Chelsea

I am looking at staying at the Chelsea lodge. I was wondering what the chelsea area is like is it safe? I am striaght and have heard it is popular with the gay community. I don%26#39;t have a problem with gay people but will I be out of place in this area and hotel being striaght? or is just a local club in the area?

Chelsea

Although there is a large gay community in Chelsea it really is a mixed area, so I do not think you would feel out of place. It is a very lovely area, beautiful tree lined streets, lots of brownstones %26amp; nice architecture, plus lots of great places to eat, on 8th, 9th %26amp; 10th AVenues, between 23rd %26amp; 14th Streets. Very close to Greenwich Village %26amp; The Meatpacking district, very walkable to Times Square, lots of art galleries in the area. If you stay here visit The General Theological Seminary on 9th Avenue between 20 %26amp; 20st Street, very pretty. Also, towards the water on the westside and walk downtown, very nice views of the SOL, will take you to the World Financial Center and Battery Park.

It is located between 8th %26amp; 9th Avenues, there is a subway line on 8th Avenue @23St, and bus service on 23rd Street, 9th Avenue %26amp; 8th Avenue.

Chelsea

If you google ';chelsea lodge'; and ';gay'; you will see this residence appearing as gay friendly and gay orientated. That is not to say there will not be any straight people staying there. Chelsea is an openly gay area, men are commonly seen walking hand in hand and many of the bars and restaurants are gay too. There are no gates surrounding Chelsea to keep straight people out however, so you will not be the only one.

I stayed there, yeah there a lot of gay guys in the neighborhood, but I never sensed that I was in a ';gay'; hotel. It%26#39;s just a hotel in a gay neighborhood. Pretty decent for the price too.

I don%26#39;t think anyone answered your question directly about safety. It is a very safe area.

There are so many great places to eat in Chelsea. For example, a very nice, reasonable Italian restaurant is Le Zie on 7th Ave and 20th Street. Look for the orange awning.

www.lezie.com

My favorite Chelsea cafe (esp. for brunch) is La Belle Vie on Eighth Ave. near 21st St. Lots of other little cafes and interesting boutiques around there...It%26#39;s a cool place...no need to feel any less safe than anywhere else. (In fact, I feel less safe in crowded, bustling midtown/theater district, where there are always con men and people who look for easy marks!)

There%26#39;s a great store called ';details'; that has great, unusual kitchen and bath stuff.

For inexpensive dining, I also like The Dish, Mary Ann%26#39;s Mexican and Chelsea Bar and Grill.

Chealsea is a safe and nice area with many nice restaurants/lounges. Some are mainly for a gay crowd and others for straight crowds. With a quick look inside you will be able to identify which is which. Also check out NYC%26#39;s new trendy spots in the meat packing district. (walking distance from Chealsea). http://www.meatpacking-district.com/

jask83 -

I am planning on staying at the Chelsea Lodge soon. Saw your post and wanted to know how your trip was. Did the Chelsea live up to your expectations? What about the neighborhood?

Any advice to pass along?

Thanks for the post.

Valerie

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