Editorial take
Who should book Refinery Hotel New York?
If this is your first New York trip, shortlist Refinery Hotel New York for a practical reason: Couples, design and history, rooftop bars. 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 or a hotel directly on times square. 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 Refinery Hotel New York?
West 38th Street puts the hotel between Bryant Park and Herald Square, a practical Midtown position that stays quieter at night than the blocks nearer Times Square.
Nearby
Bryant Park, the Empire State Building, Times Square, Macy's Herald Square and Fifth Avenue.
Closest subway
42 St-Bryant Park and 34 St-Herald Sq
Hotel facts
What to know before booking.
First-timer context
Why Refinery Hotel New York might feel special.
What it is known for
- The building went up in 1912 as the Colony Arcade and was part of the Garment District's millinery trade, operating as a hat factory into the 1980s.
- The rooftop bar has a retractable glass roof, which makes it usable in weather that closes most New York rooftops.
- The hotel's event space, The Hatbox, occupies what was once the millinery factory's loading dock.
New York moments
- The hotel's identity comes from the Garment District's hat-making history rather than from famous guests.
- Parker & Quinn, its ground-floor restaurant, serves modern American food through the day.
On screen
- The draw is the industrial conversion and the rooftop rather than a screen credit.
Review questions
What travellers keep asking.
Is the Refinery rooftop open in winter?
The retractable glass roof means it can stay open when most New York rooftops close, which is useful on a British winter trip. Check opening hours directly, as events can close it to non-guests.
Is the Garment District a good area to stay?
It is practical rather than pretty: central for Bryant Park, Herald Square and Times Square, with good subway access and quieter streets at night than the theatre blocks.
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.