Staying in New York City is usually a series of compromises. You want space? You’re going to be an hour out in Queens. You want a kitchen? Get ready to pay "luxury residence" prices. You want Chelsea? Well, good luck with the shoebox rooms that haven’t been updated since the 90s. Honestly, that's why the TownePlace Suites New York Manhattan/Chelsea is such a weird, fascinating outlier in the Midtown hotel scene.
It’s a 43-story tower of efficiency tucked onto West 28th Street.
Most people book it because it’s a Marriott and it’s near the subway. But after digging through the 2026 guest experiences and the actual room specs, there is a lot about this place that isn't in the brochure. It's kinda perfect for a specific type of traveler, but if you're not that person, you might hate it.
The Kitchenette Reality Check
Let’s talk about the "suites" part first. In Manhattan, the word "suite" is often used loosely. Here, basically every room is a studio. You're looking at roughly 200 square feet. That is small. It’s "don't-open-your-suitcase-on-the-floor" small.
However, they managed to cram a full kitchenette into that footprint. We’re talking a real microwave, a dishwasher, a fridge, and—in many rooms—a stovetop.
If you're staying for a week, this is a game changer. Being able to walk three blocks to the Whole Foods on 7th Avenue and grab actual groceries instead of eating $22 avocado toast every morning saves a fortune. You've got the Paul Mitchell products in the bathroom and a desk that actually fits a laptop, so for digital nomads or business travelers, the utility is high. Just don't expect a separate living room unless you're shelling out for the rare, larger configurations.
The Elevator "Situation"
If you read the reviews from early 2026, there is one common theme: the elevators. With 23 floors (though some records suggest the building's height can feel much more daunting during a rush), and nearly 250 rooms, the three elevators are under a lot of pressure.
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During the "Great Breakfast Rush" between 8:00 AM and 9:30 AM, things get spicy.
I’ve seen reports of people waiting 15 minutes for a lift. Some guests just give up and walk down 14 flights of stairs. It’s a workout, sure, but not exactly what you want when you're late for a meeting at the Fashion Institute of Technology (FIT) right down the street. If you're staying on a high floor, the view of the Empire State Building is incredible, but you pay for that view in wait time.
Location: The Real Reason You're Here
The TownePlace Suites New York Manhattan/Chelsea sits in that sweet spot where Chelsea, the Flower District, and NoMad all collide. It’s gritty in a "real New York" way, but you’re a five-minute walk from the 1, 2, and 3 subway lines.
- Madison Square Garden: Literally a 10-minute walk. If you're in town for a Rangers game or a concert, this is your home base.
- The High Line: You can hit the entrance at 30th Street or 23rd Street easily.
- Chelsea Market: It’s about 15 minutes away by foot. Go to Los Tacos No. 1. Don't ask questions, just go.
- Dining: You're surrounded by heavy hitters. The Grey Dog is right there for a vibe-heavy coffee, and Eataly Flatiron is close enough that you can justify bringing a wheel of parmesan back to your kitchenette.
Is the Free Breakfast Actually Worth It?
Free breakfast in NYC is a miracle. Usually, you’re looking at a $35 buffet at a Hilton or a $9 croissant at a bakery. Here, it’s included.
Is it gourmet? No. It’s bagels, eggs, maybe some sausage, and yogurt. But it’s fuel. The breakfast area is shared with the sister property, the SpringHill Suites, so it gets crowded. Like, "elbow-to-elbow with a stranger" crowded.
Honestly, the pro move is to use the "In A Pinch" market in the lobby or just cook in your room. If you do go down, go at 6:45 AM. Any later and you're part of the scrum.
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The Surprising Details (and the "Kinda" Bad)
There are things about this hotel that nobody mentions. For one, it’s pet-friendly. You can bring a dog (up to 25 lbs) for a $150 fee. In a neighborhood like Chelsea with Madison Square Park nearby, that’s a huge win for pet owners who don't want to leave their pup in a kennel.
Then there are the "New York" quirks. The walls aren't paper-thin, but you will hear the city. You'll hear the sirens on 7th Avenue and the occasional door slam in the hallway. Some guests have reported "mystery charges" or billing hiccups lately, so keep an eye on your Marriott Bonvoy app.
And the water pressure? Mostly great, though a few recent 2026 reviews mentioned occasional hot water lulls. That's just old-school Manhattan plumbing for you.
Actionable Tips for Your Stay
If you’ve already booked or are hovering over the "Confirm" button, here is how you actually survive and thrive at this property:
Request a High Floor (But Not Too High)
Ask for something between the 10th and 15th floors. You’ll get a decent view, but if the elevators fail you, walking down isn't a death march. Avoid the ground floor or anything near the 2nd-floor breakfast area if you value sleep.
The Grocery Strategy
Skip the hotel's 24/7 market for anything other than an emergency Snickers. Walk to the Whole Foods on 24th and 7th. Load up on easy-to-prep meals. Your room has a dishwasher—use it.
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Check the Balcony Rooms
A few rooms have actual terraces. Not those "lean out and look at a brick wall" balconies, but real spaces where you can fit a couple of people. If you can snag one, the price hike is usually worth the feeling of not being trapped in a 200-square-foot box.
Timing the Gym
The fitness center is decent—cardio machines and free weights—but it’s small. If there are more than four people in there, it feels like a mosh pit. Aim for 10:00 PM or 5:00 AM.
The Transit Hack
Don't just rely on the 28th St station. Walking five minutes over to Herald Square gives you access to almost every major line in the city (B, D, F, M, N, Q, R, W). It’s often faster than transferring.
Staying at the TownePlace Suites New York Manhattan/Chelsea is about utility. You're trading a massive lobby and a "grand" experience for a fridge, a stove, and a location that lets you see the best of the city without a 40-minute commute. It’s functional. It’s modern. It’s very, very Chelsea. Just remember to pack your patience for the elevator ride down.
Next Steps for Your Trip
- Verify your pet status: If traveling with a dog, call the front desk at (929) 990-2800 to ensure a pet-friendly room is actually assigned, as these can be limited.
- Download the Marriott App: This allows you to use Mobile Key, which is a lifesaver when the front desk line is long during the 4:00 PM check-in rush.
- Map your grocery run: Locate the Whole Foods at 250 7th Ave to plan your meal prep and save on New York's high dining costs.