Critic Reviews

Metascore (11 reviews)
Provided by Metacritic.com

80

Keith Uhlich Time Out
Ferrara’s unconventional methods only manage to serve Chelsea on the Rocks, his loving portrait of Manhattan’s boho landmark, the Chelsea Hotel.
75

Lou Lumenick New York Post
Rambles a bit, but it's a real slice of New York history.
75

Walter Addiego San Francisco Chronicle
It's a celebration of a shady landmark, but also a lament.
70

Film Threat
A warm and curiously engaging film despite many flaws and the sloppiness of its construction.
70

Michael Rechtshaffen The Hollywood Reporter
Manhattan's storied hotel is the timely subject of this passionate tribute.
67

The A.V. Club
The movie’s most enjoyable moments are the brief instances when Ferrara himself intrudes on the scene.
60

Variety
A skittery, rambling but often absorbing portrait.
50

Stephen Holden The New York Times
An enraptured fantasia of high times at the hotel, the film is so intoxicated with the Chelsea’s bohemian mystique it virtually consumes itself.
40

Joe Neumaier New York Daily News
Ferrera's shaggy tone, which fits the iconic building, gets irritating. Still, if you come for the stories, you'll stay for the company.
30

Village Voice
Chelsea rambles--and in a way that makes you want to move down the bar.