Key points
- From the moment guests step through the doors, they’re greeted not by the typical lobby but by “The Cathedral,” a soaring gallery-like space adorned with gilded staircases and Diego Gravinese’s monumental mural Ascension, A Sephirotic Journey.
- The experience is heightened by The Living Room, a decadent cocktail bar shimmering in black lacquer and gold, where Argentinian artist Juan Gatti’s glass murals pay homage to New York’s eternal glamour.
- Every moment is designed as a performance, from cabaret shows set to debut in the hotel’s own theatre to the handcrafted uniforms worn by its staff—white top hats for doormen, crimson suits for “Guest Experience Curators.
Hotel News: A grand arrival in West Chelsea
The latest chapter in Alan Faena’s extravagant hospitality empire has officially opened its doors in the heart of Manhattan. Faena New York, the Argentine hotelier’s first U.S. venture outside Miami, is a dazzling fusion of Latin theatricality, art, and indulgence—perfectly situated along West 18th Street in West Chelsea, overlooking the High Line and Hudson River. From the moment guests step through the doors, they’re greeted not by the typical lobby but by “The Cathedral,” a soaring gallery-like space adorned with gilded staircases and Diego Gravinese’s monumental mural Ascension, A Sephirotic Journey. The entire building—crafted by the famed Bjarke Ingels Group—radiates architectural audacity paired with an atmosphere of seduction and spectacle. Halfway through its grand opening week, this Hotel News report notes that the property has already become one of the city’s most talked-about destinations, thanks to its decadent interiors and irresistible social energy.
A love letter to New York’s creative spirit
Alan Faena describes the project as “a love letter to the spirit of the city,” blending Buenos Aires boldness with Manhattan sophistication. His team collaborated with designer Peter Mikic to deliver interiors bursting with deep reds, shimmering golds, and leopard prints—yet balanced by refined suites with pale timbers, crisp linens, and sweeping views of the Hudson River. Each of the 120 rooms feels like an artistic retreat, while the $35,000-a-night Faena Suite—a duplex penthouse with a baby grand piano and panoramic terrace—epitomizes luxury redefined. The hotel’s design narrative pays tribute to the cosmic symbolism of creation, echoed throughout its curated art and decor.
Dining, design, and drama
At La Boca, the in-house restaurant, acclaimed Argentine chef Francis Mallmann brings fire-kissed flavors to an atmosphere drenched in whimsy and elegance. Guests dine beneath cheeky monkey murals by Edgardo Gimenez and bespoke chandeliers by the late Alberto Garutti. The experience is heightened by The Living Room, a decadent cocktail bar shimmering in black lacquer and gold, where Argentinian artist Juan Gatti’s glass murals pay homage to New York’s eternal glamour. There’s even a side terrace so close to the High Line that guests can practically reach out to touch it. For an intimate nightcap, visitors can slip into El Secreto, the hotel’s hidden speakeasy, or descend into La Cava for private wine tastings under Chris Levine’s ethereal portrait of Queen Elizabeth II.
Where art and hospitality collide
Faena New York’s ethos is pure theater. Every moment is designed as a performance, from cabaret shows set to debut in the hotel’s own theatre to the handcrafted uniforms worn by its staff—white top hats for doormen, crimson suits for “Guest Experience Curators.” Despite the dramatic visuals, service remains deeply personal and intuitive. Guests are offered complimentary garment pressing, shoe shining, and turndown chocolates, all wrapped in Faena’s signature attention to detail. The result is not merely a stay but an experience—a fully immersive production that celebrates creativity, culture, and connection.
Wellness and wonder on the horizon
In 2026, the property will expand with Tierra Santa Healing House, a 12,000-square-foot wellness retreat offering hammams, plunge pools, and holistic South American healing therapies. This addition will balance the property’s electric energy with a sanctuary for renewal, giving guests the best of both worlds—revelry and rejuvenation.
A new era of Manhattan glamour
Between its audacious design, cinematic energy, and heartfelt storytelling, Faena New York is a reminder that hospitality can be both art and adventure. It brings a new level of vibrancy to West Chelsea, merging the city’s creative pulse with South American soul. The hotel doesn’t just open its doors—it opens a stage where every guest becomes part of the show.
For more details, visit:
https://www.faena.com/new-york
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