This post is all about the 7 best hotel lobbies to work in NYC.
As someone who works from home full-time, finding the perfect spot to work outside of my apartment in NYC can be a bit of a challenge. While coffee shops are often my go-to, I’m always up against limited seating, spotty Wi-Fi, or even laptop bans which many coffee shops are starting to implement.
Luckily, I’ve found a solution that gets me out of my apartment without having to check every coffee shop in the neighborhood – hotel lobbies. These hidden gems offer comfortable seating, reliable internet, and fellow co-workers, always a recipe for a workday that feels like a breeze.
Read on as I share what I consider to be the best hotel lobbies to work in NYC.
7 Best Hotel Lobbies to Work in NYC
1. The Marlton Hotel
I won’t drag this out and will start with my favorite hotel lobby to work in, The Marlton Hotel. Nestled in Greenwich Village, most people will pass by this quaint hotel without even noticing it. Step inside and you’ll feel like you’re in a romantic library with its dark wood, dim lighting, plush couches, and crackling fireplace.
The Marlton has a rich literary history and was home to many famous actors and authors when it was first a low-cost accommodation. Fun fact, Jack Kerouac wrote The Subterraneans and Tristessa while living here!
Today, it’s a boutique hotel but the first floor is a multi-room lobby open to guests and visitors. This is a great place to buckle down for a full day of work and there are lots of seating options from couches to tables to armchairs. I’ll admit, my favorite part about working here is my lunch break: reading a book and munching on the delicious burger and fries.
2. The Hoxton
The Hoxton is one of the first hotels that made lobby co-working a thing. In all of their locations around the world, they invite travelers and locals to use their space for working. And I love that each location is different! At the Williamsburg location, you’ll find a sun-filled room with plush pastel sofas and armchairs. It’s definitely a step up from working in my own living room 😉
3. The Ludlow Hotel
The Ludlow Hotel is located in the cool, gritty Lower East Side. In the lobby, you’ll find visitors and locals hanging out in what feels like a cozy living room. Think low leather couches, brick walls, floor-to-ceiling windows, and a crackling fire. When you get hungry, head to Dirty French for drinks, bites, or a full meal.
4. 1 Hotel
I love the concept behind the 1 Hotel. It’s a luxury hotel that’s focused on sustainability and connection to nature. Stepping into the Brooklyn Bridge location feels like walking into a tree house! The first level has different areas for co-working including a large communal table and some seated areas where you can take a coffee break or a have a casual meeting.
If you get hungry, there are multiple dining choices within the hotel. For something casual, head to Neighbors. For a sit-down meal, check out The Osprey. If you want to get after-work drinks, head up to Harriet’s Lounge and enjoy spectacular views of the Manhattan skyline.
5. Arlo
If you’re a remote worker, keep the Arlo Hotels up your sleeve! If you aren’t familiar with the concept, they’re designed with the idea that guests stay in small “micro rooms” and shift other activities to public, shared spaces. You can tell that a lot of thought went into the lobbies that are meant for comfortable co-working and you’ll find comfortable seating, lots of outlets, and great dining options.
There’s a lot of personality at the Arlo and each location has its own flair, like a bodega in the SoHo and NoMad locations, a bar on top of the water tower at the Williamsburg location, and a rooftop bar looking over Times Square in the Midtown location. Explore the public spaces, many of which are open to all, even if you’re not a guest at the hotel.
6. citizenM Hotel
There’s nothing worse than showing up at a coffee shop, finding a seat, and getting into your workflow only to realize it’s closing and you need to pack up. That’s why I love to work in hotel lobbies, which are usually open 24/7.
The citizenM is a great spot to keep in mind when you’re burning the midnight oil. They have locations in Bowery and Times Square with cafes open 24/7. If you visit the Bowery location, take a break and head to the roof for sunset – one of my favorite spots in the neighborhood!
7. The Public Hotel
If you’re drawn to the Lower East Side, you’ll love working in The Public Hotel where you’ll always find many of the artist and creative type. The lobby feels cool and sophisticated, think Restoration Hardware vibes. There’s a cafe for when you need to refuel and even a juice bar! Laptops are only allowed until 6pm but stick around as the work zone transitions into a lively lounge space.
That concludes this list of the 7 best hotel lobbies to work in NYC.
The next time you’re searching for a quiet and comfortable place to work in NYC, skip the crowded coffee shops and head to one of these hotel lobbies. I think you’ll be pleasantly surprised. Happy working!