In a city that's known for such iconic sites as Times Square, the Empire State Building, and the Statue of Liberty, it can be hard to stand out. But when you're planning an NYC event and want something different, using lobby spaces in New York is definitely an unusual option.
Whether it's for film shoots, corporate gatherings, a real estate presentation, or a cocktail party, New York's many lobbies offer a great place to spend a few hours. Book one of the amazing Giggster venues and have some seating, large windows with views of Bryant Park or Central Park, and even outdoor courtyards at your disposal.
Whatever feature you need, we have you covered, and for prices lower than you'd think in this ultra-expensive city. So, if you're trying to impress locals, travelers, or a mix of the two, the best place to start is the Giggster app.
Giggster's affordability and unparalleled selection are key to finding the perfect place for your New York event or film/photo shoot, like Police Precinct, Industrial, Period Pieces in BK. We've got all the boroughs covered and each neighborhood, too, including Midtown Manhattan, the Lower East Side, Tribeca, SoHo, and Long Island City.
Giggster's lobby spaces in New York, NY, exude elegance. Ornate doors, polished concrete floors, high ceilings, and a ton of history will impress your guests or dazzle on screen.
A lobby space doesn't have to belong to an apartment, either. We have options at NYC theaters, studios, hotels, offices, and even houses with lobby-like aesthetics, so it's easy to think outside the box.
Finding a cozy lobby fit for 30 people or one that can accommodate hundreds is a breeze. No matter the size of the event or the space you need, you're covered.
Lobby features make event planning easy. Many spaces have a front desk that can act as a bar or coffee area, Wi-Fi to make meetings run smoothly, and comfortable furniture for a productive environment
Exceptional Variety & Quality: From Central Park luxury lobbies to cozy theaters and office lobbies, the Giggster app features 77 different locations suitable for parties, filming, content creation, and other events.
Hassle-Free Booking: When browsing our many listings, easily filter for features, guest capacity, and other keywords to jump to targeted results. Plus, the price, which is as low as $30/hour, availability, and amenities will be presented clearly. If you require more info, it's possible to directly message the venue hosts within the app.
24-Hour Free Cancellation Policy: Book a productive space, and if something happens or you change your mind, you can cancel it for free within 24 hours of confirmation, provided the booking was made at least 48 hours before the event.
Platform Protections: Renting a lobby space might have you wondering what happens if there is an accident. Protect yourself and the venue with optional coverage for damage, liability, or cancellation, too.
You may think that a lobby space isn't very flexible and is really only useful as a film or TV set. Although ideal for this, they also work well for tons of gatherings.
Corporate Events – Get Things Done. A spacious lobby offers a somewhat formal space for a corporate get-together, milestone celebrations, or team-building event. Use the existing TV for your presentation and the front desk as a podium or to serve light refreshments.
Film and TV Shoots – Classic Big Apple Setting. From the Sopranos to Friends, New York is a film and TV show maker's dream. Use a lobby for shots of people entering and exiting the building, or build an entire episode around the lobby and the doorperson, as seen in the classic comedy Seinfeld.
Product Launches – Showcase in Style. Have a new and exciting product that's used in the home? A New York City apartment lobby is a great way to launch it in familiar and useful surroundings. Pick a hotel lobby and rent a room for further demos and fill the lobby's open area with product-related info.
Cocktail Parties – Big City Elegance. A fancy lobby creates images of the New York elite, and you and your guests can at least pretend for a while if that's not you. You'll find original wood floors or luxurious carpets, high-end furniture, and plenty of room to mingle.
Art Displays – Show Work in a New Light. A lobby can also act as a gallery for new and emerging artists. While the actual venue can be on the small side, limited furniture and ample wall space will expose your creations to the world (or at least NYC).
Lobbies aren't all the same. Some will be a blank canvas, whereas others may have lots of features and amenities that you need. Think about these factors:
What's the lobby layout like? Make sure the space is big enough to accommodate all the guests, entertainers, crew, and staff you need. Also, confirm that you can adjust things like lighting and furniture to get the best possible venue fit.
What amenities are important to you? Think about things like air conditioning, restrooms, wi-fi, and accessibility, and whether or not they're important to the success of the event. Also, carefully review design features, looking for stand-out items like a grand marble staircase or Mid-Century Modern-inspired furniture.
Is any staff included? For lobbies in apartment or office buildings, there may be a doorperson or front desk security person already included in the venue rental. Double-check so that you don't hire for these positions unnecessarily.
New York is a magical city, but to say it's perfect for every event wouldn't be true. Evaluate its pros and cons before booking your venue and finalizing other plans.
Advantages
More often than not, lobby venues in New York come with striking architecture, history, and impeccable design. These elements will add grandeur and a pleasing aesthetic to any film shoot or party.
When counting on foot traffic for your event, New York lobbies are ideal. The busy city has people passing by frequently in popular neighborhoods like Midtown, SoHo, and Greenwich Village. Easily draw them in from the first-floor location.
A lobby offers weatherproof space for whatever activity you're planning. Some may have outdoor areas available, but you won't need a backup plan.
Disadvantages
Lobby spaces in New York can lack privacy. When booking, ensure you have exclusive use and that the number of people passing through will be minimal.
The flexibility to change decor, move furniture, and add your touch to the space might be limited. Ask questions about policies and make arrangements before committing to a spot.
Because New York and its various lobbies have a prestigious address, everything associated with your event, from venue to drinks to entertainment, is likely to cost significantly more than if you choose a smaller, less cosmopolitan city.
The aim is always to have an event run smoothly, and that starts well before the shoot or party day with a little planning.
A Timeline is Key – For any event to run like clockwork, you need a detailed schedule. Develop one early on to coordinate vendors and services accordingly, and keep speeches and shooting times on track. Having a specific schedule in mind even before booking can also help save money, as it allows you to book for fewer total hours.
Think About Design and Layout – A lobby can be trickier than other spaces to design for your event. Limited changes to the existing decor and furniture placement, as well as the possibility of strangers walking through your set or party, are a concern. Construct a clear layout that allows people to flow through the space and brand or decorate as much as you're allowed to.
Consider the Menu – It's unlikely that a formal sit-down dinner will work in a lobby space, and even a full buffet with many tables can be tricky. Plan the menu around portable food like bite-sized appetizers and grazing tables to minimize the need for bulky and cumbersome plates and cutlery.
You can achieve the luxury and prestige of an NYC event without blowing your entire budget on the venue alone. Follow these tips to make booking a lobby space in New York even more affordable than Giggster's low rates starting at $30/hour.
Book for off-peak times.
Although the busyness of a lobby space will depend on which type of building it's in, planning your event during non-peak hours is ideal to save money. For office buildings, they'll be busiest on weekdays during normal business hours. Alternatively, apartment lobbies will often see more traffic on evenings and weekends.
Don't invite too many people.
Keep the event small, so you can rent a more compact (cheaper) lobby space. The costs will also decrease for food, drinks, and any party favors. Another upside is that with fewer guests, you can really connect with the ones that do make the cut.
Don't pay for things you don't need.
Filter results for the features you truly need or want, and don't get drawn into something more expensive just because it has an attached garden that you won't even use, or has expensive sound equipment when your own is sufficient.
A New York lobby is a fun and unconventional choice for a ton of different events in the city. When you use the Giggster app for your lobby venue search, you'll never be disappointed. It allows users access to a vast selection of curated spots while keeping costs manageable. Impress everyone with a unique atmosphere without sacrificing hours and hours of your time.
