Why book?
Book for a design-forward stay that feels both transportive and unmistakably New York. Faena New York translates the hotel brand’s signature blend of art, glamour, and production into Manhattan form, rising along the High Line in West Chelsea.
Set the scene
Arrival at Faena New York feels cinematic: Doormen in top hats open the doors with the timing of a curtain rise. Inside, the lobby unfolds like a mise-en-scène of opulence: leopard-print upholstery, red velvet banquettes, and burnished brass details. A sand-toned spiral staircase arcs upward beside a large-scale mural by Argentine artist Diego Gravinese—it's surrealist imagery of leopards, celestial forms, and mythic symbolism.
Check-in happens seated in a room adorned in red and cheetah print, sipping on chilled Faena-branded water bottles. What appears compact at first soon reveals itself through cozy corners, hidden lounges, and terraces that unfold over the city. There’s a high chance of meeting the night’s jazzy performers dressed in sequins in the elevator, or running into the Michelin-star chef casually walking around the property.
The backstory
Faena New York occupies the East Tower of One High Line—a sculptural work by Bjarke Ingels Group whose twisting geometric design catches sunlight like a prism. The building itself becomes a frame for founder Alan Faena’s vision of cultural, visual, and emotional immersion. Inside, it’s all curved corridors and mirrored surfaces. In fact, Alan Faena’s properties have always embodied the idea of being a “total work of art” where culture, intentional design, and hospitality merge. From Buenos Aires to Miami Beach, his projects have defined a new sense of theatrical luxury. (I’ve seen so myself in this property as well as the stunning Miami location, decked out in maximalism on South Beach.)
Beyond the hotel itself, Faena Art—the brand’s nonprofit foundation—anchors this cultural ethos. Since its founding in 2011, it has commissioned avant-garde works that blend art, interaction, science, and social dialogue. At Faena New York, that spirit animates the property, with installations, performances, and events that turn its New York building into a living gallery.
The rooms
The 120 rooms and suites are designed by Alan Faena alongside the Faena Design Team and Peter Mikic Studios. Each one expresses the brand’s artistic heart—fabulous animal printed motifs, sculptural lighting, marble bathtubs—through a distinctly Manhattan lens. Floor-to-ceiling windows frame cinematic views of the Hudson River, the High Line, and the Empire State Building. There’s intention behind the materials—velvet, marble, lacquer, silk—which provide a unique depth and rhythm to the space. My guestroom was a spacious signature corner room suite with a cozy window-facing bed; loads of closet and storage space; and a moody, spa-inspired bathroom with Faena’s signature Carrara marble tilework, a walk-in shower, a dual vanity, and a soaking tub.
Accommodations range from standard guest rooms—classic king, deluxe king, classic two queen, signature double queen, and High Line King Room—to posh suites. Select suites feature private terraces suspended above Chelsea’s architectural grid, glowing in the morning light over the river and the twilight glow over the skyline. One of the most ritzy is the two-story Faena Suite, with three king bedrooms, a baby grand piano, and a landscaped terrace that sweeps from the Hudson to Midtown. It feels like a contemporary penthouse designed for both repose and spectacle.
Food & beverage
At ground level, renowned chef Francis Mallmann’s La Boca restaurant pays homage to Faena’s Argentine roots. The dining room is bold yet romantic—handcrafted chandeliers, deep crimson upholstery, and a theatrical kitchen where plush seating and live music meets fine dining. Mornings hum with espresso and quiet conversation while evenings crescendo with performing artists (best watched from a corner booth while enjoying fine wines and slow-cooked steak), DJ sets, and the scent of charred herbs and smoke.
On the second floor, The Living Room serves as the social heart of the hotel. Two mirrored bars anchor a long gallery that opens onto a terrace overlooking the High Line. By day, it’s a serene spot for cocktails and light fare; by night, it becomes a sultry, lounge-like den for live performances and conversation. Hidden behind an unmarked door, El Secreto—Faena’s newly opened speakeasy—is wrapped in candlelight and velvet. Around the corner is La Cava, an emerald-hued wine cellar that hosts private dinners and intimate gatherings—an homage to Faena Buenos Aires’s original underground cellar. Each spot feels conspiratorial, indulgent, and timeless.
Room service runs around the clock, with in-suite event catering available. (It’s worth ordering in for breakfast with views of the High Line and Empire State Building.) Guests can easily communicate any requests via WhatsApp—a modern convenience that fits seamlessly into the hotel’s intuitive service.
The neighborhood
West Chelsea is New York’s chic and artsy locale—defined by its galleries, architecture, and steady flow of foot traffic along the High Line. Faena’s location places guests directly within this creative current while maintaining a sense of quiet and calm near the river. From its upper floors, you can watch New Yorkers amble past on the park path below or boats drift along the Hudson. Chelsea Market, Artists and Fleas, as well as the renowned boutiques and restaurants of the Meatpacking District are all within walking distance (of note: the fabulous, scene-y restaurant The Crane Club just around the corner).
The service
Service at Faena New York is finely tuned and graciously instinctive. The staff offers assistance before you realize you need it, and disappears just as discreetly. The concierge collaborates with local artists and curators to create tailored experiences like private gallery or museum tours, studio visits, and neighborhood walks designed to reflect each guest’s interests.
For suite guests, a dedicated VIP team ensures continuity of care—remembering martini preferences, anticipating turn-down service, and personalizing each return to the hotel as if by intuition. For example, when my in-room fridge didn’t have space for leftovers, the lovely waiter worked with the concierge team to bring them up to my room—along with a separate, retro, red Galanz mini-fridge to store them in.
Eco efforts
Bath amenities are plastic-free, refillable, and scented with the custom Futopia fragrance. LED lighting, motion sensors, and water restrictors reduce consumption without compromising comfort. Dining venues source local, seasonal ingredients; all kitchen waste is composted or recycled. Not to mention, each stay contributes a $10 donation to Friends of the High Line, supporting the park’s upkeep and programming. The hotel also partners with Hudson River Park on clean-up initiatives, rooting its environmental mission in the surrounding community.
Accessibility
Several rooms and suites are fully ADA-compliant.
Anything left to mention?
In 2026, the property will expand with the creation of the Faena Theater for live, cabaret-inspired performances, and the spa, Tierra Santa Healing House. Pets under 25 pounds are warmly welcomed to the hotel property as well, with a one-time fee.
500A W 18th St., New York, New York 10011
United States
https://www.faena.com/journal/diego-gravinese
1 212-545-8100