Centered blocks from the bustling Bryant Park, Refinery Hotel offers a calming respite from the energetic pulse of New York City’s fashion district. Stylish but never snobby, lobby doormen dress in work coveralls, evoking traits from the neo-gothic building’s industrial past. The property was once the Colony Arcade building constructed in 1912 and home to milliners and hat factories.

Inside the spacious guestrooms, visitors continue to experience the hotel’s blending of modern aesthetic with the building’s early 19th century origins. Elegant wide-planked floors, tailored bedding, sliding iron doors and grand marble bathrooms add reminiscent touches to the hotel’s suites. A playful side to the property comes through in written sayings scattered throughout each guestroom. The bathroom mirror in our King Studio reads: Keep smiling, it makes people wonder where you’ve been!

Paying tribute to New York’s creative hub, the hotel has transformed the building’s loading dock into a whimsical local gallery. The raw industrial space celebrates art and fashion while acting as a chic event space. Also on the lower level, is Parker & Quinn, the property’s signature restaurant. Styled with dark leather banquettes and moody lighting, the eclectic menu offers breakfast, lunch and dinner along with craft cocktails and tasty bar bites such as the Crispy Picholine Olives over yogurt, spicy oil and lemon.

Refinery’s rooftop area offers views of the majestic Empire State Building. And, thanks to a retractable glass roof, live jazz and well-mixed martinis, makes for a quintessential New York date spot any time of year.