Editorial take
Who should book PUBLIC Hotel?
If this is your first New York trip, shortlist PUBLIC Hotel for a practical reason: Design, nightlife, solo travellers, value in a downtown location. 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 traditional service, large rooms or quiet nights. 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 PUBLIC Hotel?
Chrystie Street sits on the Bowery's edge between the Lower East Side and Nolita, walkable to the New Museum, the East Village and SoHo.
Nearby
The Bowery, Nolita, the New Museum, Dimes Square and the East Village.
Closest subway
Second Av, Bowery and Delancey St-Essex St
Hotel facts
What to know before booking.
First-timer context
Why PUBLIC Hotel might feel special.
What it is known for
- The tower at 215 Chrystie Street was designed by the Swiss architects Herzog & de Meuron, with the hotel occupying the lower levels and eleven condominiums above.
- The hotel was Ian Schrager's argument that good design need not carry a luxury price, which is why the rooms are simple and the public spaces are not.
- Rooms use electronic blackout shades and in-room systems controlling lighting and temperature, with a deliberately pared-back fit-out.
New York moments
- Schrager co-founded Studio 54 and effectively invented the boutique hotel with Morgans in 1984, so PUBLIC is the latest step in a long argument about what a hotel should be.
- Herzog & de Meuron are best known in the UK for Tate Modern.
On screen
- The escalator entrance and rooftop have appeared widely in fashion and editorial photography.
Review questions
What travellers keep asking.
Is PUBLIC good value?
It is designed to be. Rooms are pared back and service is largely self-service, with the investment visible in the lobby, bars and rooftop instead. Whether that suits you depends on what you want a hotel to do.
Is the rooftop open to guests?
It operates as a destination bar as well as a hotel space, so it can be busy or ticketed. Ask when booking if rooftop access matters to your stay.
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.