New York City is filled with massive hotels, luxury chains, and trendy boutique properties, but every once in a while, you come across a hotel that feels completely different from the rest.
That was certainly the case with the Roger Smith Hotel in New York City.
Located at 501 Lexington Avenue in Midtown Manhattan, the Roger Smith Hotel was a longtime family-run boutique hotel with an artistic personality, comfortable rooms, and a fantastic location for exploring some of the most popular attractions in New York City.
While the Roger Smith Hotel has since closed, it remains one of those unique New York City hotels worth remembering — especially if you love discovering properties with history and character.
A Boutique Hotel in the Heart of Midtown Manhattan
One of the best things about staying at the Roger Smith Hotel was its location.
The hotel sat on Lexington Avenue between 47th and 48th Streets, putting you right in the middle of Midtown Manhattan.
For a first-time visit to New York City, Midtown makes an incredibly convenient home base. From the Roger Smith, visitors could easily explore places such as:
- Grand Central Terminal
- The Chrysler Building
- Rockefeller Center
- Times Square
- Broadway
- The New York Public Library
- Fifth Avenue
- The Museum of Modern Art
- Central Park
Many of New York City's most recognizable attractions were within walking distance, while nearby subway stations made it easy to venture farther into Manhattan.
I love staying somewhere that allows me to walk out the front door and immediately start exploring, and the Roger Smith's Midtown location made that easy.
The History of the Roger Smith Hotel
Part of what made this hotel interesting was its history.
The Roger Smith Hotel was a longtime family-run property with roots going back to the early 20th century. The Manhattan building was originally known as the Hotel Winthrop before becoming part of the Roger Smith hotel operation.
Instead of feeling like a cookie-cutter hotel where every room and hallway looked exactly the same, the Roger Smith embraced its age and personality.
That personality became even more noticeable under James Knowles, an artist who managed the hotel beginning in the late 1980s. Art became an important part of the hotel's identity, with sculptures and other works incorporated throughout the property.
It gave the hotel a personality that was hard to duplicate.
Staying at the Roger Smith Hotel
The Roger Smith wasn't about ultra-modern, minimalist hotel rooms.
Instead, the rooms had more of an old-fashioned residential feeling. Rooms varied in layout and furnishings, and the larger suites could feel more like small New York apartments than traditional hotel rooms.
That made the property especially appealing for travelers who wanted a little more space while visiting Manhattan.
After spending an entire day walking through New York City, sightseeing, shopping, and hopping on and off the subway, having a comfortable place to come back to makes such a difference.
And there was something fun about staying in a hotel that actually felt like it belonged in New York.
An Artistic Side of New York City
Another thing that separated the Roger Smith Hotel from many Midtown properties was its connection to art.
Art wasn't simply something hanging on the walls as decoration. It was part of the hotel's identity.
The property displayed contemporary artwork throughout its public spaces, while Lily's Bar also featured exhibitions from local artists. Sculptures by James Knowles could even be found around the entrance to the hotel.
The result was a hotel that felt more personal and creative than many of the larger properties surrounding it.
If you've visited New York City several times, you know how easy it can be to overlook places like this while rushing from one major attraction to another.
But those smaller details are often what make a trip memorable.
Drinks Above the City at Henry's Rooftop Bar
One of the hotel's most memorable spaces was Henry's Rooftop Bar.
The seasonal rooftop bar offered views of Midtown Manhattan surrounded by the city's skyscrapers. The hotel also had rooftop event spaces with impressive views of the Chrysler Building.
There's just something magical about seeing New York City from a rooftop.
During the day, the skyline seems to stretch forever. At night, the buildings begin to glow and suddenly you're surrounded by millions of twinkling lights.
It's one of those classic New York experiences that never really gets old.
Lily's Bar
For something a little more intimate, the hotel also had Lily's Bar near the lobby.
Lily's wasn't a huge, flashy hotel bar. It was a cozy space overlooking Lexington Avenue that combined cocktails with the hotel's love of art. Rotating exhibitions showcased work from local artists, and the space also hosted cultural events over the years.
It fit perfectly with the Roger Smith's overall personality.
Instead of trying to feel like a giant luxury hotel, it leaned into being smaller, artistic, and distinctly New York.
Exploring Midtown From the Roger Smith Hotel
If you're planning a New York City itinerary based around Midtown, the Roger Smith's former location gives you a good idea of just how much there is to see in this part of Manhattan.
Start your morning by walking toward Grand Central Terminal and taking time to admire the beautiful Main Concourse.
From there, head toward the New York Public Library and Bryant Park before continuing toward Times Square.
You could also head north toward Rockefeller Center and Fifth Avenue. Depending on how much walking you're up for, continue toward Central Park and spend an afternoon exploring there.
And don't forget to look up while you're walking!
Some of the most beautiful architecture in New York City is hiding right above eye level.
Don't Miss the Chrysler Building
One landmark you definitely couldn't miss near the Roger Smith Hotel was the Chrysler Building.
Its Art Deco crown is one of my favorite parts of the New York skyline.
Because the hotel was located so close to it, guests could catch glimpses of the Chrysler Building from some of the hotel's spaces, including its rooftop areas.
If you love architecture or photography, this entire area of Midtown is worth exploring on foot.
Is the Roger Smith Hotel Still Open?
Unfortunately, no.
The Roger Smith Hotel closed in 2021 after decades in Midtown Manhattan. The building was sold in 2022 and changed ownership again in 2024.
That means travelers searching for information about the Roger Smith Hotel today should know that you can no longer book a stay at the property.
However, if you stayed there before it closed, the hotel remains an interesting piece of New York City travel history.
It's also a great reminder of how quickly New York changes. Restaurants, shops, hotels, and attractions that seem like they've been around forever can disappear or transform almost overnight.
Final Thoughts on the Roger Smith Hotel in NYC
The Roger Smith Hotel represented something I always enjoy finding when I travel — a place with personality.
Its Midtown location made exploring New York City incredibly convenient, but its artistic touches, individually styled rooms, rooftop spaces, and family-run history helped it stand apart from the enormous hotel chains surrounding it.
Although you can no longer stay at the Roger Smith Hotel, it's still worth remembering as part of Midtown Manhattan's hotel history.
And if you were lucky enough to stay there during a trip to New York City, you'll probably remember exactly what made it special.
Sometimes the places we remember most from our travels aren't necessarily the newest or fanciest.
They're the ones that had a story.
Looks like a really nice hotel! I like those "old world charm" places a lot. It's fun to stay somewhere that isn't a cookie cutter room like most hotels.