# Hotel Chelsea

> Hotel Chelsea is a landmark New York City boutique hotel and mixed hotel-residential property, originally opened in 1884, restored and reopened in 2022, and operated by BD Hotels.

Company page on Leadbay: https://mad-max.leadbay.ai/company/hotelchelsea.com · loaded 2026-10-29

## At a glance

- Website: https://hotelchelsea.com
- Team based in: New York (hotelchelsea.com and 1 more)
- Founded: 1884 (hotelchelsea.com)
- Industry: Hospitality
- Employees: 103 (employees and founders, investors not counted; hotelchelsea.com and 1 more)
- Backed by: Sean MacPherson, Ira Drukier, Richard Born / BD Hotels
- Seen in its site's code: Google Tag Manager (googletagmanager.com/gtm.js), Google Analytics (googletagmanager.com/gtag/js), Meta Pixel (connect.facebook.net/en_US/fbevents.js), Cloudflare (/cdn-cgi/), Microsoft 365 (MX hotelchelsea-com.mail.protection.outlook.com), Mailgun (TXT mailgun.org) (read 2026-10-30)

## What it sells, to whom

- Hotel Chelsea is a landmark New York City boutique hotel and mixed hotel-residential property, originally opened in 1884, restored and reopened in 2022, and operated by BD Hotels. ([hotelchelsea.com](https://hotelchelsea.com/history), [hotelchelsea.com](https://hotelchelsea.com/uploads/files/10.22_BusinessTraveler(Print)_Hotel%20Chelsea.pdf), [luxurytravelreport.com](https://www.luxurytravelreport.com/hotels-resorts/articles/why-hotel-chelseas-lhw-debut-matters-for-culturally-curious-clients))

## Why it stands out

- Time Out named Hotel Chelsea New York City’s No. 1 hotel in its 2026 ranking. ([timeout.com](https://www.timeout.com/newyork/news/this-is-the-best-hotel-in-new-york-city-according-to-time-out-expertsand-its-a-true-rock-n-roll-icon-100826), [luxurytravelreport.com](https://www.luxurytravelreport.com/hotels-resorts/articles/why-hotel-chelseas-lhw-debut-matters-for-culturally-curious-clients))
- Joined The Leading Hotels of the World in 2025. ([timeout.com](https://www.timeout.com/newyork/news/this-is-the-best-hotel-in-new-york-city-according-to-time-out-expertsand-its-a-true-rock-n-roll-icon-100826), [luxurytravelreport.com](https://www.luxurytravelreport.com/hotels-resorts/articles/why-hotel-chelseas-lhw-debut-matters-for-culturally-curious-clients))
- Competes with: The Bowery Hotel, The Ludlow, The Maritime Hotel, The Jane, The Mercer ([therealdeal.com](https://therealdeal.com/new-york/2016/10/31/group-of-hoteliers-closes-on-250m-purchase-of-hotel-chelsea/), [luxurytravelreport.com](https://www.luxurytravelreport.com/hotels-resorts/articles/why-hotel-chelseas-lhw-debut-matters-for-culturally-curious-clients))

## Products and services

- **Hotel accommodation**: 155 rooms and suites, including distinctive rooms, suites, apartments/long-stay units, and artist lofts ([hotelchelsea.com](https://hotelchelsea.com), [broadwayworld.com](https://www.broadwayworld.com/bwwfood-wine/article/HOTEL-CHELSEA-Debuts-New-Restaurants-20260410), [architecturaldigest.com](https://www.architecturaldigest.com/video/watch/ad-checks-in-inside-the-most-infamous-hotel-in-rock-and-roll-history))
- **Café Chelsea**: French-American all-day bistro ([broadwayworld.com](https://www.broadwayworld.com/bwwfood-wine/article/HOTEL-CHELSEA-Debuts-New-Restaurants-20260410), [architecturaldigest.com](https://www.architecturaldigest.com/video/watch/ad-checks-in-inside-the-most-infamous-hotel-in-rock-and-roll-history), [luxurytravelreport.com](https://www.luxurytravelreport.com/hotels-resorts/articles/why-hotel-chelseas-lhw-debut-matters-for-culturally-curious-clients))
- **Teruko**: Japanese restaurant with sushi, robata, and a large Japanese whisky collection ([broadwayworld.com](https://www.broadwayworld.com/bwwfood-wine/article/HOTEL-CHELSEA-Debuts-New-Restaurants-20260410), [architecturaldigest.com](https://www.architecturaldigest.com/video/watch/ad-checks-in-inside-the-most-infamous-hotel-in-rock-and-roll-history), [luxurytravelreport.com](https://www.luxurytravelreport.com/hotels-resorts/articles/why-hotel-chelseas-lhw-debut-matters-for-culturally-curious-clients))
- **El Quijote**: historic Spanish restaurant opened in 1930 ([hotelchelsea.com](https://hotelchelsea.com), [broadwayworld.com](https://www.broadwayworld.com/bwwfood-wine/article/HOTEL-CHELSEA-Debuts-New-Restaurants-20260410), [architecturaldigest.com](https://www.architecturaldigest.com/video/watch/ad-checks-in-inside-the-most-infamous-hotel-in-rock-and-roll-history))
- The Lobby Bar ([broadwayworld.com](https://www.broadwayworld.com/bwwfood-wine/article/HOTEL-CHELSEA-Debuts-New-Restaurants-20260410), [architecturaldigest.com](https://www.architecturaldigest.com/video/watch/ad-checks-in-inside-the-most-infamous-hotel-in-rock-and-roll-history), [luxurytravelreport.com](https://www.luxurytravelreport.com/hotels-resorts/articles/why-hotel-chelseas-lhw-debut-matters-for-culturally-curious-clients))
- Rooftop spa, gym, terrace, and wellness facilities ([broadwayworld.com](https://www.broadwayworld.com/bwwfood-wine/article/HOTEL-CHELSEA-Debuts-New-Restaurants-20260410), [architecturaldigest.com](https://www.architecturaldigest.com/video/watch/ad-checks-in-inside-the-most-infamous-hotel-in-rock-and-roll-history), [luxurytravelreport.com](https://www.luxurytravelreport.com/hotels-resorts/articles/why-hotel-chelseas-lhw-debut-matters-for-culturally-curious-clients))
- Event and private dining spaces, including The Bard Room ([broadwayworld.com](https://www.broadwayworld.com/bwwfood-wine/article/HOTEL-CHELSEA-Debuts-New-Restaurants-20260410), [architecturaldigest.com](https://www.architecturaldigest.com/video/watch/ad-checks-in-inside-the-most-infamous-hotel-in-rock-and-roll-history), [luxurytravelreport.com](https://www.luxurytravelreport.com/hotels-resorts/articles/why-hotel-chelseas-lhw-debut-matters-for-culturally-curious-clients))

## Customers and markets

- **Customers**: Leisure travelers seeking a historic, design-led New York hotel, Culturally curious and luxury travelers, Long-term residential tenants, including rent-stabilized residents ([hotelchelsea.com](https://hotelchelsea.com/history), [hotelchelsea.com](https://hotelchelsea.com/uploads/files/WSJ%20Magazine%20-%20May%20Issue.pdf), [luxurytravelreport.com](https://www.luxurytravelreport.com/hotels-resorts/articles/why-hotel-chelseas-lhw-debut-matters-for-culturally-curious-clients))
- **Markets**: Affluent and design-/culture-oriented travelers seeking a historic New York hotel in Chelsea. ([hotelchelsea.com](https://hotelchelsea.com/events), [offthemrkt.com](https://www.offthemrkt.com/calendar/2026/8/5/sora-salon-series-a-new-york-summer-night-at-the-hotel-chelsea), [hotelchelsea.com](https://hotelchelsea.com/accommodations))
- **Markets**: Private-event customers, including weddings, dinner parties, meetings, cocktail receptions, and group celebrations. ([hotelchelsea.com](https://hotelchelsea.com/events), [offthemrkt.com](https://www.offthemrkt.com/calendar/2026/8/5/sora-salon-series-a-new-york-summer-night-at-the-hotel-chelsea), [hotelchelsea.com](https://hotelchelsea.com/accommodations))

## Team

- Alexis Elmurr, Director of Spa & Wellness
- Dominic Benevento, Director of Special Events
- Megan Kelly, Director of Food And Beverage

Backed by: Sean MacPherson, Ira Drukier, Richard Born / BD Hotels

## Latest news

- 2025-07-16 · [Why Hotel Chelsea’s LHW Debut Matters for Culturally Curious Clients](https://www.luxurytravelreport.com/hotels-resorts/articles/why-hotel-chelseas-lhw-debut-matters-for-culturally-curious-clients) (luxurytravelreport.com)
- 2025-02-16 · [New York's newly reopened Hotel Chelsea lives up to its rock 'n' roll lore](https://www.startribune.com/hotel-chelsea-new-york-nyc-complete-unknown-patti-smith-bob-dylan-el-quijote-travel-story/601221834) (startribune.com)
- 2024-04-16 · [The Best Room At... Hotel Chelsea - Review](https://www.townandcountrymag.com/leisure/travel-guide/a60501419/hotel-chelsea-new-york-review/) (townandcountrymag.com)
- 2023-02-24 · [In-Depth Review of Hotel Chelsea in New York City -  AFAR](https://www.afar.com/hotels/hotel-chelsea-new-york) (afar.com)
- 2022-05-22 · [The rebirth of Hotel Chelsea – and three other legendary hotels](https://www.ft.com/content/33dd4e80-c3b7-428b-8046-10f848bb1fc3) (ft.com)

## Where to find more

- [This page in Markdown, for agents](https://mad-max.leadbay.ai/company/hotelchelsea.com.md)

## Decision makers

- [Alexis Elmurr](https://mad-max.leadbay.ai/person/alexis-elmurr--hotelchelsea.com.md), Director of Spa & Wellness
- [Dominic Benevento](https://mad-max.leadbay.ai/person/dominic-benevento--hotelchelsea.com.md), Director of Special Events
- [Megan Kelly](https://mad-max.leadbay.ai/person/megan-kelly--hotelchelsea.com.md), Director of Food And Beverage

Work emails and direct phones come with a Leadbay account: https://wow.leadbay.ai/?register=true

Where it comes from: 26 sites read (hotelchelsea.com, luxurytravelreport.com, broadwayworld.com, architecturaldigest.com, ft.com, therealdeal.com, lhw.com, forbes.com, …).

## Best angle

2026-10-01 · Recognition: Time Out ranked Hotel Chelsea the best hotel in New York City for 2026 (3 sources)

## Signals: what happened

- 2026-10-29 · Headcount: Headcount up 17% in a year (1 source: [A company database](https://hotelchelsea.com/))
- 2026-10-20 · News: I've been a bit quiet on here because things have been... busy. Busy in the best way, but BUSY. (1 source: [linkedin.com](https://www.linkedin.com/posts/alexiselmurr_ive-been-a-bit-quiet-on-here-because-things-activity-7518392437527138304-r7gt))
- 2026-10-01 · Recognition: Time Out ranked Hotel Chelsea the best hotel in New York City for 2026 (3 sources: [broadwayworld.com](https://www.broadwayworld.com/bwwfood-wine/article/HOTEL-CHELSEA-Debuts-New-Restaurants-20260410), [luxurytravelreport.com](https://www.luxurytravelreport.com/hotels-resorts/articles/why-hotel-chelseas-lhw-debut-matters-for-culturally-curious-clients), [timeout.com](https://www.timeout.com/newyork/news/this-is-the-best-hotel-in-new-york-city-according-to-time-out-expertsand-its-a-true-rock-n-roll-icon-100826))
- 2026-08-29 · News: Hotel Chelsea (2 sources: [linkedin.com](https://www.linkedin.com/posts/claudiagrimaldi1_room-1014-hotel-chelsea-open-studio-this-activity-7491581635155451904-LPEH), [en.wikipedia.org](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hotel_Chelsea))
- 2026-05-01 · News: 🗽 CHELSEA, NY — CASA J Tequila is now available at Hotel Chelsea, one of The Leading Hotels of the World. (1 source: [linkedin.com](https://www.linkedin.com/posts/sofiapalomajuarez_chelsea-ny-casa-j-tequila-is-now-available-activity-7455968030880251904-WSLp))
- 2026-04-01 · Partnership: Hotel Chelsea announced a four-venue dining lineup—Café Chelsea, Teruko, El Quijote, and The Lobby Bar—in partnership with Sunday Hospitality and Charles Seich (3 sources: [broadwayworld.com](https://www.broadwayworld.com/bwwfood-wine/article/HOTEL-CHELSEA-Debuts-New-Restaurants-20260410), [luxurytravelreport.com](https://www.luxurytravelreport.com/hotels-resorts/articles/why-hotel-chelseas-lhw-debut-matters-for-culturally-curious-clients), [timeout.com](https://www.timeout.com/newyork/news/this-is-the-best-hotel-in-new-york-city-according-to-time-out-expertsand-its-a-true-rock-n-roll-icon-100826))
- 2026-03-17 · News: I could talk about the Spa at Hotel Chelsea and our team forever and ever. (2 sources: [linkedin.com](https://www.linkedin.com/posts/alexiselmurr_tomorrow-marks-my-two-year-anniversary-at-activity-7439748914876059648-PQt_), [linkedin.com](https://www.linkedin.com/posts/alexiselmurr_the-spa-at-the-chelsea-hotel-activity-7453548663777157120-fGxm))
- 2026-02-19 · Interviews: Inside the Most Infamous Hotel in Rock & Roll History | AD Checks In (1 source: [youtube.com](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wQrG1wDIDBM))
- 2026-02-17 · News: Hotel Chelsea Spotlight Earlier this month, I had the chance to step inside the legendary Hotel Chelsea with the Columbia Business School Hospitality and Travel Association. We were welcomed by Marcus J. … (1 source: [linkedin.com](https://www.linkedin.com/posts/elena-armenter-b12882ba_hotel-chelsea-spotlight-earlier-this-month-activity-7429561553139703810-3Rc6))
- 2025-12-29 · News: Alexis Elmurr's Post (1 source: [linkedin.com](https://www.linkedin.com/posts/alexiselmurr_its-been-so-fun-and-validating-for-the-spa-activity-7407467835343511553-99ZR))
- 2025-11-01 · News: El Hotel Chelsea: Refugio bohemio de escritores y otras leyendas del arte: El caso de Thomas Wolfe (1 source: [hdl.handle.net](https://hdl.handle.net/10115/206757))
- 2025-07-28 · News: 📣 Hotel News Update The iconic Hotel Chelsea has officially joined The Leading Hotels of the World, a curated collection of 400+ independent luxury hotels and resorts known for exceptional service and … (1 source: [linkedin.com](https://www.linkedin.com/posts/joselyneplouis_nycs-the-hotel-chelsea-joins-the-leading-activity-7355582821580587031-Ee2g))

## Working on now

- Operating and marketing the New York City hotel as a combined lodging, dining, wellness/spa, fitness, and events destination at 222 West 23rd Street.
- Expanding wellness programming through artist/practitioner residencies and treatment collaborations, including Athena Hewett/Monastery, John Wing Flower, Botnia, evolve.together, and Activist.
- Growing private-events demand and conversion: the events team handles 200+ inquiries per week (300+ in peak season), with Dexter qualification feeding Tripleseat; reported conversion improved from 10% to 22%.
- Hiring hospitality staff, including a host role listed at $20–$23/hour and a part/full-time spa concierge role advertised at $25/hour plus 10% retail commission.

From: [Events](https://hotelchelsea.com/events), [Spa](https://hotelchelsea.com/wellness/spa), [Hotel Chelsea Case Study | Boost Event Conversion — Dexter](https://www.teamdexter.com/case-studies-hotel-chelsea), [Hotel Chelsea hiring Host in New York, NY | Culinary Agents](https://culinaryagents.com/jobs/733602-Host), [Hello NYC! We are hiring PT/FT Spa Concierge at the Spa at Hotel Chelsea! ⭐](https://www.linkedin.com/posts/rebecca-pinda-30abc_hello-nyc-we-are-hiring-ptft-spa-concierge-activity-7498068755629953024-TgFg)

## Summary

Hotel Chelsea is a historic, landmarked hotel in Manhattan that offers luxury guest accommodations, dining, and wellness amenities. It sells room stays and restaurant services to travelers seeking a boutique, culturally rich hospitality experience. The property is owned by Richard Born, Ira Drukier, and Sean MacPherson of BD Hotels, who acquired the building in 2016 for $250 million. The hotel operates as an independent establishment, recently joining the Leading Hotels of the World network. Its competitors include other high-end, design-forward hotels in New York City, such as The Bowery and The Ludlow. Recent updates include the 2025 opening of a Japanese restaurant, Teruko, and its formal integration into the Leaders Club program.

[1]: http://hotelchelsea.com// "Best Hotel In New York | Hotel Chelsea"
[2]: https://www.ft.com/content/33dd4e80-c3b7-428b-8046-10f848bb1fc3 "The rebirth of Hotel Chelsea – and three other legendary hotels"
[3]: https://www.lhw.com/hotel/The-Hotel-Chelsea-New-York-United-States "The Hotel Chelsea - New York, United States : The Leading Hotels of the World"
[4]: https://www.forbes.com/sites/lauriewerner/2022/05/07/newly-restored-but-with-raffish-spirit-intact-new-yorks-hotel-chelsea-reopens/ "Newly Restored But With Raffish Spirit Intact, New York’s Hotel Chelsea Reopens"
[5]: https://therealdeal.com/new-york/2016/10/31/group-of-hoteliers-closes-on-250m-purchase-of-hotel-chelsea/ "Hotel Chelsea | Sean MacPherson | BD Hotels"
[6]: https://www.luxurytravelreport.com/hotels-resorts/articles/why-hotel-chelseas-lhw-debut-matters-for-culturally-curious-clients "Why Hotel Chelsea’s LHW Debut Matters for Culturally Curious Clients"
[7]: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hotel_Chelsea "Hotel Chelsea"
[8]: https://www.the50.com/discovery/Establishments/US/New-York/Hotel-Chelsea.html "Hotel Chelsea - New York -  Hotel - The 50 Discovery"

## Sources

- [Hotel Chelsea's website](https://hotelchelsea.com)
- [Company record, via Exa](https://hotelchelsea.com/)
- [Events](https://hotelchelsea.com/events)
- [Spa](https://hotelchelsea.com/wellness/spa)
- [Hotel Chelsea Case Study | Boost Event Conversion — Dexter](https://www.teamdexter.com/case-studies-hotel-chelsea)
- [Hotel Chelsea hiring Host in New York, NY | Culinary Agents](https://culinaryagents.com/jobs/733602-Host)
- [Hello NYC! We are hiring PT/FT Spa Concierge at the Spa at Hotel Chelsea! ⭐](https://www.linkedin.com/posts/rebecca-pinda-30abc_hello-nyc-we-are-hiring-ptft-spa-concierge-activity-7498068755629953024-TgFg)
- [History](https://hotelchelsea.com/history)
- [Rebirth](https://hotelchelsea.com/uploads/files/10.22_BusinessTraveler(Print)_Hotel%20Chelsea.pdf)