An Eerie Midnight Visit to The Infamous Chelsea Hotel in NYC

Whilst taking a midnight stroll in NYC the other night, we somehow found ourselves outside the Infamous Chelsea Hotel. The hotel has lodged some illustrious characters through the years, from literary great Dylan Thomas to pop culture icon Andy Warhol. Known for inspiring artists and authors most memorable works (Arthur C. Clarke penned 2001: A Space Odyssey at the Chelsea), the hotel is just as famous for mayhem and murder. Rock star Sid Vicious of the punk band The Sex Pistols allegedly killed his girlfriend, Nancy Spungen while staying in room 100.

The Chelsea has gone through some transformations over the years but has remained a mecca for artists and tourists due to it’s famous inhabitants, some who may still call the hotel home even after they’ve checked out!  We decided to stop and take a peak at the Chelsea’s gorgeous lobby. Filled with eclectic art and huge ornate fireplace, the lobby reflects not only the hotel’s bohemian spirit but also it’s eerie past.

The lobby is home to a magnificent painting of the ghostly ‘White Horse’. Obviously, a tribute to the nearby The White Horse Tavern, which holds the dubious distinction of being the place where Dylan Thomas drank his last whiskey before retiring to the hotel. He fell into an alcohol induced coma and later died at nearby St. Vincents Hospital.

The reception desk is in the back. This lovely swinging lady greets you as you check in. It’s fun to imagine the colorful characters who have checked in here over the years.

A close up of the White Horse. We wished we had written down the artist’s name but when your sneaking around the Chelsea in the middle of the night it’s best to get in and out in hurry!

Janis Joplin, Leonard Cohen, Bob Dylan, Jimi Hendrix, and the Grateful Dead have all spent time at the Chelsea. While some found their stay to be inspirational but most infamous visitors used the hotel as an escape.

There are plenty of ghosts stories floating around the hotel, from strung out junkie ghost sightings to ‘conversations’ with Sid and Nancy. You can read more about guest’s ghostly encounters by checking out Hotel Chelsea’s blog, ‘Living with Legends‘.

Want to have your own ghostly experience? Why not check into the hotel and stay a night? The Chelsea’s website can provide you with info on rates and availability.