by Ellie Smith / December 18, 2024
Estimated reading time: 9 minutes
Forget overpacked coffee shops and enjoy spacious communal workspaces at the best hotel lobbies to work in NYC.
New York City, especially Manhattan, isn’t just the city that never sleeps, it’s the city that never stops working. From the busy streets of Midtown to the artsy corners of SoHo, NYC has always been a magnet for dreamers, doers, and digital nomads. At Blacklane, we know this city inside and out, as our premium chauffeur service has been helping travelers navigate the streets of New York for more than a decade. Whether it’s a business trip or a day of remote work, we understand the city’s unique rhythm.
Instead of squeezing into cramped coffee shops and battling for an outlet, we’ve prepared a list of the best hotel lobbies to work in NYC. Think plush sofas, free Wi-Fi, and even espresso bars, all in spaces designed to inspire creativity and focus.
Table of Contents
- Dream Hotel – Where Midtown Meets Work and Play
- Hotel Indigo – Work With a View That’ll Make Your Zoom Background Jealous
- Ace Hotel – Where Work Meets Cool in Midtown
- The Ludlow Hotel – Work in a Cozy Urban Oasis
- The High Line Hotel – Coffee, Charm, and Productivity
- The Marlton – A Writer’s Paradise in Greenwich Village
- Arlo Hotel – A SoHo Workspace That’s Big on Style
- citizenM – Where Tech Meets Trendy in NYC
- The Boro Hotel – Queens’ Minimalist Haven for Remote Workers
- PUBLIC Hotel
- Stay Productive on the Move with Blacklane’s Premium Rides
Dream Hotel – Where Midtown Meets Work and Play
- Address: 210 W 55th St, New York, NY 10019
- Free or Subscription: Free for all visitors
- Best for: Remote workers seeking a productive space that seamlessly transforms into a cocktail lounge
Looking for a workspace that feels more like a chic lounge than your standard office cubicle? Enter The Rickey, Dream Hotel Midtown’s craft cocktail lounge that moonlights as a remote work haven for on-the-go professionals. By day, the lights brighten, the plush green and gray couches (perfect for settling in with your laptop) take center stage, and those gold-accented tables transform into your personal desk.
Fuel your productivity with complimentary Italian coffee and Twinings Tea, because nothing says “getting things done” like sipping a great brew in style. Plus, there’s fast Wi-Fi and printer access, so whether you’re signing off on contracts or Googling the nearest pizza slice, you’re covered. Speaking of food, why not take it up a notch? Order breakfast or lunch from Serafina, the hotel’s iconic Italian restaurant, and enjoy it right in your makeshift office. Remote work never tasted so good. When the clock strikes happy hour, The Rickey seamlessly switches gears into one of Midtown’s trendiest cocktail lounges.
Hotel Indigo – Work With a View That’ll Make Your Zoom Background Jealous
- Address: 171 Ludlow Street New York, New York 10002
- Free or Subscription: Free for all visitors
- Best for: Those looking for panoramic city views and a blend of indoor and outdoor workspace options
Perched on the 14th floor, Hotel Indigo’s lobby offers jaw-dropping 360-degree views of Manhattan. Think skyline inspiration to power through those emails. Even better? You don’t need to be a guest to snag a spot at their communal tables or sink into the comfy couches. With charging stations and internet at the ready, you can focus on your work while soaking up the buzz of the city.
You can also head up to the 15th floor to Mr. Purple, their rooftop restaurant, for a well-deserved break. Whether you’re treating yourself to a power lunch or sipping cocktails while perfecting that last-minute presentation, the vibes here are unbeatable. And did we mention the rooftop pool? When the weather’s nice, you can swap your desk chair for a lounge chair, all while catching up on emails and catching some rays.
Ace Hotel – Where Work Meets Cool in Midtown
- Address: 20 W 29th St, New York, NY 10001
- Free or Subscription: Free for all visitors
- Best for: Freelancers and creatives who enjoy a vibrant, social workspace
If you’re looking for a workspace that screams “NYC startup energy” but also whispers “chill,” the Ace Hotel lobby is your spot. Right in the heart of Midtown, this hip haven is a magnet for freelancers, creatives, and remote workers who want to get things done without sacrificing style. The vibe? Think eclectic club chairs, custom-made couches, and a vintage Americana aesthetic, complete with large white columns and an old American flag for that dash of historic charm.
The lobby is open to everyone, the internet ensures you stay connected, and the space’s relaxed, social atmosphere makes it easy to mingle with like-minded individuals. Bonus points for the cocktail service—because sometimes, the best ideas are born over an Old Fashioned!
The Ludlow Hotel – Work in a Cozy Urban Oasis
- Address: 180 Ludlow St, New York, NY 10002
- Free or Subscription: Free for all visitors
- Best for: Professionals seeking a living room-style setting with garden access
With a lobby that’s all about comfort and charm, this boutique hotel is a favorite for those who need a productive yet relaxed vibe. Picture yourself by the large limestone fireplace, nestled on a leather sofa, surrounded by soft oriental looking rugs. It’s basically the work-from-home dream, but better.
You can also step into the hotel’s outdoor patio and garden, a serene escape where you can work alfresco while the city hums in the background. If you’re looking to shake things up, the adjoining bar offers an eclectic, upscale design that’s perfect for after-hours brainstorming or just a post-email cocktail.
The High Line Hotel – Coffee, Charm, and Productivity
- Address: 180 Tenth Ave, New York, NY 10011
- Free or Subscription: Free for all visitors
- Best for: Coffee lovers and remote workers drawn to vintage aesthetics and outdoor courtyards
If your ideal workspace comes with a side of expertly brewed espresso, then The High Line Hotel is calling your name. Right in the heart of Chelsea, this hotel’s lobby feels more like a trendy coffee shop than your typical New York lobby, thanks to the Intelligentsia espresso bar fueling productivity with every pour.
The vintage vibe here is unmatched, with antique rugs and furniture sourced from palaces and estates around the world. The space feels effortlessly luxurious yet welcoming. Banquettes and sofas are scattered throughout the lobby, offering cozy nooks perfect for emails, online meetings, or deep work sessions. And if the weather’s playing nice, take it outside to the hotel’s courtyard for fresh air and fresh ideas!
The Marlton – A Writer’s Paradise in Greenwich Village
- Address: 5 W 8th St, New York, NY 10011
- Free or Subscription: Free for all visitors
- Best for: Writers and freelancers who love a cozy, literary vibe
Calling all creatives! The Marlton, affectionately dubbed a “writer’s hotel,” has a storied past that includes hosting literary legends like Jack Kerouac and Neal Cassady as they penned their masterpieces. Now, this historic gem, dating back to 1900, offers a cozy haven for anyone looking for a peaceful spot to work or get inspired.
The wood-paneled lobby feels like stepping into a writer’s dream. A crackling fireplace, surrounded by leather chairs and intimate tables, sets the tone for productive days or reflective moments. The ambiance is warm and inviting, making it an ideal space to get lost in your work or your thoughts. Of course, it wouldn’t be complete without an espresso bar serving coffee and tea to keep your creative juices flowing.
Arlo Hotel – A SoHo Workspace That’s Big on Style
- Address: 231 Hudson St, New York, NY 10013
- Free or Subscription: Free for all visitors
- Best for: Night owls and multitaskers who need 24-hour access to workspaces
When it comes to remote workspaces, Arlo Hotel in SoHo proves that size isn’t everything. Sure, the rooms might be micro, but the hotel more than makes up for it with expansive, light-filled communal spaces designed with productivity in mind.
Start with the library lounge, tucked just past the lobby. With its sleek design, hidden outlets, and a table that seats 10, it’s perfect for collaboration or solo focus sessions. Need a quick caffeine fix or snack? The hotel’s grab-and-go café is open 24/7, so you’ll never have to worry about running on empty. Both the library and the lobby—complete with fast fiber Wi-Fi—are open around the clock, making this a top pick for night owls and early risers alike.
citizenM – Where Tech Meets Trendy in NYC
- Address: 218 W 50th St, New York, NY 10019
- Free or Subscription: Free for all visitors
- Best for: Tech-savvy professionals seeking a quirky, design-forward space
If you’re all about sleek design, fast Wi-Fi, and a touch of quirkiness, citizenM is the perfect remote work spot for you. This Amsterdam-born hotel chain brings its tech-savvy charm to NYC, offering both travelers and locals a vibrant space to work, mingle, and stay productive.
The lobby is a design lover’s dream, featuring modern Vitra furniture and soaring 26-foot ceilings that make the space feel airy and open. Floor-to-ceiling bookshelves and striking artwork by English artist Julian Opie add personality, creating a setting that’s as inspiring as it is functional. canteenM, the hotel’s 24-hour café, has you covered with coffee, cocktails, breakfast bites, and snacks.
Come for the free internet, stay for the creative vibe, and maybe a cocktail or two when the day’s work is done.
The Boro Hotel – Queens’ Minimalist Haven for Remote Workers
- Address: 38-28 27th St, Long Island City, NY 11101
- Free or Subscription: Free for all visitors
- Best for: Minimalists and those seeking a peaceful escape with skyline views
Tucked away in Long Island City, The Boro Hotel offers remote workers a sleek, minimalist workspace that feels like a breath of fresh air. The lobby’s clean design—think concrete floors, large windows, and modern furniture—creates an airy, uncluttered atmosphere perfect for focused work sessions. Need to stretch your legs? The hotel’s outdoor terrace offers stunning skyline views of Manhattan, making it the perfect spot for a quick mental reset between tasks. Free Wi-Fi keeps you connected, and the on-site café has your caffeine and snack needs covered.
PUBLIC Hotel
- Address: 215 Chrystie St, New York, NY 10002
- Free or Subscription: Free for all visitors
- Best for: Professionals who value modern design and vibrant communal spaces
PUBLIC Hotel on the Lower East Side is a hub for those who want to work and connect in style. Designed with simplicity and sophistication in mind, the lobby offers a bright, open space with sleek furniture, fast Wi-Fi, and plenty of room to spread out and focus.
If you need a change of scenery, the hotel’s multiple communal areas, including its garden and rooftop, offer plenty of options to spark creativity. And let’s not forget the food and drinks, PUBLIC’s café and bar serve everything from strong coffee to after-hours cocktails, perfect for powering through work or winding down at the end of the day.
Stay Productive on the Move with Blacklane’s Premium Rides
Navigating New York City can be a challenge, even on the best of days. From the constant traffic to the maze-like subway system and the unpredictable local taxi scene, getting around the Big Apple can add unnecessary stress to your visit. That’s where Blacklane comes in, offering more than just transportation—our services create a seamless extension of your workspace. Whether you need to finalize a presentation on the way to a meeting in Midtown or catch up on emails en route to a business meeting in Manhattan, Blacklane’s premium rides are designed to support productivity on the move.
With professional chauffeurs who know NYC like the back of their hand, Blacklane makes city travel seamless and stress-free. Discreet, professional, and armed with excellent local knowledge, they’re happy to offer tips or suggestions to make your time in NYC even better.
Choose the service that suits your needs: Business Class for quick commutes, Business Van/SUV for airport transfers or group travel, and First Class when you want to make an impression. Blacklane is here to keep you on track in the city that never stops.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Ellie Smith
Ellie is an avid traveler, writer, and adventurer, with a passion for exploring the world and sharing her experiences through storytelling. Working for global chauffeur company Blacklane and having lived in cities like Dubai and Berlin, she has gained valuable first-hand experience in uncovering hidden gems worldwide.