Site Inspection of the Civilian Hotel in Hell’s Kitchen

From the moment you step into the lobby, you are greeted by Broadway glamor accompanied by welcome modern touches such as contactless check in. The lobby is decorated with theater props, and there are small touches everywhere that bring theater to mind. Don’t forget to look around while in the elevators, they feature beautiful wallpaper with subtle nods to famous Broadway shows.

The Civilian's rooms are just as stylish as the lobby, with plush beds, velvet drapes, and vintage-inspired furniture. Some rooms even have four-poster beds and views of the Hudson River. With 27 floors and 193 rooms, there is something for every traveler. The rooms are on the smaller side, but feel spacious due to smart design and a clever use of space. In each room you will find Public Good amenities and a Drybar hair dryer.

The hallways feature framed photographs that showcase the history of theater on Broadway. The building itself was built to look like an old theater house, designed by architect David Rockwell.

I especially value the property’s focus on sustainability. You will find glass water carafes and water stations in the hallway. There is no onsite gym, but they have a partnership with TMPL Health Club fitness, which is complimentary if you book with me!

There is no shortage of wonderful places to grab a bite or a drink during your stay. The Rosevale Kitchen on the ground floor serves breakfast and dinner, as well as brunch on the weekends. The Rosevale Cocktail room is a great space to grab a drink, they have the largest vermouth collection in Manhattan and also make a wonderful spicy margarita. While you are there make sure to check out all of the floor-to-ceiling cabinets featuring original set design pieces from a variety of iconic shows.

To really live like a local, head up to Starchild Bar on the 27th floor. This cocktail lounge features a live DJ and a whole menu of different takes on the Espresso Martini. The view is not to be missed, especially as the sun sets and the city lights up.

If you are too tired from a day of theater and sightseeing, you can order room service from Emmy Squared and have one of New York’s best pizzas delivered straight to your room!

There really is plenty of amazing dining at the hotel, but Ippudo Ramen and The Red Stache are two excellent restaurants nearby. You are also close to one of my personal favorite bars in all of New York City, Bar Centrale! This hidden gem is where the who’s who in the Broadway world hang out after a show and the gin martini is not to be missed. In the morning, be sure to take a walk to nearby Amy’s Bakery for a coffee and pastry.

If you find that you want to venture a bit further from the hotel, Grand Central and Penn stations are both around half a mile from the hotel. You are also a short walk from the Subway, with many lines accessible from Times Square.

I recommend the Civilian Hotel to anyone looking for accessible luxury in the heart of one of the greatest cities in the world. A perfect place to stay for a theater buff, or someone just looking to be close to the action, but not right on top of the hustle and bustle.