Meet THE STAYCATIONERS, a group of dedicated individuals on a mission to scout out New York’s finest boutique hotels and luxurious properties. Pack your weekender – an urban getaway never looked so good.

VOLUME I | REFINERY HOTEL

THE SPOT: Refinery Hotel, 63 W. 38th St, New York NY
THE STATS: 197 rooms, two nightlife venues, one restaurant
PERFECT FOR: Girls’ night in

Refinery Hotel is a former hat factory reincarnated as a gorgeous contemporary hotel with traces of its roots still apparent in detail. Once the crown jewel of the millinery industry, the building formerly known as the Colony Arcade remains a Garment District destination for guests seeking a taste of old-school New York married with modern luxury. THE STAYCATIONERS took over for a night, bringing you an insider’s look at how to staycay like a pro. Here’s the lowdown:

A true staycationer knows that brunch is essential. Parker and Quinn gets down with gastro fare and a nostalgic vintage vibe – hello, hunter green banquettes. Our STAYCATIONERS went all out with a combination of signature “early bird” “sleepy head” dishes, not complete without #PQbrunch boards, of course. Name one other brunch spot with build-your-own mimosas and bloodys. Yeah, we didn’t think so.

Okay, these rooms pretty much rule. Custom furnishings with industrial accents, Le Labo bath products, 12-foot ceilings, Frette bedding, original artwork, and a cocktail station…plus a marble mosaic-floored bathroom with ample space for three girls to primp for a night out. Or in, rather, as THE STAYCATIONERS never had to leave the premises.

Staycations are hard work and require extensive pampering. That’s where PRIV comes in. Nothing screams luxe quite like on-demand beauty and wellness. PRIV provides access to in-home (or in this case, in-suite) haircuts, blowouts/dry styling, makeup, nails, massages, or fitness at the touch of a button through the app. PRIV pros hooked THE STAYCATIONERS up with hair and nails in the comfort of their Deluxe Double Queen, Absolut Elyx-filled pineapples in hand. Anything involving a robe-clad pamper party with handcrafted premium vodka is good in our book.

BONUS ALERT: Download the PRIV app and use code tastethestyle20 for $20 off your first service. You’re welcome.

The Refinery’s 12 floors are bookended by two equally fab nightlife destinations, a crucial element to staycation success. Winnie’s Lobby Bar derives its name from Winifred T. MacDonald, a madam after our own hearts, who ran a bustling “tea” parlor in the Colony Arcade lobby during an era when women were not welcome in the city’s drinking establishments. The Prohibition-inspired space features live jazz, light bites from Parker and Quinn, and a book of craft cocktails and spirits, paying homage to its rich history and original proprietress.

Last but not least is Refinery Rooftop, putting all other rooftops to shame with its year-round retractable glass roof, ultra-cozy fireplace situation, and lounge boasting over 3,500 square feet of panoramic city skyline. The perfect place for intimate gatherings, private events, or a quick nightcap as your bed downstairs calls your name.

Keep up with THE STAYCATIONERS as they take over a new hotel each month. This round was made possible by Absolut Elyx, Jars by Dani, PRIV, VERAMEAT, Curriculum Vitae, and last but not least, the Refinery Hotel.

Photography by Daniela Spector