Ever walk past 136 West 55th Street and feel like you've missed out on a secret? That’s the vibe of the Blakely Hotel NYC. It’s tucked away between 6th and 7th Avenues, away from the neon chaos of Times Square but close enough to hear the hum of Carnegie Hall. Honestly, for years, it was the "if you know, you know" spot for savvy travelers who wanted a library-style aesthetic without the library-style price tag.
But things got weird recently. If you try to book a room today, you might hit a wall. Or a lawsuit. Or a "permanently closed" sign.
The story of the Blakely isn't just about comfy beds and cherry wood furniture anymore. It’s a saga of New York real estate drama, corporate musical chairs, and a shifting hotel landscape that has left many regulars wondering where to go. You’ve probably seen the headlines about LuxUrban or the legal battles over unpaid rent. It's a lot to untangle, but if you're looking for the truth about this Midtown staple, you're in the right place.
What Actually Happened to the Blakely Hotel NYC?
The history of this building is basically a mirror of New York City's own evolution. Long before it was the Blakely, it was the Gorham Hotel. Back in early 2004, the property underwent a massive multimillion-century renovation. It re-emerged as the Blakely on May 1, 2004, under the direction of BD Hotels—the heavy hitters Richard Born and Ira Drukier. These guys are the same minds behind the Mercer and the Maritime, so they knew exactly how to make a boutique hotel feel "expensive" without being snobby.
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For nearly two decades, the Blakely was known for its English-style charm. Think oak baseboards, Frette robes, and Penhaligon's amenities. It felt like a private club.
Then came the 2020s.
In 2021, a company called LuxUrban (formerly CorpHousing Group) took over the lease. They had big plans. They wanted to scale up fast, taking over historic properties and running them under their "Powered by LuxUrban" brand. But by April 2025, the wheels started coming off. The owner, BD Hotels, sued LuxUrban for nonpayment of rent. By mid-2025, LuxUrban was effectively booted from the property.
As of early 2026, the hotel's status is in a bit of a gray area. While some booking engines still show cached pages, the "Blakely by LuxUrban" era is dead. The building remains a prime piece of real estate, but the days of grabbing a $200 suite with a kitchenette might be over for now.
Why People Were Obsessed With the Rooms
If you ever stayed there, you know the rooms were massive by Manhattan standards. Most "boutique" hotels in NYC feel like you're sleeping in a walk-in closet. The Blakely was different.
- The Kitchenettes: Every room had a small sink, microwave, and mini-fridge. For families or business travelers on a week-long stint, this was a game-changer.
- The Library Vibe: They didn't do the "cold, modern" thing. They went for warm cherry wood and traditional English decor. It felt like someone’s very wealthy grandfather’s guest room.
- The Bathroom Game: We’re talking marble. Everywhere. And those Frette robes were legendary.
Most people don't realize that the "Standard" rooms at the Blakely were often around 310 square feet. In Midtown? That's huge. The suites were even bigger, hitting the 450-550 square foot range. You could actually walk around the bed without hitting your shin on a dresser.
Location, Location, Location
You couldn't beat the block. You were steps away from:
- Carnegie Hall: Literally right around the corner.
- Central Park: A five-minute walk north.
- The MOMA: Close enough to visit on a whim before lunch.
- The Subway: The 57th Street-7th Avenue station (N, Q, R, W lines) was basically your front yard.
The Legal Drama Most Guests Missed
While tourists were enjoying their continental breakfasts, a war was brewing in the boardroom. LuxUrban's business model was aggressive. They leased entire hotels and tried to flip them into short-term rentals or tech-forward boutique stays. But they ran into massive financial headwinds.
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Court documents from the 2025 eviction proceedings revealed that LuxUrban allegedly ignored notices that their lease had been terminated. They stayed in the building even after they were told to leave. It wasn't just the Blakely, either; they were losing properties across the city.
This is why, if you check reviews from 2024 and early 2025, you see a weird mix. Some people loved the classic bones of the building, while others complained that "management" felt invisible or that the internet didn't work. The staff was often praised for trying their best, but they were working for a company that was literally losing the keys to the building.
What’s Next for 136 West 55th Street?
Is it going to stay a hotel? Or is it the next candidate for the NYC hotel-to-residential conversion trend?
Under the Housing Our Neighbors with Dignity Act (HONDA), several former NYC hotels have been turned into affordable housing or luxury condos. Given the Blakely's prime location, a residential conversion would be worth a fortune. However, BD Hotels (the owners) are experts at running successful hospitality spots. They might just be waiting for the right moment to relaunch it under a new name—or bring back the "Blakely" brand with a fresh management team.
Honestly, the "Blakely" name has a lot of equity. People trust it. It would be a shame to lose that classic Midtown feel to another glass-and-steel condo project.
Planning a Trip? Here’s What to Do Instead
If you were looking to book the Blakely Hotel NYC for your 2026 trip, you need an alternative that hits those same notes: spacious rooms, traditional vibes, and a killer location.
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The Shoreham is just a few blocks away and offers a similar boutique feel, though it’s a bit more modern. If you want that "old world" luxury that Richard Born is famous for, look at The Elysee on East 54th. It’s got that same library-esque charm and incredible service.
Another solid pick is Hotel Beacon on the Upper West Side. It has the kitchenettes that made the Blakely so popular, and the neighborhood vibe is even more authentic.
Actionable Insights for Travelers in 2026
If you are hunting for a stay in this specific slice of Midtown, keep these tips in mind:
- Check the Management: Before booking any boutique hotel in NYC right now, do a quick Google News search for the management company. If names like "LuxUrban" or "Sonder" pop up with "restructuring" headlines, proceed with caution.
- Confirm Amenities: Don't assume the kitchenette is functional just because the photos show it. Call the front desk and ask.
- The "Construction" Check: Midtown is always building something. Check Recent TripAdvisor photos (from within the last 30 days) to see if there's scaffolding blocking your "view" of 55th Street.
The era of the Blakely as we knew it might be on pause, but the building isn't going anywhere. Whether it reopens as a revamped luxury boutique or becomes the city's next high-end residence, 136 West 55th remains a landmark of the Midtown that used to be. Keep an eye on the city's building permits if you're really curious—that's where the real story is always hidden.