Library Hotel

There’s no denying that New York is among the world’s most eclectic cities — fittingly, it also boasts some seriously unique lodging options. Take The Library Hotel, for example. This striking boutique hotel is a literary lover’s dream come true, with no detail left unturned (pun intended, of course). Ahead, our full review of this bibliophile-beloved oasis — which has attracted the likes of literary greats such as David Baldacci, Nelson Demille, John Grisham, Amy Tan, Erica Jong, Dava Sobel, and Diane Ackerman — in the middle of Manhattan. 

What You Need to Know

The Look of The Library Hotel 

You’ll find nods to novels from the moment you pull up to the eye-catching neo-gothic style exterior, which dates back to 1912 and boasts 100 bronze plaques with famous literary quotes. Inside, the cozy lobby is filled with hundreds — if not thousands — of books and comfortable seating in which guests can settle in to enjoy them.

However, it’s the other common spaces that really wow. The second-floor Reading Room looks and feels like a cozy library with plenty of seating along with even more books, and the year-round outdoor terrace right off the 14th-floor Poetry Garden is an ideal spot to read al fresco. On the same floor, you’ll also find the Writer’s Den, which, come nighttime, turns into a bustling cocktail lounge called Bookmarks Lounge. 

Meanwhile, the 60 guest rooms are spread across 10 floors, each of which is themed after the 10 main categories of the Dewey Decimal System, which is also how the hotel’s 6,000 books are organized. (Examples include Religion, Math & Sciences, The Arts, Literature, and more.) While the selection of in-room books and artwork varies depending on the floor you’re on, each guest room is equipped with elegant dark wood furnishings and tufted headboards. Cheeky embroidered throw pillows that read “Book Lovers Never Go To Bed Alone” add a playful flair. 

The Vibe of The Library Hotel 

Quiet but somehow also buzzy, the hotel feels like a super stylish library. Most of the common spaces, with the exception of the on-site bar and restaurant and the aforementioned Writer’s Den, are designed to serve as a tranquil oases for reading and relaxing. Here, guests can leave the hustle of the city behind and simply curl up with a good book. 

Who Will Love  The Library Hotel 

Bibliophiles  — especially couples and solo travelers — will enjoy a stay at this funky concept hotel. For an ultra-romantic experience, book the Love Room, which features a collection of books that were hand-selected by sex therapist and talk show host Dr. Ruth Westheimer. It’s also the only room with a private balcony.