for my recent visit to NYC. My daughter and I came for a pandemic delayed trip and stayed several nights through Sunday of Memorial Day weekend 2021. The city is in a sort-of re-awakening period. Not fully open, or as crowded and the night-life seemed subdued. I knew I'd need a hotel that I wouldn't mind spending some time in due to places closing early or bad weather.

First, the staff is fabulous. I called twice in advance of my trip. Both times I was greeted in a friendly, welcoming manner and given complete answers to my questions. Other hotels I called gave me the sense of being rushed and eager to get me off the phone. Not here. The excellent customer service continued upon our arrival. I'm terrible with remembering names, but the gentleman who worked both weekend mornings/days was delightful and helpful.

Rooms: We booked a Queen (rooms ending in 01 or 02). We were given our first choice of "theme". The room is not expansive but was completely workable to two people. Our room was spotless upon our arrival and they'd placed an iron in my room in advance as requested. Noise at night wasn't horrible. We faced toward 41st street on a mid-level floor. I did use ear plugs because I tend to be a light sleeper when I travel. That did the trick.

Common Areas: This was important to us as we knew we may have downtime at night or during times of bad weather. We wanted someplace comfortable to relax if needed. The 2nd floor reading room was an awesome place to have a snack and read or play cards while we waited for rain to stop. The rooftop garden is a lovely place to grab a cocktail (highly recommend the Gone with the Gin!). One rainy evening, we bought things for our own wine & charcuterie board to enjoy in the reading room. The staff provided wine glasses for us. :)

Location: If you want to be able to easily access many parts of Manhattan, Brooklyn etc, this place can't be beat. Steps away from Grand Central so you can take the subway all over. It's walking distance to Central Park, Times Square, theatre district (once that's open again).

I would definitely stay here again when back...

Selected this hotel for an anniversary trip and have never been more satisfied with a decision. Even before the trip, the booking team went out of their way to answer any questions and try to fulfill some requests (requested certain themes as a choice of rooms). I also let them know it was our anniversary. Not only did they remember and grant my first choice of room (mysteries!) but we also arrived to a lovely card from the staff and a bottle of wine on ice.

The room (a suite) was super large, very clean, had amazing views of Madison Avenue and the 5th Avenue library (all suites do since they are all along the same side of the building) and was beautifully appointed. The room was mystery themed so all of the books were mysteries and the art was mystery themed as well. The bed was super comfy, the air conditioning was great, and the bathroom was lovely. I was surprised at the low level of noise we experienced despite our corner room facing Madison Avenue.

The staff was lovely and despite covid taking away their normally complimentary breakfast (this was back in August of 2021), there were two spaces in the hotel for guests that were great. The rooftop is absolutely gorgeous and you can enjoy a drink inside or outside (they gave us a certificate for a complimentary cheese plate with the purchase of one of the rooftop lounge's library themed drinks). There is also a lovely library lounge full of books, with a piano, and an endless supply of water, snacks, fruit, as well as a coffee machine which made espresso drinks (cappuccino, espresso, latte, etc) which is available for guests 24/7 which is awesome.

My only gripe would be that the bathtub was very slow to drain (like 20 minutes to drain fully from full) but honestly, that is to be expected since the building is historic and the pipes are probably old like most older buildings in NYC. But really, this was all inconsequential because the pros made up for this one very minor con.

It's a splurge, the suite there, but so entirely worth it....