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Table of Contents
Quick Overview: Motto by Hilton New York City Chelsea
Why I Booked It (and Why I’d Book It Again)
The main reason I booked Motto by Hilton New York City Chelsea was the view. I saw videos of the Landmark View room and immediately knew this was the hotel I wanted. It looked like the kind of skyline view that makes you feel like you’re in a film, and I wanted that “New York moment” without having to stay somewhere insanely expensive.
I also liked the fact it was in Chelsea, because it’s one of the best areas to stay in Manhattan if you want to be central but not in the chaos of Times Square. It’s walkable, it has loads of good food spots and it’s close to so many of the things I always recommend doing in NYC. I wanted a hotel that felt like a good base for exploring, but still felt exciting to come back to each evening.
It ended up being exactly that (and so much more).
The Landmark View (Room 4107, 41st Floor)
Let’s get straight to the main event. The Landmark View room was a 10 out of 10 and I’m not exaggerating.
I stayed in Room 4107 on the 41st floor and the view was honestly unreal. It was the first thing I saw every morning and the last thing I saw before going to sleep, and it made the entire trip feel more special. The skyline felt so close and so clear, especially at night when everything lights up. It’s the kind of view you normally get from an observation deck, except it’s yours 24/7 and you don’t have to queue for it.
What made it even funnier is that I actually went to Edge at Hudson Yards during the trip and I had pretty much a similar view of downtown from my hotel room. Obviously Edge is higher and more dramatic, but the angle and the skyline feel were genuinely close. I ended up thinking of my hotel room as my own mini observation deck. If you’re someone who loves a view, I would absolutely recommend paying extra for the Landmark View because it’s the whole point of this hotel.
Room Price (and Whether It’s Good Value)
New York hotels can be expensive especially in summer, so I was fully expecting this stay to cost more than it did.
I paid £1,500 total for two people for the trip, which worked out to £750 per person. When you break it down further, it comes to a really reasonable daily cost (£107 per person, each day) considering I stayed during June and July and I was there for the 4th of July weekend. That’s peak season and prices in NYC can easily go wild around that time. For what we got especially the Landmark View, I genuinely thought it was great value.
You could spend the same amount in New York and end up in a hotel that feels dated, cramped and nowhere near as well located. This one felt modern, clean and like it had been designed properly for travellers. The view also made it feel like we were getting an experience, not just a bed.
Room Size and Space
Let’s be honest New York hotel rooms are not known for being spacious. If you’re expecting a huge room, you’ll be disappointed almost anywhere you stay in Manhattan.
That being said, the room at Motto by Hilton Chelsea didn’t feel as small as other NYC hotels I’ve stayed at, mainly because the storage was so good. There was loads of storage underneath the bed, which meant I could slide my suitcase away easily and keep the room tidy. That makes such a difference when you’re sharing a room with someone, especially if you’re shopping or changing outfits for dinner.
There was also a little chair and bench area near the sofa, which became my “dump zone” for clothes, bags and shopping. It helped keep the room organised and made it feel more functional. The room was compact but it didn’t feel chaotic. Everything had its place, which is exactly what you want in New York.
Bathroom Setup
This is one detail you should know before booking because it’s very love it or hate it – the sink is not inside the bathroom
The sink and vanity area are in the bedroom, which is a design choice that some people really don’t like. Personally I didn’t mind it at all, but if you prefer a traditional hotel bathroom setup, it’s worth knowing in advance so you’re not surprised.
The good news is that the shower and toilet are still in the bathroom itself, so it’s not completely open plan and it’s just the sink that’s separate.
There were large mirrors which made getting ready in the mornings and evenings so much easier. When you’re travelling with someone else, this is genuinely underrated and makes the whole room feel more spacious.
Amenities: Restaurant, Café and Outdoor Space
Motto by Hilton New York City Chelsea has a restaurant and café, plus some outdoor space, which was perfect for quick snacks and morning coffee. I didn’t eat full meals there often, but I did have dessert there one night and it was honestly so good. I ordered hot cookies with ice cream and it was one of those simple little hotel moments that feels like a treat after a full day of walking around New York.
Every morning I also grabbed an iced latte before heading out for the day from the lobby cafe. It was convenient, reliable and meant I didn’t have to hunt for coffee the second I left the hotel. If you’re travelling with friends, it’s also nice to have a quick meeting point before you start the day.
The Resort Fee
Like most NYC hotels, Motto by Hilton Chelsea charges a resort fee. In this case it was $35 per night.
I’m not going to lie, I HATE resort fees!!! It always feels like an extra charge you didn’t ask for and there isn’t really a way to get out of it. That said if you’re paying it anyway you might as well make the most of what it includes.
The resort fee comes with a $10 daily credit you can use at the hotel restaurant and café. I used it every morning for my iced latte, which usually cost around $8, so it felt like I was getting something back. The resort fee also included two free bottles of water every morning, which was genuinely useful. If you’re walking around New York all day, staying hydrated is not optional and buying water constantly adds up quickly.
So while I still don’t love the resort fee concept, I will say the credit and water made it feel less painful.
Gym and Fitness Facilities
Yes, there is a gym.
I didn’t use it every single day (I didn’t use it at all) but I loved having it as an option. It’s great if you want to beat jet lag, do a quick workout in the morning, or just move your body after sitting on a flight. Even though you’ll be walking loads in New York, having a gym in the hotel is always a bonus.
If fitness matters to you, you’ll be happy it’s there.
Location: Why Chelsea is One of the Best Areas to Stay in NYC
The location is also another reason I’d recommend Motto by Hilton New York City Chelsea. Chelsea is such a good base because it feels central, but not overwhelming. You’re close to so many major NYC spots, but you’re not stuck in the busiest tourist areas where everything feels chaotic.
The hotel was about a two to three minute walk from the subway, which meant getting around Manhattan was simple. It was also walking distance to some of my favourite NYC spots, including Chelsea Market, the High Line, Pier 57 rooftop and the Hudson River walkways. I loved being able to walk to so many places rather than constantly jumping on the subway. It also wasn’t far from Madison Square Park near the Flatiron Building, which is another great area for walking, shopping and grabbing food.
If you’re planning a girls’ trip, Chelsea is honestly one of the best places to stay. It feels safe, it’s walkable, there are loads of good restaurants nearby and it makes sightseeing feel easy.
What I Loved Most About Motto Hilton Chelsea
If I had to sum up the main reasons I loved this stay, it would be the combination of the view, the location and how well designed everything felt.
The Landmark View room was genuinely incredible and it made the hotel feel like part of the trip. The room was compact, but the storage made it so much more functional than other NYC hotels I’ve stayed at. The café downstairs made mornings easy and the resort fee credit meant I was at least getting something back from the unavoidable extra charge. The hotel felt modern, clean and stylish, which matters because I am an aesthetic hotel type of person.
What I Didn’t Love About Motto Hilton Chelsea
No hotel is perfect and there were a couple of things I would have loved to see.
The main one is that I really wish it had a rooftop bar. With a view like that, it feels like such a missed opportunity. Even a small rooftop terrace for guests would have elevated the experience so much and made it feel even more special. The other thing is that there isn’t a spa, but that wasn’t a dealbreaker for me. Motto is more about being practical, modern and well located rather than being a luxury resort style hotel.
If you’re looking for a full spa hotel experience, this probably isn’t the one. But if you’re looking for a NYC hotel with an insane view and a great location, it absolutely is.
Would I Stay at Motto Hilton Chelsea again?
I hope this Motto by Hilton New York City Chelsea review helped if you’re trying to decide whether it’s worth booking. Overall, it was the perfect hotel for my trip. The Landmark View was genuinely 10 out of 10, the location made exploring easy and the room felt smarter and more functional than a lot of other NYC hotels.
If you’re planning a trip to New York and want everything saved in one place, I’ve also put together a free downloadable New York travel guide you can use before your trip. It includes where to stay, the best things to do, and planning tips to make your itinerary feel easy and stress free.
