Archer Hotel

The Scene

Just south of Bryant Park, Archer Hotel is certainly in a fashionable location. Midtown’s finest architecture is all within walking distance of the hotel---the New York Public Library, Grand Central Station, and the Empire State Building are all within 5 blocks (or less). Arguably, the area isn’t known for its cuisine but Archer’s got you covered with chef David Burke’s upscale eatery Fabrick and light bites at Bugatti Bar. Stroll north for Times Square and Broadway’s shimmering marquees and head south for Nomad and Chelsea. Hop onto a bus or subway to go much farther---Manhattan isn’t all that small if you’re on your feet---to explore the rest of the island (or branch out into Brooklyn).

The Concept

This newcomer to the hotel business is guided by suave man-about-town Archer. He’s at your service here in all but fact yet you can’t be faulted for imagining that he truly is real. Starting with the dazzling view of the Empire State Building from the rooftop to the turndown amenities every night (featuring fresh surprises from local companies like Fatty Sundays and Baked by Melissa), but you can count on complimentary standards salted caramels and bottle water, it’s as though everything was handpicked to reflect the best of Midtown and New York at large. Downstairs, Archer brings in David Burke’s Bugatti Bar (replete with a garage door) for drinks and Fabrick for a proper meal; upstairs, Spyglass rooftop bar gives you the perfect New York vista with delicious cocktails---try the Empire State. It’s like the whole point of Archer is a curated atmosphere where you can “steal a moment from the world” (as per the privacy doorhanger).

The Look

Endlessly refined, Archer is certainly a man of great taste. Restraint is key here; nothing is over-the-top, but neither is it unremarkable. There’s industrial touches to be sure---exposed brick walls are a relatively common sight, for one---yet the style is more timeless, utilizing more rich browns and light greys over bright colors (though they’re still present). Where you’ll really see a colorful pop is in the art collection scattered throughout the hotel. Ask any employee what it’s all about and they’ll happily fill you in (Our personal favorite is definitely Martin Klimas’s Sonic series that captures what music looks like. You can find it in Fabrick). The rooms and suites are not overly large but more than make up for it with luggage storage underneath the bed. The Archer King Empire View is our favorite room to cozy up in (with exceptional vistas, no less), but for extra space splurge on Archer’s Den.

In Short

Pull away from the world for a bit in your sophisticated host’s new hotel. Let Archer show you just how cool a cultured and cultivated atmosphere can be with the best of New York at your doorstep.