Archer Hotel

A weekend is not long enough to take in all that this location has to offer: twenty-two floors, 180 rooms, and a sleek style that pays homage to the neighborhood’s history in the fashion industry. When you first walk in, it might surprise you that Archer is a hotel at all; the lobby looks more like the entrance to a swanky restaurant, a sentiment enhanced by the actual chic, industrial-style bar to the right of the main door and the Charlie Palmer Group’s recently relocated Charlie Palmer Steak just beyond. But look to the left and you will find a robust marble counter staffed with smiling concierges eager to check you in and show you to your snug and fashionable room.

The hotel transports guests back to a period where indulgence was not frowned upon. Every detail, from the tufted couches to the box of complimentary old-school kids toys to the leather desk caddies, comes down to a simple formula: the merging of comfortability and refinement into the space.

Stylish Appearance

Archer exceeds with little touches of creativity (all original artwork), at the courtesy of Manhattan-based creatives Deborah Goodman Davis and Liz Sterling, which add an ingenious characteristic to the art. Paintings and photographs found throughout the hotel are the products of local artists. Pay special attention to the intriguing photo display by Martin Klimas in the parlor of colorful paint moving to different iconic songs, and the dress sculpture by Thea Lanzisero, which pays respect to the hotel’s Garment District history.

A unique thing the designers did when planning Archer was to blend a comfortable refinement into the space. You will feel it whether you’re lounging in the industrial-chic lobby or tipping back a few cocktails at the bar.

The Amenities

If traveling with family, ask at the front desk to peek into the Kid in Archer Box, a secret treat for the younger guests. Inside, kids will see old-fashioned toys, including Alexander McQueen paper dolls, a Barrel of Monkeys, and a miniature Etch A Sketch. Each child gets to pick a toy to keep, and for adults who book direct, there’s a special deck of cards with etiquette tips and a voucher for $20 off any food, drink, or service the hotel offers.

Although there is no gym in this boutique hotel, it does provide you with passes to the New York Sports Club, a mere four-minute walk away. The perk about this setup is that instead of a tiny gym inside the hotel, you get unlimited access to a larger establishment complete with towel service, a sauna and steam room, and classes including cardio kickboxing, zumba, spinning, and yoga.

The rooms are compact yet functional, designed to maximum capacity. The specially made bed frames offer luggage storage and drawers, there are full-length mirrors on the doors, and the subwaytiled bathroom is spacious enough for a comfortable shower and a shave for two. As far as in-room amenities go, there are Frette robes and slippers, the closet contains high-end umbrellas designed by the Museum of Modern Art, as well as laptop safes, everyone gets use of a Nespresso machine, and the refrigerated minibar comes stocked with made-in-NYC foodstuffs.

Food and Drinks

The Archer Foyer Bar craft-cocktail spot caters to the restaurant, the parlor, and the outdoor seating area in front of the hotel. In nice weather, the garage-style doors open up toward the street-side, increasing the size of the space.

Take a few steps deeper into the hotel and enjoy a seasonal menu featuring exceptional American beef, world-class wine, and craft cocktails at Charlie Palmer Steak.

You can also order bites from Spyglass, a stunning rooftop bar and restaurant featuring industrial steel beams mixed with modish purple leather chairs and a sleek, steel-lined bar. This indoor-outdoor space is surrounded by windows that open up, so even if it’s raining, you still feel like you are sipping cocktails alfresco. Give drinks like the sparkling 75, a refreshing Cucumber Crisp, or a modern take on the classic Manhattan a try—they’re sure to become go-to options for guests and locals alike.