Steps from Times Square and the Theater District, a new hotel offers a place for rest and relaxation in a busy location. Romer Hell's Kitchen opened in late 2023 with a focus on local culture—concierge staff are trained to give the best recommendations, employees wear uniforms styled by a local vintage shop, and the room designs give off an old-school theater vibe.
When visiting this month, I walked into a welcoming lobby bustling with hotel guests as well as locals drawn by the cafe, cozy fireplace, and well-stocked corner store featuring tote bags, water bottles, robes, and more. The hotel also hosts a variety of events, like happy hours and styling sessions, in its public space. A piano bar is expected to open in spring 2024.
Guestrooms measure up to 600 square feet—larger than some Manhattan apartments—so there was plenty of room to stretch out and enjoy the views. A generous closet at the entry door offered room to hang up coats and drop shoes, especially helpful when I visited with a bulky parka and winter boots.
My room's large, comfortable bed and towels were perfectly fresh and pressed. A velvet green couch in front of the window provided another place to lounge and gaze out at the city below. There's no place to work on a laptop, except for a top-heavy tray table that toppled when I tried to use it, so expect to work from the lobby if you need to do so on your visit.
The 295-guestroom hotel took over a former Hampton Inn, and there are moments—especially in the main hallway and bathroom—where the building's less-luxe history is quite apparent. The bathroom—tiny even for New York standards—lacks ventilation, a shelf in the shower, and adequate room to towel off next to the toilet. However, the ethos here is about getting out and expoloring, so the bathroom was only a blip during my stay.
Neighborhood
The name Hell's Kitchen harkens back to this neighborhood's tough past with gangs, speakeasies, and danger. But these days, it's known instead for its posh condos, beloved restaurants, and gay bars.
Nearby
Of course the main draws here are Broadway and Times Square, but allow me to recommend some other stops in the neighborhood. Grab dinner (or brunch) at the lovely vegan spot P.S. Kitchen; stop for a quick lunch at local fave Empanada Mama, and enjoy some jazz at Birdland.
Time Out tip
When you check in, you'll get a QR code to scan, which will give details on all the hotel's offerings and special events.
