Michelin is known for awarding restaurants with stars but it recently expanded its expertise by awarding hotels with Michelin Keys. The Bowery Hotel in East Village was recently awarded one Key, ranking it as a “Very Special Stay,” and the organization was right.
Walking through the double doors of The Bowery Hotel felt like I was walking into a different period. The decor was classy and masculine—with antique couches and chairs placed throughout the large space. I was greeted by the kind bellhops and checked into my room.
The lobby was quiet and comforting—it seemed like the perfect place to get some work done or relax before venturing out for the day. Guests were scattered throughout the space reading, working or talking amongst themselves. The lobby spans four rooms, including two rooms with plenty of spots to sit, a cozy bar with stools and an outdoor terrasse. Attached to the hotel is Gemma, an Italian Trattoria with seasonal dishes, an extensive wine list and a comfortable dining room.
I took the dimly lit (and old but well-maintained) elevator up to the 12th floor and walked into my room, which had breathtaking views of Manhattan and Brooklyn (I had a perfect view of the newly renovated Domino Sugar factory!) I stayed in the Bowery King room which included a large desk with drawers for clothing, a table and two chairs, a loveseat sofa, a coffee table, a king-size bed with a nightstand on each side and a bathroom with a walk-in rainfall shower.
The room was incredibly comfortable, with lots of spaces to sit and relax. I loved being able to sit at the table on one side of the room and then move to the other side and sit on the couch while enjoying different views of the city.
The attention to detail is evident in every corner of the hotel, from the lobby lounge and hotel restaurant to the room. The Bowery Hotel is the perfect place for a staycation or if you’re planning to visit Manhattan and want to explore downtown.
Neighborhood:
Just a short walk from Houston Street, The Bowery Hotel is near tons of shops, restaurants and bars in East Village.
Nearby:
Within a 10-minute walking distance are famous food spots including Prince Street Pizza, Rubirosa, McSorley’s Old Ale House, Katz's Delicatessen and Russ & Daughters. The Bowery Hotel is also a 10-minute walk from Bleeker Street subway station, Tompkins Square Park and the Museum of Ice Cream.
Time Out tip:
Fill out a room service card for breakfast the night before and leave it on your door for the next morning. In the morning, your breakfast will be delivered as well as the morning newspaper. Enjoy a slow morning reading and eating delicious food.
Time Out tip: Some of the neighborhood’s most exciting contemporary art isn’t at the New Museum (though that’s a good way to spend an afternoon, too), but at the Bowery Mural Wall. The outdoor gallery at the corner of Houston Street and Bowery features new artists constantly, so you never know what you’re going to find.