New York has always been a city that rewards curiosity—the willingness to look up at the skyline, wander into a new neighborhood, or strike up a conversation with a stranger while waiting for your morning coffee. At INNSiDE New York NoMad, curiosity isn’t just encouraged, it’s woven into the hotel’s DNA. Part of the INNSiDE by Meliá collection, the property is designed for travelers who blur the lines between business and leisure, offering a stylish home base that stays true to the city around it.

During my stay, that philosophy revealed itself in ways both big and small. From a doodle-wrapped elevator by artist Dave Draws—a whimsical map of New York that practically dares you to start planning your next stop on the way down from your room—to thoughtful in-room touches like a yoga mat for morning stretches, INNSiDE lives up to its tagline: Stay Curious.

What immediately struck me was how in tune the hotel is with the rhythms of New York City. The energy of the city doesn’t just exist outside its doors—it flows through the property. Case in point: during my visit, INNSiDE hosted the Fashion Designers of Latin America (FDLA) for a New York Fashion Week welcome reception. In a city that’s always at the forefront of culture, the hotel feels less like a bystander and more like a participant.

That sense of immersion continues with the Big Idea Space, a flexible meeting environment built for collaboration. Whether you’re brainstorming with colleagues or workshopping a passion project, the setting is designed to get ideas flowing. It’s a clever nod to the fact that today’s traveler doesn’t separate “work” from “life”—we do both, often in the same day.

All that exploration—mental or physical—eventually makes you hungry. Luckily, INNSiDE offers two dining experiences.

Hidden at the back of the hotel, El Lugar Cantina feels like stumbling upon a secret. The pop-up concept opens into a lush garden patio where colorful umbrellas float above and greenery frames the scene. It’s the kind of spot where you want to linger, sipping a margarita as Executive Chef Alex Mixcoatl and his team roll up with tableside guacamole. The focus here is on approachability and community, with street-style tacos rounding out the menu in a way that feels both casual and celebratory.

If El Lugar is the hidden gem, then The Wilson Kitchen & Cocktails is the neighborhood anchor. Open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, the restaurant delivers comfort food classics with a twist, paired with seasonal craft cocktails, wine, and beer. The space itself is a showstopper: a duplex with 30-foot ceilings, a living moss wall, and a sprawling staircase that connects the bar and dining room to an expansive lower level, making it ideal for everything from casual dinners to private events.

My guestroom was comfortable, practical, and modern, complete with a beautiful view of the city. It struck the right balance between functionality and personality. Beyond the essentials—plush bedding, a well-designed workspace, and high-speed Wi-Fi—the thoughtful extras stood out. The yoga mat was a reminder that INNSiDE understands travelers want to feel good while they’re on the go.

This kind of detail ties back to the brand’s ethos. Across its global portfolio, INNSiDE by Meliá is known for peppering rooms with small perks that make stays feel personal. At NoMad, that translates into touches that both inspire and restore.

One of the strengths of the INNSiDE brand is its commitment to authenticity. Each property is designed to reflect its location, creating a sense of place rather than a generic “could-be-anywhere” hotel. In New York, that means celebrating the city’s creativity and energy.

The doodle elevator map became one of my favorite features—not just because it’s Instagram-worthy, but because it sparked conversations. More than once, I found myself chatting with fellow guests about where they were headed that day, comparing notes on neighborhoods and hidden gems. In a city as sprawling as New York, those conversations can lead you to your next discovery.

INNSiDE New York NoMad excels at flexibility. It’s a hotel equally suited to the business traveler dialing into meetings, the group traveler exploring the city together, or the purpose-driven adventurer chasing cultural experiences.

The Open Living Lounge embodies that versatility, allowing guests to flow seamlessly from work to play. Meanwhile, the Infit fitness area provides a state-of-the-art space to break a sweat, complete with digital fitness software and yoga led by local experts. Combined with the Big Idea Space and event-ready dining venues, the property proves it’s as good at supporting productivity as it is at encouraging leisure.

Another element worth noting is INNSiDE’s commitment to sustainability. Meliá Hotels International, the parent company, was ranked the second most sustainable hotel company in the world in 2024 by the Corporate Sustainability Assessment (CSA). 

At the property level, that translates into eco-friendly touches that feel natural rather than performative. Guests benefit from small but impactful initiatives designed to protect the planet while enhancing their experience.

Location is everything in Manhattan, and INNSiDE New York NoMad is strategically placed at the crossroads of Chelsea and NoMad, just south of Madison Square Garden and Penn Station. That means guests have easy access to both Midtown and Downtown, with some of the city’s best dining, shopping, and cultural institutions within walking distance. For those arriving by train, the hotel’s proximity to Penn Station is particularly convenient, making it a strong choice for travelers who want the city at their doorstep.

By the end of my stay, I realized that INNSiDE New York NoMad is more than just a place to sleep—it’s a space that encourages you to engage with the city and with yourself. It’s modern and practical, yet playful and curious. It’s as suited to the explorer who wants to map out every corner of Manhattan as it is to the work traveler seeking a stylish hub between meetings.