Hemingway Penthouse with Fireplace/Chimney

Hotel Description

Look, I’ve stayed in a lot of places that throw around Hemingway’s name just because they have dark wood and maybe a dusty book on the nightstand, but this penthouse actually gets it right. When you walk in, there’s this immediate sense of—I don’t know how to put it—literary weight, maybe? The fireplace isn’t some gas thing tucked in a corner; it’s a proper chimney situation that dominates one wall, and honestly, the first thing I did was check if it actually worked. It does, and well, which is more than I can say for half the “charming fireplaces” I’ve encountered.

The space feels lived-in rather than staged, if that makes sense. There are these worn leather chairs positioned just right for reading, and the lighting is actually decent—you know how hotel lighting is usually either blazing fluorescent or so dim you need a headlamp to find your socks? This hits that sweet spot. The windows are generous, and if you’re lucky enough to visit during the quieter months, you can actually hear yourself think. I mean, it’s a penthouse, so you’re above most of the street noise anyway, but still. The 8.3 rating feels about right—it’s not perfect (the shower pressure could use some work, and don’t get me started on trying to figure out the TV remote), but there’s something genuine about the place that keeps you from caring too much about the small stuff.

What really sold me, though, was spending an evening by that fireplace with a book and a drink from the little bar setup they have tucked away. The whole room gets this warm, flickering light, and you can almost picture Papa himself holding court in one of those chairs. I’m not usually one for themed accommodations—they tend to feel gimmicky—but this one manages to capture something authentic about the writing life without beating you over the head with it. The four-star rating seems fair; it’s comfortable and well-appointed without being flashy. You’re paying for atmosphere here, and honestly, if you’re the type of person drawn to a place called “Hemingway Penthouse,” you probably understand that trade-off. Just make sure to grab some good books before you arrive, because once you settle in by that fire, you’re not going to want to leave to hunt for reading material.

Facilities