Boutique classic hotel review

The Iroquois New York

A small, historic West 44th Street hotel for travellers who want character and a quieter Midtown base than the Times Square blocks.

Midtown / Bryant Park$$$ price pointUpdated 17 August 2026For UK travellers
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Editorial take

Who should book The Iroquois New York?

If this is your first New York trip, shortlist The Iroquois New York for a practical reason: Couples, history, calmer Midtown, smaller hotels. The name, star rating and lobby photos matter, but the real test is whether the location helps your days feel easier.

It is less compelling if you want budget rates, big family rooms or resort-style facilities. Before booking from the UK, compare the final price after taxes and property fees, check the exact room setup and make sure your airport arrival route is not needlessly awkward.

Location and map

Where is The Iroquois New York?

The Iroquois shares West 44th Street with the Algonquin, sitting between Fifth and Sixth Avenues rather than in Times Square proper, which keeps evenings noticeably calmer.

Nearby

Bryant Park, the New York Public Library, Grand Central, Fifth Avenue and Broadway theatres.

Closest subway

42 St-Bryant Park and Times Square-42 St

Hotel facts

What to know before booking.

Address49 West 44th Street, New York, NY 10036
OpenedOpened 1900
Rooms105 guestrooms and nine suites
Price point$$$
Known forA small historic hotel on West 44th Street, best known as James Dean's New York address in the early 1950s.
Subway42 St-Bryant Park and Times Square-42 St

First-timer context

Why The Iroquois New York might feel special.

What it is known for

  • The Iroquois opened in 1900 as an apartment hotel rather than a short-stay hotel, designed by Harry Mulliken.
  • James Dean lived here from 1951 to 1953 in room 83, later renumbered 803.
  • That room is now offered as the James Dean Suite, following the hotel's restoration in the 1990s.

New York moments

  • James Dean's two years in residence are the hotel's defining story, from before his film career took off.
  • The hotel sits on the same West 44th Street block traditionally known for its private clubs and literary associations.

On screen

  • The draw here is James Dean's actual residence rather than a filming location.

Review questions

What travellers keep asking.

Did James Dean really live at the Iroquois?

Yes. He lived at the hotel from 1951 to 1953, in room 83, which was later renumbered 803 and is now offered as the James Dean Suite.

Is the Iroquois convenient for Broadway?

Yes, though it is not in Times Square. It sits on West 44th Street near Bryant Park, roughly a ten-minute walk to most theatres, with calmer streets at night.

Booking checklist

Check these before you reserve.

Total price

Look beyond the nightly rate. Check taxes, destination fees, breakfast and cancellation.

Room layout

For New York, room size, bathroom privacy, bed type and storage can matter more than star rating.

Arrival route

Match the hotel to your airport, luggage and arrival time, especially after an overnight UK flight.

Sources and update notes

Last updated: 17 August 2026. Hotel rates, fees, rules and transport details can change.

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