Library Hotel: A Luxury Literary Hotel in New York City

If you’re planning a visit to New York City, this luxury literary hotel in the heart of the city is the ideal base for you.

Disclosure
Library Hotel hosted me at their hotel in exchange for an honest review. As always, all opinions are my own.

Library Hotel has long been on my bucket list so when I booked a trip to New York, I knew I had to stay here. With the name ‘Library Hotel’, I felt like it was calling my name!

Located just a stone’s throw from Grand Central Station, this boutique literary hotel combines the charm of a private library with the luxury of a high-end stay and all in the heart of Manhattan. With a view of New York Public Library from my room, this really was the perfect location for my literary trip to New York City.

The Rooms (or personal libraries!)

The Library Hotel lives up to its name, offering an immersive literary experience from the moment you step through the golden doors. Seriously, the room key cards have a picture of an open book on them, setting the tone from the moment you check in.

Each of the hotel’s 10 guest floors is dedicated to a different theme under the Dewey Decimal System, and each room is then given its own theme too.

I was fortunate enough to stay in the spacious “Biography” suite, room 900.006. Naturally, my room was then filled with memoirs and biographies ranging from historical figures like Henry VIII to cultural icons like Oprah.

My suite was enormous and featured a large bay window with a large, squishy sofa filling the space, ideal for curling up with a book in the evening with the city’s lights twinkling all around.

On the other side of the room, a vintage typewriter was perched on a long writing desk – perfect for any writer or creative needing a cosy place to work or reflect.

Or if a cosy movie night is what you fancy, there’s a large flat screen TV available in the room too.

Breakfast at Madison & Vine

Hotel guests on the breakfast package can start their morning at Madison & Vine, a cosy American bistro on the ground floor. For $25 (plus tax and tip), you can choose an entrée, coffee or tea, and a glass of fresh orange juice.

From lighter options like a yoghurt parfait to indulgent pancakes, there are most options you’d expect to see on a classic hotel breakfast menu.

I went with the “3 Eggs Your Way,” which was enormous and delicious. It came with three scrambled eggs, bacon, home fries (i.e. a big pile of fried potatoes), and white toast, filling me up for a full day of exploring. For anyone who loves a hearty breakfast, this place nails it! The staff are super attentive and friendly too.

Literary Cocktails at Bookmarks Lounge

One of the highlights of my stay here was an evening spent at Bookmarks Lounge, the hotel’s rooftop bar on the 14th floor.

On warmer days, there’s an outside terrace, which has a slightly gothic / dark academia feel with exposed red brick, wooden benches and foliage creating a unique oasis above the city.

The aesthetic is on point indoors too with three different sections and vibes you can enjoy. On one side of the lift, there’s a large greenhouse with tall ceilings and long tables where you can sit down with a big group.

The space to the left of the lift is split into two – one space has a cosy, fire-lit lounge vibe, while the other side feels like an indoor greenhouse with an enchanting “under-the-stars” ambience.

In keeping with the literary theme, Bookmarks Lounge also serves some creative (and delicious!) literary cocktails. I tried “The Pulitzer,” which was a light gin cocktail with St Germain elderflower liqueur, and “The Spicy Romance”, which was made from a habanero-infused vodka.

Other playful options included “Gone with the Gin,” “Tequila Mockingbird,” “Midnight Espresso,” “Dante’s Inferno” and more!

Each drink was a tribute to literary classics, old and new, adding a bit of fun to the already warm, inviting atmosphere.

Plus, the bartenders here are fantastic – friendly, attentive, and genuinely invested in making your night memorable.

Relax in the Private Library

Another great feature at Library Hotel is the beautiful private library where you can unwind or do a bit of work if necessary.

The space is a reader’s dream, with books lining the walls, complimentary soft drinks, coffee, water, and snacks like fresh fruit and granola bars.

There’s even a grand piano, adding a bit of old-world elegance.

With plenty of comfortable chairs, tables, and sofas, this library is perfect for guests looking for a calm, inviting spot to settle down with a book or a place to plan out their next city adventure.

The Perfect Base for Midtown Manhattan

Library Hotel’s location is unbeatable. Situated right near Grand Central Station, you’re perfectly positioned to explore New York’s top attractions.

The New York Public Library is just across the street, and Bryant Park is only a few minutes’ walk away.

Whether you’re in the mood for shopping along Fifth Avenue or exploring Times Square and the Empire State Building, you’ll find lots of New York City’s key sights within walking distance (a real blessing in this sprawling city!).

The hotel is also close to a few key literary landmarks, namely the Morgan Library and New York Public Library, which makes this spot an ideal base for any literary traveller.

For art and culture lovers, museums like the Metropolitan Museum of Art and the Guggenheim are also just a short bus ride away.

For book lovers and New York explorers alike, the Library Hotel combines all the essentials of a memorable stay.

With its literary decor, thoughtful touches, and prime location in Midtown, it’s a must-visit for anyone who wants a getaway that’s as much about cosy reading corners as it is about city lights.

Whether you’re there to dive into the world of literature or explore the rich culture of New York City, the Library Hotel is a stay you won’t forget any time soon.

Hotel Information

Address
299 Madison Avenue, E 41st St
New York, NY 10017
United States

Website
libraryhotel.com

Price
£££
from £200-500 per night

Check prices and availability for the Library Hotel now

And for more literary New York, check out these articles:
Sullaluna: New York Bookstore and Bistrot
Bibliotheque NYC: New York Bookstore, Cafe and Wine Bar

Love this post? Check out my reviews of these other luxury literary hotels around the world!
Hazlitt’s Hotel, London
Hotel Monte Cristo, Paris
University Arms, Cambridge
Gar Anat, Granada
The Literary Man Hotel, Obidos
Ambassade Hotel, Amsterdam