The first-ever Life Hotel opens this April in Manhattan’s desirable NoMad neighborhood.
Located at 19 West 31st Street, the hotel occupies the original building that once housed LIFE magazine — a place where writers and artists worked, lived and socialized. The new property honors that legacy, combining a restored historic environment with contemporary amenities. The boutique 98-room hotel includes the intimate Life Restaurant run by Chef Michael Vignola, a lobby bar and a hidden basement speakeasy.
Behind the Life Hotel are developer David Mitchell and BR Guest Hospitality founder Stephen Hanson. Together they have shaped a hospitality concept that blends warmth and strong service with accessibility and value, delivering an experience that goes beyond a typical overnight stay.
“When I first stepped foot into this building, it spoke to me, and ultimately became the inspiration for the Life Hotel brand,” says Mitchell. “Research revealed that the upper floors once served as apartments for LIFE writers and artists when the magazine launched in 1893, while editorial offices occupied the lower floors. The building even sheltered a secret bar during Prohibition. That history informs everything we’ve done — we wanted to create a place to linger, work and socialize, not just sleep and eat.”
The renovation highlights craftsmanship from the late 1800s. Originally designed by the renowned New York firm Carrère and Hastings, the project carefully peeled back layers of later alterations to showcase the building’s architectural history while integrating modern systems and comforts.
The lobby serves as the hotel’s social hub and marketplace, combining check-in, a lounge area and the lobby bar. Communal tables provide space to sit, meet or work, and the hotel offers robust Wi‑Fi to support the growing work-play community of travelers and locals.
Guestroom design moves toward a contemporary aesthetic while preserving historical detail. The 98 rooms feature high ceilings, wood floors, exposed concrete accents and original moldings on crisp white walls. Each bathroom is accessed through a custom wood door with frosted glass and includes vintage-style tile, brass fixtures and a renovated tub or shower. Furnishings emphasize comfort and function: oversized brass-framed beds, work-friendly desks and curated poetry pieces. Most rooms are equipped with a 60-inch flat-screen TV for in-room entertainment.
Life Restaurant focuses on vegetable-forward, seasonally driven fare, with sustainable and wild-caught seafood, handmade pastas and dishes cooked in a wood-burning oven to enhance flavor and texture.
A hidden staircase off the lobby — and a separate street entrance — lead to a discreet basement bar modeled on the classic cocktails once enjoyed by LIFE staffers. The speakeasy-style space can also function as a private dining or meeting room, accommodating up to 60 guests.
Reservations are available for stays beginning April 10, with rates starting at $249 per night.
“The Life brand is about four-star service at a smart, accessible price,” Mitchell adds. “You’ll notice the personal touch and value throughout your stay, whether you’re streaming a favorite show on the in-room TV, savoring wood-oven-roasted dishes at our restaurant, or enjoying a classic cocktail in the speakeasy.”