You’ve seen the photos. Those tiny, wood-paneled "cabins" that look like they belong on a 1920s steamship rather than a 2026 Manhattan street corner. For a decade, The Jane Hotel New York was the ultimate "if you know, you know" spot. It was where you went if you wanted to stay in the West Village without spending $600 a night, or if you wanted to dance under a massive disco ball in a room that felt like a haunted Victorian library.
But things have changed. A lot.
If you’re planning a trip and looking to relive the bohemian glory days of the Jane Ballroom, I’ve got some news that might bum you out. The hotel is currently in a massive state of transition. While you can still technically book a room, the "soul" of the building—the legendary public spaces—has been walled off behind an exclusive velvet rope.
The Titanic Connection: More Than Just a Marketing Gimmick
Most people know the Jane as a hip hotel, but its history is actually pretty heavy. Built in 1908 as the American Seamen’s Friend Society Sailors’ Home and Institute, it wasn't designed for tourists. It was designed for sailors who needed a cheap place to crash.
In 1912, the world’s most famous maritime disaster literally landed on its doorstep.
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When the RMS Carpathia arrived in New York with the survivors of the Titanic, the crew members—those who didn't have a home in the city—were brought straight to 113 Jane Street. They held a memorial service right there in the building just four days after the ship sank. Honestly, when you’re walking those narrow, dimly lit hallways today, you can still feel that weight. It’s not "spooky" in a cheesy way, but there’s a definite sense of history that most glass-and-steel Midtown hotels just can't replicate.
What’s Happening with the Rooms and the Private Club?
Here is where the confusion usually starts. In late 2022, hotelier Jeff Klein (the guy behind the Sunset Tower in LA) bought the place for about $62 million. His goal? To turn the famous Jane Ballroom and the rooftop into a New York outpost of his San Vicente Bungalows.
That means the ballroom—the place where everyone from RuPaul to Kirsten Dunst used to party—is now a private, members-only club.
If you aren't a member, or you don't know someone who is, you aren't getting in. Period. They’ve even implemented strict "no photos" rules for members to keep the vibe exclusive. It’s a far cry from the days when you could just wander in and grab a drink while sitting on a mismatched velvet sofa.
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Current Room Situations
As of early 2026, the hotel still offers its signature "micro-rooms." You have to be okay with tight spaces. We’re talking 50 square feet.
- Standard Cabins: These are basically the original sailor berths. Single bed, a tiny TV, and a shared bathroom down the hall.
- Bunk Bed Cabins: Same deal, but with two beds stacked. Great for friends on a budget, terrible if you’re claustrophobic.
- Captain’s Cabins: These are the "luxury" option. They have en-suite bathrooms and actual floor space.
Prices used to be a steal at $99. Now? You’re more likely to see them hovering between $150 and $250 depending on the season. It’s still "cheap" for the West Village, but the value proposition has shifted since you no longer have access to the ballroom's social scene.
The "Shared Bathroom" Reality Check
Let’s be real for a second. Staying at The Jane Hotel New York requires a specific type of personality.
You will be walking down a hallway in a bathrobe to brush your teeth. The communal bathrooms are generally kept clean, but it’s still a communal bathroom. It feels a bit like a very fancy hostel or a college dorm for people who have great taste in architecture.
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If you’re the type of traveler who needs a "sanctuary" and a massive walk-in shower, you will hate it here. But if you’re someone who spends 90% of your time out at the Whitney Museum or walking the High Line (both are just a few blocks away), the Jane is a perfect base camp.
Is It Still Worth Staying There?
Kinda. It depends on why you’re going.
If you’re a history buff or a fan of the Wes Anderson aesthetic, you’ll love the brass fixtures and the old-school elevator. The location is unbeatable. You are right on the edge of the Meatpacking District, literally steps from the Hudson River Park.
However, the "cool factor" has taken a hit because the building is now divided. There’s a weird tension between the hotel guests and the private club members. You might find yourself standing outside the hotel while a black SUV drops off a celebrity who disappears into a door you aren't allowed to enter.
What You Need to Know Before You Book:
- The Ballroom is gone (for you): Don't book here thinking you’ll be partying in the legendary lounge. It’s for members only now.
- Pack light: There is zero room for a large suitcase. If you bring more than a carry-on, you’ll be stepping over it the whole night.
- Sound travels: The walls are thin. You’ll hear your neighbors, the street noise, and the hum of the city.
- No Gym/No Frills: This is a place to sleep, not a place to "experience" hotel amenities.
Actionable Steps for Your Visit
If you decide to book a stay at The Jane Hotel New York, do these three things to make the most of it. First, request a room on a higher floor; the street noise on Jane Street can be surprisingly loud at 2:00 AM. Second, bring a pair of decent flip-flops for the shared showers—it's just common sense. Finally, since the hotel's own social scene is now restricted, head two blocks over to the rooftop at The Standard or the Whitney Museum's terrace for those river views you'll be missing out on.
Check the current room rates on their official site rather than third-party apps, as they sometimes offer "neighbors" rates or last-minute discounts that don't show up on the big booking engines.