The first-ever Life Hotel opens its doors early April in Manhattan’s highly desirable NoMad neighborhood.

The hotel, located at 19 West 31st St., is in the original building that once housed LIFE magazine, where writers and artists worked, resided and played. The hotel echoes the original dual-use of the iconic property. The chic 98-key hotel has been restored with the additions of the intimate namesake restaurant, Life Restaurant, managed by Chef Michael Vignola, lobby bar and basement speakeasy.

Behind the hospitality brand are real estate developer David Mitchell and BR Guest Hospitality founder Stephen Hanson. The powerhouses combined their knowledge and passion to create a new category of hotel experience, one that’s warm and service-driven, accessible and affordable and exceeds guests’ expectations.

“When I first stepped foot into this building, it spoke to me, and ultimately became the inspiration for the Life Hotel brand,” says Mitchell. “In learning about the cultural landmark and its history, we discovered that the upper floors served as apartments for LIFE writers and artists when the magazine was first published in 1893 and for a long time after, while the officers were situated below; the building even housed a secret bar during Prohibition. This history has become part of our DNA. We’re creating a place to hang out, work and have a good time, not just sleep and eat.”

The design space resembles the craftsmanship of the late 1800s. The building, originally designed by legendary New York City architecture firm Carrère and Hastings, peeled away layers to reveal New York architectural history.

The lobby acts as the central hub and marketplace of the hotel, housing guest check-in and a common space next to the lobby bar. Communal table space allows guests to sit, stay or work as the hotel will offer industrial WiFi, to cater to the growing work-play community.

Inside the 98 guestrooms, the design philosophy transitions to contemporary. The rooms feature high ceilings, wood floors with exposed concrete and traditional white walls featuring original molding. Guests pass through a custom wood door fitted with opaque glass to enter the bathroom with vintage tiling, brass fixtures and a renovated bathtub and shower. Room furnishings include oversized beds with a brass frame, a convenient desk and contemplative poetry, and almost all rooms include a 60-inch, flat-screen TV.

The Life Restaurant will offer a vegetable-centric, seasonally driven menu of sustainable and wild-caught seafood dishes and pastas, prepared in a wood-burning oven.

Those in the know can access a basement bar by a hidden staircase off the lobby as well as by a separate street entrance. The bar will offer classic cocktails resembling those offered to the LIFE magazine staffers. The space can also be utilized as private dining or meeting space for up to 60 people.

Reservations can be made for stays starting April 10, with rates starting at $249 per night.

“The Life brand is all about 4-star service at a smart and accessible price. You’ll feel that personal touch and value at every moment of your stay whether it’s binge-watching your favorite show on your 60-inch TV, enjoying the best wood-oven-roasted chicken in the city at our restaurant, or having a kick ass cocktail in the speakeasy basement bar,” adds Mitchell.