Welcome Home!
This is exactly what the cheerful gent at the front desk said to me when I rolled in to the charming Chelsea Pines Inn after a very long travel day from San Francisco. Then he said, "You must be Stacy, we've been expecting you," and a diminutive black and white cat wove between my ankles purring - Charlie Chaplin as I was soon to learn.
From my first moment in the door all the way through my three night stay, Chelsea Pines Inn exceeded my expectations at every turn.
The building itself is a wonderful walk-up that is well-located in Chelsea - just off the Subway (A,C,E,L), a short walk from the trendy Meatpacking District and beautiful Highline Park, and about a 15 minute walk to the East Village. There are plenty of restaurants, coffee spots, bars and locally owned shops to satisfy every desire. In fact, when you check in, you not only get a handy list of restaurants (any of which the enthusiastic staff is happy to call and make reservations for you) but also a subway map and a local shopping guide.
But don't make the mistake of going out for breakfast as the Pines offers the best free breakfast spread I have experienced outside of Europe. From bagels and butterscotch bread (homemade by one of the owners) to cereal and charcuterie, you are certain to get your fill before a busy day of exploring the Big Apple. The best part is that it seems the people who stay at the Pines are equally cool as the staff is, so you enjoy your breakfast with lots of very nice and interesting folks from all over the world, not a gaggle of 50-something business men from Kansas and the like who still smell like last night's bender while they piggishly feed their ample bellies.
Each room is dedicated to a different movie star from back in the day - my room was the Kim Novak room, adorned with fantastic old movie posters, some of them from her more obscure films. Delightful! All of the important stuff is in place - clean, nicely appointed, comfortable with recently remodeled bathroom. (Small, but no smaller than any other typical NYC hotel room)
And my personal favorite? Well, when you have your DND on the door the staff actually DOES NOT DISTURB you. No tentative knock on the door from housekeeping just to make sure the DND isn't a mistake or to check if you want towels or something. I don't know that I've EVER stayed at an American hotel where the staff actually understands the meaning of do not disturb. Again, delightful!
As for the staff - they are simply fabulous. The inn has been run by the same two gentlemen for 26 years and they treat is as their home and you as a guest in their home. Accommodating is a gross understatement when describing the team at the Pines - every person we met went out of their way to help us make the most of our trip to NYC.
Oh, and last but certainly not least, Charlie Chaplin, the Inn Cat. He is a warm, loving ball of fluff who will come right into your room with you to hang out (or sleep over) if you allow him to.
I cannot recommend the Chelsea Pines Inn vigorously enough. Simply put - stay here!
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