Why book?
Book for a design-forward stay that feels both transportive and unmistakably New York. Faena New York translates the hotel brand’s signature blend of art, glamour, and production into Manhattan form, rising along the High Line in West Chelsea.
Set the scene
Arriving at Faena New York feels cinematic: Doormen in top hats open the doors with the timing of a curtain rise. Inside, the lobby unfolds like a mise-en-scène of opulence: leopard-print upholstery, red velvet banquettes, and burnished brass details. A sand-toned spiral staircase arcs upward beside a large-scale mural by Argentine artist Diego Gravinese—it's surrealist imagery of leopards, celestial forms, and mythic symbolism.
Check-in happens seated in a room adorned in red and cheetah print, sipping on chilled Faena-branded water bottles. What appears compact at first soon reveals itself through cozy corners, hidden lounges, and terraces that unfold over the city. There’s a high chance of meeting the night’s jazzy performers dressed in sequins in the elevator, or running into the Michelin-starred chef casually walking around the property.
The rooms
The 120 rooms and suites are designed by Alan Faena alongside the Faena Design Team and Peter Mikic Studios. Each one expresses the brand’s artistic heart—fabulous animal-printed motifs, sculptural lighting, marble bathtubs—through a distinctly Manhattan lens. Floor-to-ceiling windows frame cinematic views of the Hudson River, the High Line, and the Empire State Building. There’s intention behind the materials—velvet, marble, lacquer, silk—which provide a unique depth and rhythm to the space. My guest room was a spacious signature corner room suite with a cozy window-facing bed; loads of closet and storage space; and a moody, spa-inspired bathroom with Faena’s signature Carrara marble tilework, a walk-in shower, a dual vanity, and a soaking tub.
Food and drink
At ground level, renowned chef Francis Mallmann’s La Boca restaurant pays homage to Faena’s Argentine roots. The dining room is bold yet romantic—handcrafted chandeliers, deep crimson upholstery, and a theatrical kitchen where plush seating and live music meet fine dining. On the second floor, The Living Room serves as the social heart of the hotel. Two mirrored bars anchor a long gallery that opens onto a terrace overlooking the High Line. By day, it’s a serene spot for cocktails and light fare; by night, it becomes a sultry, lounge-like den for live performances and conversation. Hidden behind an unmarked door, El Secreto—Faena’s speakeasy—is wrapped in candlelight and velvet. Around the corner is La Cava, an emerald-hued wine cellar that hosts private dinners and intimate gatherings—an homage to Faena Buenos Aires’s original underground cellar. Each spot feels conspiratorial, indulgent, and timeless.
The neighborhood/area
West Chelsea is New York’s chic and artsy locale—defined by its galleries, architecture, and steady flow of foot traffic along the High Line. Faena’s location places guests directly within this creative current while maintaining a sense of quiet and calm near the river. From its upper floors, you can watch New Yorkers amble past on the park path below, or boats drift along the Hudson. Chelsea Market, Artists and Fleas, as well as the renowned boutiques and restaurants of the Meatpacking District are all within walking distance (of note: the fabulous, scene-y restaurant The Crane Club just around the corner).
Worth it?
Yes—the eclectic, artsy property features art installations, performances, and events that turn its New York building into a living gallery.
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