Five nights into our New York trip and it was time for a change. The whole futuristic novelty was fun but now we wanted a little luxury and for someone to help with our ever growing amount of luggage.
Thankfully we were winding up at Archer Hotel, right in the middle of the city, just a moment’s stroll from Bryant Park, literally our ideal location.
Set in the garment district (maybe that’s why it’s our favourite part of the city), this 22 storey hotel, with 180 unique rooms, is under 10 minutes walk from the Empire State building and surrounded by incred- ible trim and fabric shops (if that’s your thing you will be in window shopping heaven).
As soon as our cab drew up, We’d barely exited the cab when all our luggage had been whisked inside. Bags stored (we were too early to check in) we headed straight off to meetings with a spring in our step and feeling very much like Annie – ‘I think we’re gonna like it here’.
After a jam packed day we nally made it back and checked in just a little before 6. Our bags were taken to our room and we arrived in our room to all the little things that we had missed so far. Despite loving the other hotels we stayed in, we’re pretty traditional about the whole hotel experience and the Archer did not disappoint. This is a luxury boutique hotel and your comfort is top on the list.
The truth is we love to have those added little luxuries on a trip and we were glad we’d saved the Archer hotel til last.
The room, though very small in comparison to the others we stayed in, had everything we’d been wanting. It is amazing how it is the little things that ultimately make the experience that bit better.
From a fully stocked mini bar to bottled water, cupcakes on the desk and a fully loaded nespresso machine wecouldn’t wait to sink into our new gynormous bed whilst wrapped in a hotel dressing gown.
The bed was so high up we had to do a little leap just to get up there and as we peered out the window we realised we had the Empire State building for a view – cue Carrie – Eiffel Tower – Sex and the City type moment. New York City, we had arrived.
The bathroom, all cream marble and mahogany tones felt traditional but not at all dated and that was very much the feel of the room.
The bathroom light; operated by sensor, meant we didn’t even have to lift a finger to switch on the light, this truly was luxury. Like with all hotels, one of the greatest tests is the shower and the large walk in showers at Archer definitely meets the grade while bathroom products are provided from Malin+Goetz.
Aside from the handy mini bar there is also a separate guest fridge, which is great if you want to bring your own items back to the room.
There is a nightly turndown service as well as an in room laptop sized safe (genius) as well as complimentary wifi , mp3 docking station, alarm clock and radio, as well as a 42 inch HDTV with premium movie and sports channels. With all of this who needs to leave the room.
While there is no gym on site you can get passes to New York Sports Club, although we suggest you relax and order Burke in the Box room service instead.
In fact, we’ve missed out 3 of the most important things about Archer:
The incredible restaurant from celebrity chef David Burke, Fabrick, the Bugatti bar in the lobby and the fantastic rooftop bar The Spyglass on the twenty second floor.
From breakfast through to lunch and dinner, even room service, Fabrick, David Burke’s Archer Hotel restaurant will keep you totally satis ed. Offering modern American small plates with the emphasis on sharing and seasonality, this is a menu that will undoubtably tempt you to try something new and leaving you longing to recreate it at home (you will try and fail but at least you tried – yes this is from experience).
Having had several lack lustre breakfasts during this trip, we scheduled in a business breakfast at David Burke Fabrick. Open for breakfast from 6.30am to 11am Monday to Friday (with alternate weekend times and a brunch menu for proper New Yorkers). The lunch menu comes into play from 11am-5pm before dinner service starts, with the restaurant open until 10, 11 or even 12 depending on the night of the week (see site for details).
While lunch and dinner service focus on small plates and sharing food, breakfast is as hearty and traditional as you can get. From your basic pastry fare to omelettes, eggs benedict, waf es and pancakes as well as yogurt and fruit. There is something for whatever the mood you’re in. Coffee is plentiful (as it should be in NYC) and the portions large and utterly delicious. We’d been waiting for a hotel breakfast like this my whole stay. Although we took breakfast with our guest at 9.30am, with 180 rooms (often full to capacity) we would definitely reserve a table to avoid disappointment.
Now luckily earlier in the week we’d lunched with Hey Gorgeous founder, Aimee Cheshire, who had suggested David Burke Fabrik as our destination. We jumped at the chance and we’re pleased we did. If we enjoyed breakfast (we re- ally did), then lunch equally hit the spot. The service was rst class and the waiter recommended starter (boy they know how to upsell in the States) of Avocado Panna Cotta with blue corn tortilla, plantain chips and tomato pico was divine. (we have since tried to recreate it – without huge success at home). We then both opted for the seared salmon with chickpea fries, roasted egg plant and peppadew hummous, which was simple, yet delicious and cooked to perfection. The restaurant also has a wide yet well curated selection of pasta, pizza, meat and sh dishes, so while the combinations may push you a little out of your comfort zone there are plenty of recognisable avours that al- low you to just relax and enjoy this tasty adventure. Full from the two courses we skipped dessert, but with a rather tempt- ing list we will de nitely head back for more next time we are in the city. But we hate to stay in a hotel and not put its bar staff to the test. While the Bugatti bar in the lobby heaves with an after work crowd, it is The Spyglass that is the golden ticket.
The rooftop bar on the twenty second oor, holds panoramic views of the Empire State and the Chrysler Buildings and is one of the jewels in the Archer hotels crown.
Inspired by a bygone era of sophisticated elegance, this intimate bar, with both indoor, outdoor and bar seating is open from early afternoon (arrive early to bag a table) 1am during the week and 2am Thursday through to Saturday.
Rooftop bars are still much coveted amongst New Yorkers so they ll up fast. Once again David Burke Fabrick provides a delicious selection of shareable bites, alongside some signature cocktails as well as of course a fantastic list of wines, beers and champagne.
With such fantastic signature sips (we should know, a few were tried), The Spyglass has become a rm favourite amongst tourists and locals alike. If you’re ever in Manhattan make sure to swing by.
The whole experience at the Archer was second to none and we were genuinely sad to pack up and leave for London. As we left, in a yellow taxi, a member of staff kindly told us New York would miss us. While this may not be entirely true we can guarantee that we are going to miss New York and the Archer hotel.
ARCHER HOTEL NEW YORK 45 West 38th Street NEW YORK, NY 10018
Ph: toll-free 855-437-9100
Local: 212-719-4100