Boutique hotel review

The Ludlow Hotel

A well-made boutique hotel in the middle of the Lower East Side's nightlife, from New York's most reliable independent hotel team.

Lower East Side$$$$ price pointUpdated 17 August 2026For UK travellers
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Editorial take

Who should book The Ludlow Hotel?

If this is your first New York trip, shortlist The Ludlow Hotel for a practical reason: Food and nightlife, couples, design, repeat visitors. 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 quiet nights, family rooms or midtown convenience. 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 Ludlow Hotel?

Ludlow Street between Houston and Stanton is at the heart of the Lower East Side's bar and restaurant run, and a few minutes from the East Village.

Nearby

Orchard Street, the Tenement Museum, Katz's Delicatessen, Dimes Square and the East Village.

Closest subway

Second Av on the F, and Delancey St-Essex St

Hotel facts

What to know before booking.

Address180 Ludlow Street, New York, NY 10002
OpenedOpened June 2014
Rooms175 rooms across 20 storeys
Price point$$$$
Known forThe Lower East Side's most polished hotel, from the team behind The Bowery Hotel, with Dirty French downstairs.
SubwaySecond Av on the F, and Delancey St-Essex St

First-timer context

Why The Ludlow Hotel might feel special.

What it is known for

  • It opened in June 2014 after a long-stalled construction, developed by Sean MacPherson, Ira Drukier and Richard Born.
  • The same trio own The Bowery Hotel and The Marlton, which is why all three share a similar taste for lived-in, pre-war atmosphere in new buildings.
  • Rooms use hardwood floors, handmade silk rugs, Moroccan pendant lamps and Indo-Portuguese style beds.

New York moments

  • Dirty French, the ground-floor restaurant, comes from the group behind Carbone, Parm and Torrisi, and is a destination in its own right.

On screen

  • The lobby and garden are a regular fixture of downtown fashion photography.

Review questions

What travellers keep asking.

How does it compare with The Bowery Hotel?

Same owners and a similar feel. The Bowery is grander and more of a scene; the Ludlow is slightly younger in atmosphere and sits deeper into the Lower East Side's bar streets.

Is it noisy?

Ludlow Street is one of the busiest nightlife streets downtown at weekends. Rooms facing the back are considerably quieter, so ask when booking.

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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