A Spring Staycation taken during the week is peak refresh vibes. We stayed at Muse New York where we previously shot an editorial photoshoot a few years ago for our MAR ISSUE #87. We looked forward to our suite, private balcony, and a spacious bathroom as a way to reset!

Since our last time being at this hotel, Little Opus has opened for a great restaurant option throughout the day as well as to enjoy cocktails, there are a number of events to enjoy at the hotel as well as amenities. It’s also located to enjoy and navigate a number of restaurants nearby. We chatted with Natalie Bogan, the property’s General Manager to find out what we need to know about the property as well as why travelers, staycationers, and even those who live and work in the neighborhood should swing by.

ATHLEISURE MAG: As we navigate the Spring and get ready for the Summer, The Muse Hotel is in the heart of the city! What is the vibe of this hotel whether you’re on a staycation, traveling for business, on vacation or swinging by for a meeting?

NATALIE BOGAN: The Muse is a boutique Midtown retreat. Intimate, design-forward, and quietly polished, it offers a more personal New York experience just steps from the energy of Times Square. Whether visiting for business, leisure, or a staycation, guests enjoy the feeling of being in the center of it all while tucked away in a refined city escape.

AM: Tell us about the common areas of the property that guests can enjoy.

NB: Our common spaces are designed to feel warm, inviting, and effortlessly stylish. The lobby flows into Little Opus, our all-day café, bar, and restaurant, where guests can enjoy morning coffee, casual meetings, cocktails, or unwind throughout the day. Debuting June 2026, we are also excited to introduce The Pocket, our intimate new jazz venue that will bring live music and vibrant energy to the hotel experience.

AM: You have a number of room options available for guests, can you tell us about them?

NB: Our guestrooms are designed as a calm retreat above the energy of Midtown, blending comfort, style, and thoughtful details. Each room features a working desk, mini fridge, smart TV, in-room safe, and make-up mirror, with still and sparkling water stations available on every other floor. Guests can choose from a range of accommodations, including Grand King rooms with a custom king bed and suites with pull-out sofas for added flexibility. We also offer eight spacious balcony rooms with private terraces ranging from 200 to 500 square feet, perfect for stepping outside, unwinding, and taking in sweeping city views.

AM: What amenities are offered for guests staying at the hotel?

NB: A curated collection of amenities ensures a seamless and memorable stay, including high-speed Wi-Fi, a 24-hour fitness center with Technogym equipment and Pelotons, in-room dining, and concierge service with curated local recommendations. Little Opus, our all-day café, bar, and restaurant, and The Pocket, our intimate on-site jazz venue debuting in June 2026, further enhance the experience, along with exclusive discounted partnerships across wellness, lifestyle, and city experiences.

AM: What can you tell us about Little Opus?

NB: Little Opus is the social heart of The Muse and a favorite hidden gem for both guests and locals. Our all-day café, bar, and restaurant transitions effortlessly from morning coffee and breakfast to lunch, evening cocktails, and dinner. Warm, stylish, and inviting, the space is elevated by signature artwork from Markus Sebastiano, adding to its creative New York energy. Guests can also enjoy live jazz music on the last Tuesday of every month, along with rotating weekly specials that bring something new to discover with each visit.

AM: For those coming for Breakfast, what are 3 dishes or items that we should have in mind when we are swinging by?

NB: Breakfast at Little Opus is the perfect way to ease into the day. Three favorites to have in mind are our Farmer’s Market Avocado Toast, the Savory Breakfast Bowl with seasonal vegetables and chili lime yogurt, and our seasonal Honey Oat Cinnamon Latte, which is a personal favorite and the perfect cozy start to the morning.

AM: When it’s time for Lunch, what are 3 items that we should think about enjoying with friends and family?

NB: Lunch at Little Opus is fresh, satisfying, and perfect for a Midtown break with friends, family, or colleagues. Three favorites we love are The Opus B.L.T. with thickcut applewood bacon, our Vegetarian Composition with grilled seasonal vegetables and house-made balsamic glaze, and one of our Seasonal Grain or Salad Bowls that are light, flavorful, and city-ready.

AM: As we shift into Dinner, what are 3 dishes we should be thinking about at this time of day?

NB: As the evening unfolds, Little Opus takes on a warm, inviting energy. Notable dishes include our Pan-Seared Salmon, cooked to perfection and beautifully balanced, K-Town Chicken Wings with bold flavor and just the right kick, and our wagyu sliders. Or, if you’re like me, just order truffle fries, a Caesar Salad, and a Diet Coke for the ultimate girl dinner.

AM: For those that are looking to swing by for Happy Hour or pre/post dinner drinks, what are 3 cocktails that we should consider when relaxing?

Our favorite seasonal cocktail is the Honeyed Eleanore crafted with honey sourced directly from our rooftop hive. Bright and refreshing, it highlights natural sweetness balanced with citrus for a distinctly local and memorable sip.

For timeless favorites, the Marquee Martini remains a crisp, refreshing guest staple. We’re also proud to continue our partnership with Woodinville Whiskey, an award-winning Washington State bourbon rooted in craftsmanship and estate-grown grains from a three-generation family farm. Showcasing that collaboration, our Good Morning, Tonight offers a playful, breakfast-inspired Old Fashioned that guests can customize to their taste.

AM: Tell us about the bees on the roof, your partnership with Alvéole, and the Bees Knees Cocktail.

NB: The 19th floor is home to our active beehive, maintained in partnership with Alvéole, a leader in urban beekeeping focused on sustainability, education, and pollinator health. These rooftop bees support local biodiversity, and their honey is harvested seasonally for use throughout our food and beverage program.

We also celebrate this ingredient through the Bee’s Knees, a classic Prohibition-era cocktail made with gin, fresh lemon juice, and honey. Simple and refined, it highlights the natural sweetness and versatility of honey in a bright, citrus-forward drink.

AM: For those bringing their dog to stay with them, what can you tell us about the Welcome Package for them?

NB: Our welcome package is designed to make four-legged family members feel right at home from the moment they arrive, featuring a plush bed, water bowl, and a special keepsake gift to remember The Muse long after their stay. Through our partnership with Procure Impact, we source select items from Turn2U Productions, supporting a mission that creates meaningful employment opportunities and promotes inclusive growth.

AM: We love getting into the gym, what can you tell us about the Fitness Center?

NB: Our 24-hour fitness center is designed for travelers who want to maintain their routine without compromise. Featuring brand new Technogym equipment and Peloton bikes, the space offers a sleek, elevated and highly efficient environment, ideal for everything from an energizing early morning workout before meetings to a restorative reset after a day in the city. Guests can also enjoy personalized Muse workouts available both in the fitness center and in-room, with the option to further enhance recovery and overall wellbeing through our Muse Wellness partnership with Technogym.

AM: Are there any special packages that we should have in mind when we are thinking about booking our upcoming stays that you would like to highlight?

NB: We love packages that help guests experience more of both the hotel and the city. One seasonal favorite is our Midnight Muse package, inspired by Times Square’s Midnight Moment, the world’s largest and longest-running digital public art program. Each night from 11:57 PM to midnight, contemporary artwork is displayed across 92 digital screens from 41st to 49th Streets, creating a true only-in-New-York experience just steps from our front door.

We also offer our Picnic Package in partnership with PikNYC, designed for effortless exploration of the city. It features a thoughtfully curated picnic selection perfect for enjoying in nearby parks or along the waterfront, making it easy to step outside and experience New York at your own pace.

AM: Are there any perks that we should be aware of that guests can enjoy when booking?

NB: Guests are in the center of it all, with direct access to Broadway, Bryant Park, Fifth Avenue, and Midtown’s most iconic attractions, while still returning to a hotel that feels intimate and tucked away. Through our neighborhood partnerships, guests receive exclusive discounts and preferred access with RiseNY, Comedy Village, GlamSquad, and Joanna Vargas Spa.

Our concierge team is always on hand to curate these experiences, creating a more personalized and connected New York stay.

AM: Tell us about Shiny and why you wanted to have this as an option for guests.

NB: Shiny is our digital tipping platform, created to make guest recognition easier in an increasingly cashless world. It gives guests a simple, seamless way to thank the team members who helped make their stay special, even without carrying cash. For us, it was important to offer a modern option that supports our associates while keeping the guest experience thoughtful and intuitive.

AM: What can you tell us about the neighborhood and what we should know about it?

NB: Our neighborhood captures the essence of New York. Located in the heart of Times Square, guests are steps from Broadway theaters, world-class shopping, and the city’s most iconic energy. We are also just off Sixth Avenue, making the hotel especially convenient for corporate travelers with offices along the corridor. It offers the perfect balance, allowing guests to be in the center of it all while returning to a space that feels calm, intimate, and removed from the pace outside.

AM: Are there any special events coming up that we should know about whether we are staying on property, or we happen to be in the neighborhood?

NB: We are eagerly anticipating one of the most exciting additions to The Muse this summer: the arrival of The Pocket. Launching in June, it is the newest project from Grant Gardner and Martin Porter, Michelin-starred hospitality veterans behind Jazz Standard, Crane Club, Jazz at Lincoln Center, and Blue Note.

Designed to evoke the intimacy of New York’s legendary 52nd Street jazz rooms of the 1940s and 1950s, The Pocket places music at the center, with exceptional acoustics and some of the finest sightlines in the city, creating a truly immersive experience. The opening roster features world-class talent including Wynton Marsalis, The Mingus Big Band, Cécile McLorin Salvant, Donny McCaslin, and Lakecia Benjamin, setting a sophisticated tone from the very first performance. True to the founders’ hospitality background, the venue will also offer an elevated food and beverage program, inviting guests to begin the evening with dinner and cocktails before settling in for a refined and unforgettable night of live music.

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PHOTOGRAPHY COURTESY | Muse New York