Located in the Garment District of New York City, Archer Hotel makes an intriguing impression before you find your way to one of its stylish rooms. The hotel's namesake is a gentleman along the lines of the Great Gatsby, and each aspect of the hotel is designed to reflect his taste. The staff welcomes guests as friends of the host, anticipating their needs upon arrival. This theme is a fresh approach, and helps to make staying at a high-end hotel more comfortable from the onset.
The 22-story building's décor reflects a sophisticated, industrial feel; built entirely out of steel, glass, and brick. The design is paired with an eclectic and quirky sense of style that trickles into every aspect of the experience.
No room is exactly the same, but all have an elegant collection of knick-knacks that include Archer's favorite books, photographs, and original art from New York artists. At turn-down, staff leave a note from the mysterious host on the pillow, and those who book direct receive an Archer Destination Joker at check in, which are valued at $20 and can be applied to cocktails, a meal at its restaurant, in-room dining and more. There is a complete deck of Archer’s Playing Cards that feature Archer's etiquette tips, and there are Class Act Cards (valued at $10 throughout the hotel) for those who act on the advice during their stay (opening the door for someone, holding your wine glass by its stem).
This fun nod to the elegance of the past is a classic touch, and the sensibility continues throughout the hotel. Big leather couches, boxes full of toys from times past, and a thoughtful attention to detail goes beyond the ordinary.
Dining
Over the Foyer bar is an antique sewing machine that tips its hat to the history of the Garment District. Beyond the bar awaits the renowned Fabrick by David Burke. Executive Chef Michael Franey serves small plates of American fare for sharing on the wooden tables in the comfortable, subdued space.
Breakfast starts at 7:30am, with scrambles, eggs benedict, steel cut Irish oats, and a garlic spinach and roasted tomato omelet, taking their place besides espresso, smoothies, fresh juices, and smoked meats.
Lunch changes the scene starting at 11am; a crab cake or lobster BLT add new twists to the traditional array of burgers, mac and cheese, and chicken Milanese on the menu.
Dinner kicks off after 5pm; roasted mushroom flatbread and clothespin candied bacon vie for the attention with favorites including oven-roasted chicken, buttermilk fried oysters, and a classic NY strip steak.
The Rooms and Amenities
Rooms at Archer are compact, using under the bed storage and floor to ceiling windows to complement its coziness. Subway tiles cover the bathroom walls, umbrellas by the Museum of Modern Art sit in each room ready for use, and Frette robes and slippers are an elegant addition.
There are 22 king rooms with wood floors and views of the Empire State Building. Each room has a flat screen TV, a Nespresso machine, a well-stocked minibar, and a laptop safe. Small details like digital clocks with phone chargers round out the amenities provided.
These conveniences also are provided in the Archer's 57 double-double rooms, each with two beds, floor to ceiling windows and the free Wi-Fi that's found throughout the hotel. For families or groups, 38 king rooms have adjoining doors to double-double rooms and bathrooms large enough to comfortably accommodate two people.
In addition to the Foyer Bar and fabrick, the Archer's 22nd floor is home to Spyglass, an indoor-outdoor combination of a hip bar and terrace that overlook the city. Opening in the late afternoon, the hot spot serves small bites alongside classic specialty cocktails, and stays open late into the night.
In lieu of an in-house gym, the Archer gives guests complimentary passes to the nearby New York Sports Club. A four-minute walk from the front door; the gym has a sauna and steam room, modern exercise equipment, and a variety of classes that guests of the Archer are welcome to participate in.
The Bottom Line
New York City's Archer comes in a cut above the rest in the Garment District. The swanky hotel blends the elegance of the past and the history and of the area, creating a cultural hotspot with an air of mystery. Whoever Archer is, his idea of a comfortable place to call home while in the city hits all the right marks here in New York as well as in his newly minted location in Austin.
