Review: The Standard, High Line Hotel (New York City)

October 1, 2025

19

Wednesday newsletters always feature a hotel or flight review.

A few months ago, I took a trip to the USA, and you can read my trip reports here:

Today: Review of The Standard, High Line Hotel, New York City

The Standard, High Line is a modern hotel located in New York City’s Meatpacking District, known for its distinctive architecture and lively surroundings. Positioned above the High Line park, the property offers guests easy access to cultural attractions, dining, and nightlife. The design emphasizes clean lines and floor-to-ceiling windows that showcase views of the city skyline and Hudson River. Public spaces and guest rooms carry a contemporary style with artistic touches, reflecting the neighborhood’s creative character. For travelers who want a stay that combines comfort, design, and proximity to downtown attractions, The Standard, High Line presents a well-situated option (although it feels more like a 4-star hotel than a 5-star property).

Have you ever stayed at The Standard, High Line Hotel? If so, what was your experience? Leave a comment.

In this review (more info and photos below my YouTube video):

PROS & THINGS I LIKE

The strongest aspect of The Standard, High Line Hotel is its excellent location in the heart of the Meatpacking District, a neighborhood known for its cobblestone streets, boutique shopping, and nightlife. The hotel is built directly above the High Line, Manhattan’s famous elevated park that stretches through Chelsea and beyond, giving guests immediate access to one of the city’s most beloved attractions. Within a short walk, you will find Chelsea Market, a foodie paradise filled with artisanal vendors and gourmet stalls, as well as the Whitney Museum of American Art, which anchors the cultural scene nearby. The West Village, with its charming tree-lined streets and historic townhouses, is also just a stroll away. Subway connections from 14th Street and 8th Avenue make exploring other parts of the city convenient, though many visitors will find themselves happily entertained within walking distance of the hotel.

The Standard, High Line is a bold architectural statement, and its unique design is central to its identity. The building itself is perched on massive concrete stilts that straddle the High Line, making it one of the most photographed structures in downtown Manhattan. Its exterior glass façade gleams by day and glows by night, while inside the hotel, the design continues to impress with minimalist furnishings, sharp lines, and mid-century modern influences. Nearly every public space has been designed with both form and function in mind, offering a mix of comfort and visual intrigue. The lobby, with its mirrored ceilings, sculptural seating, and artistic lighting, creates a futuristic first impression while still feeling welcoming. Its blend of sleek modernism and playful details sets the tone for the rest of the hotel, establishing it as both a stylish retreat and a social hub. The elevators are known for their quirky video art installations, which turn a routine ride into a playful experience.

The guest rooms at The Standard, High Line are designed to highlight the hotel’s most striking feature—its amazing views of New York City. Each of the 338 rooms is framed with floor-to-ceiling windows that showcase either the Manhattan skyline, the Hudson River, or the High Line park below, turning the city itself into part of the décor. The interiors are sleek and contemporary, featuring clean lines, warm woods, and neutral tones that create a modern atmosphere. Guests can enjoy a wide range of thoughtful amenities, including plush linens, cozy robes, well-stocked minibars, and modern tech conveniences like Bluetooth speakers and flat-screen TVs. Bathrooms are equally stylish, with rain showers, quality toiletries, and design elements that continue the property’s focus on modern elegance. Together, these features create an environment that feels both modern and inviting, making the rooms a retreat where guests can unwind while still feeling fully connected to the energy of the city outside.

Dining at The Standard, High Line is an integral part of the guest experience, offering options that range from casual and fun to refined and elegant.
- The hotel’s signature restaurant, The Standard Grill, is a sophisticated brasserie that blends the atmosphere of a classic New York steakhouse with contemporary design and culinary flair. Here, guests can enjoy hearty breakfasts, business lunches, or indulgent dinners featuring prime cuts of steak, fresh seafood, and seasonal produce.
- For a more relaxed setting, The Biergarten offers a lively outdoor environment where long communal tables, oversized pretzels, and traditional German beers create a festive and sociable atmosphere.
- Those looking for something more intimate can stop by the Living Room lounge, where light snacks and craft cocktails can be enjoyed in a stylish but laid-back setting.

The Standard, High Line has earned a reputation as one of the city’s top destinations for nightlife, and its rooftop spaces are a major draw for both hotel guests and locals. Le Bain, the hotel’s high-energy rooftop nightclub, features a plunge pool in the warmer months, a rotating lineup of DJs, and panoramic views of the Hudson River and downtown skyline. It is a place where fashion and music collide, creating an atmosphere that is as much about being seen as it is about the entertainment itself. For guests seeking something more refined, the Top of the Standard provides a glamorous alternative, with floor-to-ceiling windows, plush seating, and an upscale cocktail program. This venue is particularly appealing at sunset, when the sky transforms into a dramatic backdrop for live music or jazz performances. For visitors who thrive on energy and excitement, the rooftop nightlife is one of the most compelling reasons to stay at The Standard, High Line.

The Standard, High Line is part of The Standard Hotels Group, a boutique brand known for blending bold design with a playful, cultural edge. Founded in 1999 with the opening of The Standard, Hollywood in Los Angeles, the brand has since expanded to key destinations including Miami, London, the Maldives, and Ibiza. Each property reflects its surroundings while maintaining The Standard’s signature focus on creativity, social spaces, and contemporary design. The hotels often serve as gathering places not only for travelers but also for locals, with lively restaurants, rooftop venues, and public areas that blur the line between hotel and cultural hub. With an emphasis on art, music, and community, The Standard has built a reputation for creating hotels that are as much about experiences as they are about accommodations. Staying at The Standard means engaging with a brand that consistently reimagines what a hotel can be—more than a place to sleep, but a place to connect and be inspired.

In late 2024, Hyatt Hotels Corporation completed the acquisition of Standard International, the parent company of The Standard, Bunkhouse, StandardX, and Peri Hotels. As part of this integration, many Standard properties—including The Standard, High Line Hotel—are now participating in the World of Hyatt loyalty program, which allows guests to earn and redeem points during their stays. Members can accumulate Base Points for eligible spending on accommodations, dining, and other services, and they can also take advantage of Hyatt’s elite-tier benefits such as room upgrades, late checkout, and bonus points. For frequent Hyatt travelers, this development adds even more value, combining The Standard’s distinctive design-forward, social atmosphere with the practical benefits of Hyatt’s global network and rewards program. It represents a new chapter for The Standard Hotels, aligning their creative identity with the scale and recognition of one of the world’s most established hospitality groups.

CONS & THINGS TO KNOW

The Standard, High Line Hotel is a property that embodies the spirit of downtown New York, offering a mix of comfort, creativity, and nightlife that appeals to a specific type of traveler. However, it is not a traditional five-star hotel with hushed lobbies and expansive suites; rather, it is a 4-star hotel that thrives on energy, views, and a design-forward ethos. Guests who will enjoy this hotel the most are those who seek to immerse themselves in the cultural fabric of the city, whether through art, food, fashion, or nightlife. Couples, solo travelers, and creative professionals will likely find inspiration in the hotel’s bold architecture and vibrant atmosphere. On the other hand, travelers looking for a quiet, restorative, luxurious escape or a spa-driven resort experience may wish to look elsewhere.

Unlike most Manhattan luxury hotels, The Standard does not have a full-service spa, so treatments such as massages, facials, or saunas are not available on site. While this may disappoint some wellness-focused guests, the hotel does offer a fitness facility for travelers who want to stay active during their stay. Located on the 17th floor, the fitness center features large windows that overlook the Hudson River, providing natural light and a stunning backdrop for workouts. The gym is open 24/7, making it convenient for guests who prefer early-morning exercise or late-night sessions after a long day in the city. Equipment includes treadmills, ellipticals, stationary bikes, free weights, and ample space for stretching or yoga practice.

Some of the standard rooms at The Standard, High Line are relatively compact (read: tiny rooms) compared to other upscale hotels in Manhattan. Although well-designed and stylish, these rooms offer limited storage space and smaller layouts, which can feel constraining for travelers with multiple pieces of luggage or those staying for longer periods. For visitors prioritizing spacious accommodations, it may be worth considering an upgraded room type or suite, which offers more room to move and additional amenities.

The hotel’s design-forward aesthetic extends to many guest bathrooms, which often feature open glass walls or partial partitions separating the shower from the sleeping area. While visually striking and consistent with the property’s modern design philosophy, the open layout of the bathrooms can be unconventional for guests who value privacy. Couples or solo travelers comfortable with the style may enjoy it, but those expecting traditional bathroom separation may find it less practical or intimate.

One of the drawbacks of The Standard, High Line Hotel is the potential for noise, particularly in rooms located near the rooftop bars or street-facing sides of the hotel. Venues such as Le Bain attract lively crowds, DJs, and events, especially on weekends and during peak tourist seasons, which can carry into nearby guest rooms. While this energetic atmosphere is a draw for many visitors, guests seeking a quiet, restful environment may find that the hotel’s social energy occasionally disrupts sleep or relaxation.

The public areas of The Standard, High Line, including its lobby, restaurants, and lounges, are designed to be social hubs, which means they can become crowded during peak times, sometimes resulting in queues for check-in and check-out. While this contributes to the hotel’s vibrant and energetic character, it can occasionally detract from a sense of tranquility and privacy. Guests seeking quiet moments or undisturbed relaxation may wish to visit these areas during off-peak hours or just book a hotel elsewhere.

As a boutique lifestyle hotel in a prime Manhattan location, The Standard, High Line Hotel commands premium rates, particularly during weekends, holidays, or special events in the city. While the hotel delivers a unique experience and striking design, budget-conscious travelers or those comparing luxury options may find the nightly rates relatively high compared with other hotels offering larger rooms or additional amenities. Planning and booking in advance can help secure better rates, but the property is generally positioned at the higher end of the market.

MY VERDICT

Layout: 8/10
Design: 8/10
Pool: N/A
Rooms: 6/10
Food: 7/10
Breakfast: 7/10
Spa: N/A
Service: 7/10
Wow factor: 9/10
Value for money: 8/10
Overall experience: good – 7.3/10

TIPS FOR FUTURE GUESTS & SAVE MONEY

Save money: get complimentary VIP perks at The Standard, High Line Hotel when booking via Hyatt Prive (e.g. upgrade, daily breakfast, early check-in, late check-out, and $100 USD hotel credit).

Save money: make use of Hyatt’s best rate guarantee. If you find a better rate, the Hyatt Hotel Group will match it and offer you the choice of an additional 20% off or 5,000 World of Hyatt Bonus Points.

Save money: elite members of Hyatt’s loyalty program, World of Hyatt, are well treated, with – amongst other benefits – complimentary room upgrade (when available), early check-in or late check-out (when available), and free breakfast. Click here to read my review of the World of Hyatt program (with pros & cons).

Save money: read here my tips for getting the best deal at a luxury hotel like The Standard, High Line Hotel (and/or receive many free perks).

Read my tips for preparing your trip in time.

BEST TIME TO VISIT

Anytime! Each season in Gotham offers visitors plenty of reasons to visit. Early fall offers crisp breezes, bright sun and comfortable temperatures (indian summer) , and may the best time for a visit. Winter can be cold, but that also means better hotel rates. Spring is glorious and New Yorkers celebrate the thaw by taking to the streets, shopping at outdoor markets, frolicking in Central Park and dining outside. Summer can be unbearable hot, so try to avoid July and August.

HOW TO GET THERE

The Standard, High Line Hotel is located a 30–40 minute drive from LaGuardia Airport (LGA) and a 45–90 minute drive from both John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK) and Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR), all of which handle domestic and international flights. For guests arriving from Westchester County Airport (HPN), the journey typically takes 60–75 minutes by car. The hotel is also easily accessible by subway, with the 14th Street–8th Avenue station just a short walk away, offering convenient connections to the rest of Manhattan. For added comfort, The Standard’s concierge team can assist with arranging private transfers in a range of car accommodations upon request.