The Standard High Line, New York

Rising from one of the city’s most sought-after sites in the trendy Meatpacking District, the glass-slab building of this boutique hotel appears to float above the High Line, New York’s new “park on stilts”.

Supported on huge concrete pillars, extending into two glass-curtain walls, The Standard High Line is a hyper-modern building that looks like an open book standing on end. The bold architectural design of The Standard brings to mind the Le Corbusier style.

Towering above the High Line

This daring structure is the first of a sequence of projects linked to the development of the High Line, an abandoned section of the elevated railroad line, which passes over the buildings of the district and is currently being transformed into a greenway.

The hotel straddles the High Line park, which is considered one of the most innovative and influential urban-renewal projects in recent years. “We had to be sensitive to this new landmark,” says hotelier André Balazs, the man behind The Standard. “It tramples through our site, but it also defines it”.

The Hip Standard High Line

The interiors are an epitome of cool; from the ultra-swanky lobby to the guest rooms, which have a retro, late 70’s to early 80’s feel.

The rooms come in a variety of layouts, and each room has a floor-to-ceiling glass window—the Statue of Liberty or Manhattan skyline can be admired from the freestanding bathtub.

The hotel restaurants and bars attract not only hotel guests, but also the New York City ‘creative types’. The Standard Grill restaurant stands out by the means of its remarkable floor, tiled with 460,000 copper pennies. Le Bain rooftop bar is “a penthouse discothèque” place with inspiring views and a plunge pool on the dance floor during the summer.

in our opinion

The Standard High Line is anything but ordinary.

The confident architectural style, the funky and elegant interiors, the sweeping panoramic views—all make this boutique hotel stands out from the busy NY crowd.

*This review contains affiliate links at no extra cost to you.

What we love

• Spectacular views of the Hudson River and Manhattan’s magnificent skyline;
• Fabulously trendy Le Bain rooftop bar;
• Contemporary design, as well as the hip-and-happening atmosphere;
• Attentive and professional staff;
• The Standard Grill restaurant, with the amazing penny tile concept;
• The elevators feature a video installation that represents heaven (when going up) and hell (when going down);
• Artists such as KAWS and Marco Brambilla have their pieces installed within the hotel;
• The hotel provides bikes for a ride along the Hudson River;
• In winter, guests can ice skate on the hotel’s very own ice rink just below the High Line;
• Complimentary WiFi and 24-hour room service.

What you should know

• Glass-Walled bathrooms offer little privacy—and pedestrians on the High Line have clear views into many rooms;
• This isn't exactly a children-friendly place;
• Pets are permitted for an additional $150 per pet, per stay;
• All rooms are non-smoking;
• Valet parking is available for $55 per car, per night;
• Private airport transfers are $130 to and from John F. Kennedy International Airport and $110 to and from LaGuardia Airport—both can be arranged through the property directly;
• Taxis are available to and from JFK for $60, each way, and to and from LGA for $40, each way. The AirTrain to/from JFK connects to A, E, J and Z lines and is only $5 per person, each way;