Walker Hotel Greenwich Village, New York City - hotel review

A chic design hotel, it epitomises old school glamour reflecting the heritage of its famously bohemian neighbourhood, whilst giving guests a taste of living like a ‘real’ New Yorker.

Where is it?

Situated in the upmarket Manhattan neighbourhood of Greenwich Village, the trendy streets of Soho and Meatpacking district are just a few blocks on either side. The convenient location offers a balance of eclectic nightlife and cultural sights partnered with the sophisticated quieter streets of desirable Greenwich Village.

One of New York’s most historic districts, Greenwich Village was considered a bohemian catalyst of culture in the '60s. An open-minded neighbourhood, it attracted an array of artistic individuals and was home to the city’s most creative minds - including Jackson Pollock, Andy Warhol and Bob Dylan.

Adjacent to the east and west villages, Greenwich Village is home to the new location of the Whitney Museum of American Art, where the high-line ends its weaving metropolis journey and where Washington Park can be found. A mix of plush residential streets with quaint neighbourhood restaurants with livelier areas dotted with cosmopolitan bars and designer shops - Greenwich Village accommodates a varying pace of city life.

Style

Walker Hotel Greenwich Village reflects the 1920s heritage of New York with particular inspiration taken from the Georgian revival towers found on the famous fifth avenue. A tall, multi-storey building with unmissable views of the skyline on the top floors, the façade features copper clad bay windows, a cast stone trim and fully restored antique glass which is illuminated by gas lanterns reminiscent of the days gone by.

Interiors are decadent. On arrival a cosy lobby frames a large flickering fireplace and is reminiscent of a smart reception room with art-deco inspired fabrics. This leads onto the Society Café which leans towards more of a contemporary concept for dining. A mix of antique mirrored glass, walnut finishes, travertine tables and a stunning white marble bar with contemporary paintings lining the walls; the restaurant is a hot spot for a catering for both locals and hotel guests.

Turning our attention to the rooms. These are designed to allow guests to live like ‘real New Yorkers.' In-room amenities are from the city’s oldest apothecary, C.O. Bigelow, and en-suite bathrooms feature classic black and white subway tiles whilst beds are dressed with luxury Italian bedding.

Facilities

The life and soul of Walker Hotel Greenwich Village lives downstairs in its bar and restaurant: Society Café. Taken from the neighbourhood’s first jazz bar – ‘Café Society’, which was the first racially integrated venue in the United States, the contemporary dining space is filled with natural light courtesy of a large skylight and serves seasonal dishes with local ingredients. Its so local in fact, the kitchen sources meat and fish from the neighbouring Union Square Green Market four days a week and a selection of local wines and spirits also frequent the bar menu.

A popular breakfast spot, each morning those who stay can get a real taste of local life among the early morning meetings over fresh juices and eggs benedict. The restaurant is also currently in the process of promoting one of its talented chefs to become the new Executive. An all-day dining destination to watch.

Downstairs a fitness centre is hidden away whilst upstairs is The Parlour Cocktail Lounge, oozing old school glamour amongst the relaxed ambience.

Which room?

For a real sense of place, you’ll want to book a room on one of the higher floors. Up on the eighteenth floor, The Waverley Queen frames the New York skyline centred by the Empire State Building. This view doesn’t fade - from the morning when the city wakes and throughout the night as the city sparkles. The en-suite bathroom is small but comfortable with a stand-alone shower and a large porcelain console sink.

Playing on the distinctive and creative energy that is "The Village" - other rooms vary in size and layout with some including private terraces. Each showcase a vintage charm with old style phones and glossy ebony beds and desks with hidden flat screen TVs. The internal hallways of the hotel aren’t somewhere to spend much time in, dark and with no natural light, they simply act as a corridor to nip out of the lift and into your room.

What to Instagram

A view of the skyline framed by one of the bay windows or the large fireplace with one of the deep velvet armchairs in the lobby. The perfect way to epitomise life in Greenwich Village in one snapshot.

Best for?

Business travellers who appreciate old world charm, locals after a local bottle of wine and convenient meeting spot or romantic couples looking for great food and cocktails with rooms to slip away to.

Details

Double rooms start from $225(£175) in low season; and from $469 (£331) in high.

Breakfast comes at an additional cost of around $15 to $25 (£19.52) per person. Does not includes NY City or State Taxes.

For a one-night stay, expect a $200 refundable hold for incidentals.

For more information, contact Walker Hotel Greenwich Village Reservations Department. 52 West 13th Street, New York, NY 10011, United States. 00 1 212 375 1300; www.walkerhotel.com