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Faena New York
- Where:
- Why:Work & play, the New York way
- When:November 2026
- Who:Solo yo
"Deliciously over-the-top. Perfectly, unapologetically itself."
Faena New York is a 120-room, all-its-own kind of hotel, where gilded drama, bold art and impeccable service turn a stay into a full-blown escape. Set beneath the High Line in West Chelsea, it pairs its unique, warm hospitality with Francis Mallmann’s lively La Boca Restaurant and a 17,000 sq ft wellness center.
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A cinematic welcome beneath One High Line, the multi-use complex designed by Bjarke Ingels Group: Faena’s glowing sign, roses planted by the entrance and red carpet make the arrival feel like a very special occasion — which it is, indeed.
The check in area. You arrive and are invited to sit down and relax. Warm, personal, not transactional.
Speaking of cinematic, Courtney Scott, the most talented filmmaker in the hospitality storytelling space today, joined me for the a lavish dinner at La Boca restaurant.
A gorgeous live show. It felt like a true New York extravaganza. And the food was just as spectacular.
The Cathedral, the first space you find when entering the hotel, is adorned by the monumental “Ascension: A Sephirotic Journey” by Argentine artist Diego Gravinese. The mural wraps the soaring space in a cosmic narrative of creation and transformation. Developed with Alan Faena, the work took two years: one to shape its story, and another to bring it to life in paint. Celestial figures, symbols, and dreamlike landscapes reward a closer look as you move through the space.
The retail space at Tierra Santa Healing house, Faena New York’s 17,000 sq ft wellness area. Fitness center, shop and a complex of saunas, steam rooms, pool in various temperatures (including a great cold plunge) and a relaxation area.
El Secreto, a separate area of The Living Room bar on the second floor.
My beautiful room overlooking the High Line and the city.
La Boca’s art gives the dining room its own playful mythology. Argentine pop artist Edgardo Giménez fills it with bold murals and whimsical, larger-than-life “Monas,” bringing color, fantasy, and a wink of irreverence to the richly layered space.
Tierra Santa Healing House is a 17,000-square-foot sanctuary where South American healing traditions meet a restorative thermal circuit of five pools, a hammam, steam room, and saunas.
At The Living Room, the sculptural canopy turns the bar into a golden sunburst.
Breakfast at La Boca
Hasta pronto, Faena. You are a rare kind of beauty.
Highs & Lows
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This is a fearless hotel that plays by its own book. Unapologetically itself, it transports you immediately into its universe. Its lavish, fun, theatrical, gloriously over-the-top. Because everything is executed with such precision and met with exceptional service, every detail feels exactly right.
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Faena is a celebration of art and creativity and a true feast for the eyes: lacquered red, gilded gold, leopard print, and exacting detail. I loved the Cathedral mural, Keith Haring upstairs, the video installation by the elevator, and fresh roses everywhere: from tables and room-service trays to counters, vanities and planted by the hotel entrance.
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La Boca’s excellent food and live music made for a lavish, delicious, extravagant and fun New York night.
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Service. Impeccable. I have to say it again. Bravo!
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Location. I loved staying by the High Line and getting on and off it to explore West Chelsea and its art galleries. I biked to SoHo in 15 minutes and quickly reached Uptown too. It’s also always refreshing to stay close to a river and sunset over the Hudson is magic.
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Swapping overseas-imported Acqua Panna for a local alternative or, even better, Faena-branded refillable filtered water, would be even more luxurious – and responsible.
Important Bits
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Type
Luxury Hotel
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Vibe
Faena is unapologetically itself: flamboyant, extra, and entirely assured in its own story. Lacquered red, gilded gold, leopard print, monumental art, and a level of detail and execution that make the whole world feel vivid and alive. It transports you well beyond the day-to-day.
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Location
Right by The High Line in West Chelsea
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Rooms
120
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Pre-Arrival & Arrival Experience
Arrival sets the tone. You’re welcomed into a gorgeous, red living-room-like space and invited to sit for check-in. Fresh red roses at the entrance, the team’s polished uniforms, and tango in the elevator make the welcome feel considered and full of character. The process is warm and unhurried, with none of the transactional feeling of a front-desk exchange. Everything is thoughtful, perfectly over the top, and distinctly Faena.
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Future Forward
Faena Art commissions cross-disciplinary cultural work, and the hotel’s site-specific art makes that commitment visible
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Music
Tango in the elevator; live music and DJs nightly at La Boca and The Living Room
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Year Opened
2025
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Designed By
Faena New York was architecturally designed by the Bjarke Ingels Group (BIG) as part of the One High Line development. The interiors are by Faena Design Team and Peter Mikic Studios.
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Health & Wellness
Having access to Tierra Santa Healing House made a difference in my stay. The 17,000-square-foot spa includes a signature hammam, steam room, dry and infrared saunas, five pools, a fitness center, and a movement studio. It was the perfect energizer to start the day — and a relaxing closure to it too.
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Food
La Boca by Francis Mallmann is excellent for breakfast and lunch, and dinner with live music was a lavish, delicious, fun New York night. The food was incredible.
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Bar, Events & Nightlife
La Boca’s live-music dinner was a standout; tango in the elevator carries the hotel’s theatrical mood into the everyday. And The Living Room on second floor has a nightly program with DJs and live music.
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Minibar & Retail
Minibar is simple but there's a very special retail space at Tierra Santa spa.
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Accessibility
Accessible rooms and suites in all categories. All public spaces are accessible.
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Pet Friendly
Yes
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Children
Yes
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Price
Not for the faint of heart
- Website
Faena New York
Faena New York, West 18th Street, New York, NY, USA
La Boca
La Boca by Francis Mallmann, West 18th Street, New York, NY, USA
The High Line
High Line, New York, NY, USA
Art Galleries
Pace Gallery, West 25th Street, New York, NY, USA
In the Area
Hotel Location Faena New York, West 18th Street, New York, NY, USA
In West Chelsea, Faena sits beside the High Line and Hudson River Greenway, with Chelsea Piers and Little Island close by. The neighborhood’s galleries, including Hauser & Wirth and Nicola Vassell, give this stretch of the waterfront a distinct cultural pulse. I love stepping straight into the High Line and feeling its calm energy.
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