You're walking through Long Island City, specifically the Dutch Kills section, and you see this massive, industrial-looking brick building. It looks like it belongs in a black-and-white movie about the American industrial revolution. That's the Paper Factory Hotel NYC. Or, well, it was. Nowadays, it’s officially known as the Collective Paper Factory, but locals and travelers who’ve been coming to Queens for years still call it by its original name. It’s one of those rare spots in New York where the "industrial chic" vibe isn't a manufactured marketing gimmick. It’s real.
The building actually served as a paper factory for nearly a hundred years. When you step inside, you aren't greeted by the sterile, marble-heavy lobby of a Midtown Hilton. Instead, you get 12-foot ceilings, polished concrete floors, and a massive spiral staircase that looks like it was welded together by a master craftsman in the 1920s.
It’s gritty. It’s cool. And honestly, it’s one of the best examples of adaptive reuse in the five boroughs.
Why the Paper Factory Hotel NYC Changed the LIC Game
Long Island City (LIC) used to be a place people only went to for cheap warehouse space or to catch the 7 train into Manhattan. That shifted about a decade ago. When the Paper Factory Hotel NYC first opened its doors, it signaled that Queens was ready to compete with the boutique hotel scene in Brooklyn's Williamsburg or Dumbo.
The hotel didn't try to hide its bones. Why would it?
Most rooms feature massive factory windows that let in that specific, hazy New York light. You’ve got exposed brick that hasn't been painted over. The designers kept the original machinery—big, heavy metal gears and presses—and scattered them throughout the common areas like functional art. It’s a vibe that says, "Yeah, we used to make things here."
The Collective Takeover
In 2019, the property was acquired by Collective Hospitality. This changed the DNA of the place slightly. It became the Collective Paper Factory, moving away from being a "standard" boutique hotel toward a "co-living" and "co-working" hybrid.
What does that actually mean for you?
Basically, the rooms are still high-end, but the common spaces are designed for people who actually live and work there. You’ll see people on MacBooks in the lobby for six hours straight. You’ll see communal dinners. It’s less about a transient "one-night stand" with the city and more about feeling like you have a home base in Queens.
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Staying in Long Island City vs. Manhattan
Let's get real for a second. Most people looking for a hotel in New York City instinctively search for Times Square or Chelsea. That is usually a mistake.
If you stay at the Paper Factory Hotel NYC, you’re roughly four stops away from Manhattan on the M or R trains. It’s about a 15-minute ride. But the trade-off is massive. You get significantly more square footage for your dollar. In Manhattan, a $300 room might be the size of a walk-in closet where you can touch both walls at the same time. In LIC, you get a sprawling loft-style suite with enough room to actually breathe.
Plus, the views.
You haven't seen the Manhattan skyline until you’ve seen it from the LIC waterfront at sunset. It’s a short walk from the hotel to Gantry Plaza State Park. You get the Empire State Building, the Chrysler Building, and the UN Building all lined up like a postcard. It’s quiet. It’s breezy. It’s a world away from the screeching taxis of 42nd Street.
The Design Details Most People Miss
Walk into the lobby of the Paper Factory Hotel NYC and look down. The floors aren't just concrete; they’re etched with history.
- The Machine Parts: That giant circular thing near the elevators? It’s an old paper press.
- The Books: There’s a massive column made entirely of stacked books. It’s a nod to the building's literary and industrial past.
- The Lighting: Almost all the fixtures are custom-made from pipes and Edison bulbs. It’s peak "industrial," but it feels warm rather than cold.
The rooms themselves (there are 125 of them) vary wildly. Some are standard "Factory King" rooms, while others are "Penthouse Suites" that feel like a billionaire’s bachelor pad. The bathrooms often feature oversized walk-in showers with subway tile—a nice, albeit common, NYC touch.
One thing to note: because it’s an old factory, sound can sometimes travel. The walls are thick brick, but the doors and the hallways are big and echoey. If you’re a light sleeper, ask for a room away from the elevators.
Eating and Drinking Near the Factory
The hotel used to have a signature restaurant called Mundo, which was famous for its "Red Dragon" dish. Things have shifted since the rebranding, and while there is still on-site dining and coffee, the real magic is in the surrounding blocks.
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Long Island City is a sleeper hit for foodies.
- Dutch Kills: Just a few blocks away, you’ll find one of the best cocktail bars in the world. No joke. It’s dark, moody, and they hand-carve their ice.
- Adda Indian Canteen: This place has been lauded by the New York Times and Michelin. It’s authentic, spicy, and loud. It’s exactly what Queens food should be.
- John Brown BBQ: If you want Kansas City-style burnt ends in the middle of New York, this is your spot.
Staying at the Paper Factory Hotel NYC puts you in the middle of a neighborhood that’s transitioning from industrial to artisanal. You might pass a luxury high-rise on one corner and a functional auto body shop on the next. That’s the charm. It hasn't been completely sanitized yet.
The Logistics: Getting Around
The hotel is located at 37-06 36th Street.
The closest subway station is 36th St (M, R trains). It’s literally around the corner. If you need the N or W trains, you’re looking at a 10-minute walk to 39th Ave.
If you’re flying into LaGuardia (LGA), you’re golden. The hotel is about a 15-to-20-minute Uber or taxi ride from the airport, depending on how much of a mess the Grand Central Parkway is that day. From JFK, it’s closer to 45 minutes.
Pro tip: Use the NYC Ferry. There’s a landing at Hunters Point. For the price of a subway ticket, you can take a boat down the East River, under the Williamsburg Bridge, all the way to Wall Street. It’s the cheapest boat tour in the city and way more pleasant than being shoved into a subway car during rush hour.
Is It Worth It?
People often ask if the Paper Factory Hotel NYC is "too far out."
It depends on what you want. If you want to walk out your front door and be in the middle of the Disney-fied chaos of Times Square, then yes, it’s too far. But if you want to feel like you’re actually living in New York—if you want to see the artists, the tech workers, and the real residents of Queens—then it’s perfect.
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The price point is usually the clincher. You can often find rooms here for $150 to $250 a night, which is a steal for the quality of the accommodations. Just keep in mind that "The Collective" model means there’s a focus on community. Don't be surprised if there's a yoga class in the courtyard or a startup pitch event in the lobby.
What to Know Before You Book
- Parking: It’s a nightmare. Don't bring a car. Use the subway or ride-shares.
- Amenities: There’s a fitness center, but it’s not a Gold's Gym. It’s functional.
- Wi-Fi: Because it’s a co-working hub, the internet is generally blazing fast. This is a huge plus if you’re traveling for work.
- The Neighborhood: It’s safe, but it looks industrial. Don't let the graffiti or the warehouses scare you off; this is one of the fastest-growing residential areas in the country.
Actionable Insights for Your Visit
If you’ve decided to book a stay at the Paper Factory Hotel NYC, here is how to make the most of it without looking like a clueless tourist.
First, don't just stay in the hotel. LIC is massive. Take the walk down to Center Blvd and see the Pepsi-Cola sign. It’s an iconic piece of New York history that’s been preserved right on the water.
Second, check the event calendar. Since the hotel is now part of the Collective, they host a lot of "members" events that hotel guests can often join. This could be anything from a rooftop drink mixer to a gallery opening. It’s the easiest way to meet people if you’re traveling solo.
Third, use the "secret" entrance. Sometimes the main lobby gets crowded with people checking in or working. There are side entrances that lead directly to the courtyard area which are much quieter if you just need a moment of peace.
Finally, explore the breweries. Long Island City has a higher concentration of craft breweries than almost anywhere else in the city. Fifth Hammer, ICONYC, and Big aLICe are all within walking distance. You can do a self-guided brewery tour and be back in your loft-style room in five minutes.
The Paper Factory Hotel NYC represents a specific moment in New York's evolution. It’s a bridge between the city’s hardworking past and its creative, nomadic future. Whether you call it the Paper Factory or the Collective, the soul of the building remains the same: it’s a place where things are made, even if what’s being "made" now is just good memories and a few spreadsheets.
Check the rates on their official site or major booking platforms, but always look for the "Direct Booking" deals. Often, they’ll throw in a breakfast credit or a late checkout if you book through the Collective's own portal rather than a third-party site.
Once you’re settled in, head to the roof. Look west. You’ll see the city lights flickering across the river, and you’ll realize that being just slightly removed from the madness is actually the best way to see it.