Bohemian artist atelier
Resident cats roam the lobby of this countercultural walk-up, where every stairwell, corridor, and surface is covered in site-specific murals.
What it’s good at
Remarkable
Every guestroom, hallway, and bathroom features custom murals and immersive installations painted by international resident artists.
Remarkable
A preserved bohemian enclave in Kips Bay connecting guests to four decades of downtown Manhattan countercultural art history.
Notable
Continuously operating its artist-in-residence project since the late 1970s as an enduring haven for visiting creators.
Right in the middle
Well-located: walkable to some things, a short ride to more.
Set on East 25th Street in Kips Bay, the hotel is a short stroll from Gramercy and Madison Square Park.
The rooms
Every bedroom is an immersive installation hand-painted by international resident artists, with styles ranging from pop art to surrealist dreamscapes.
How it began

The former flophouse transformed in the 1980s when management launched an art project, trading free lodging for site-specific installations.
Good to know
Stay here
Carlton Arms Hotel
Choose your dates to see every room and rate, and book in a few steps.
Add dates to see the price for your stay.
Or book with
Booking.comWe may earn a commission when you book through Booking.com. It never decides which hotels we include or how we rate them.
The app
Like this one? There are so many more.
Swipe any city’s hotels and heart the ones you love. The app gets your taste.
Our shorthand
How we rate hotels.
The medals
Gold
Extremely rare. Sets the global standard.
Silver
Brilliant execution. And we’re picky.
Bronze
They did this well. You’ll notice.
Listed
A defining trait. Makes the hotel what it is.
The eight vibes
Design
Built around a vision. Even the door handles have a designer.
Luxe
Cared for at every turn. The bath is drawn before you ask.
Local
It could only be here. You wake up knowing where you are.
Social
Where the city goes out. The bar is full and the night is young.
Heritage
A building with a story. Once a palace, a monastery, a station.
Wellness
You leave feeling new. Rest, sweat, soak and sleep like a stone.
Classic
The city grew up with it. Same rituals, same regulars, same bar.
Resort
A world of its own. Something to do from breakfast to nightcap.
The scene
Lively
Where things happen: restaurants, shops, people.
Central
Well-located: walkable to some things, a short ride to more.
Quiet
Away from the crowds. Getting around takes intention.
Secluded
A place apart: the property is the destination.