PHOTO: The Bowery Hotel

Fodor's Expert Review The Bowery Hotel

Name: The Bowery Hotel
Address: 335 Bowery, at 3rd St., New York, New York, 10003, USA
Telephone: 212-505–9100
Price range: $$$

335 Bowery, at 3rd St., New York, New York, 10003, USA See on Map Fodor's Choice

Jessica Colley Clarke

Reminiscent of an English hunting lodge, this hotel gets its warmth from rich tapestries, cozy fireplaces, and a vintage-inspired lobby. Many guests come for the trendy location but stay for the scene in the lobby — stylish locals (and the occasional celebrity) are often seen raising cocktails on the plush couches. So, as long as you're not easily intimidated by a group of super hip people greeting you immediately upon walking into the hotel, you're off to a great start.

Photo: The Bowery Hotel | Gregory Goode

room

Okay, so the rooms aren't as fantastic and rich as the lobby, but they are simple and sleek with nice floor-to-ceiling factory-style windows and Manhattan views. Put your stuff down, and then go back to the lobby.

Rooms and suites with terraces and an outdoor shower are worthwhile upgrades during the warmer months.

Photo: The Bowery Hotel | Gregory Goode

bathroom

The marble bathrooms have nice touches here and there, including rain-shower heads and antique-inspired fixtures.

Photo: The Bowery Hotel

lobby

This is it, folks. Have we mentioned how great the lobby is? Anyways, the center of the scene at this hotel is found in its lobby, a sprawling space with wood-paneled walls, mismatched furniture, and fireplaces. By day, guests may see freelancers working or fellow visitors reading newspapers. By evening, the scene heats up, and everyone there is super cool looking and might also be a famous person.

YOU SHOULD KNOW The popularity of the lobby lounge often equals noise at night, because that's usually how things work.

Photo: The Bowery Hotel

dining

Gemma is an all-day, Italian-inspired restaurant with a rustic interior and a popular space for outdoor seating (in season). Brunch here is a neighborhood staple.

Photo: The Bowery Hotel

LOCATION

Getting Around

Exploring downtown is easy from this convenient location; the East Village, NoHo, Greenwich Village, NoLita, and the Lower East Side are all within an easy walk. For venturing further out, the subway is nearby and includes the 6 train at Bleecker Street and the B, D, F, and M trains at Broadway/Lafayette.

Restaurants

A couple blocks south on the Bowery, Saxon + Parole (2-minute walk) is a buzzy restaurant with great cocktails and outdoor seating during the warm months. The bakery alone is reason enough to stop into Lafayette (3-minute walk), but this restaurant from Chef Andrew Carmellini also serves satisfying French fare for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. If a craving for Italian food strikes, make a reservation at Il Buco (2-minute walk), a charming restaurant set in a former antiques shop.

Bars

For cocktails in a sultry setting, walk to Mayahuel (6-minute walk) in the East Village, a bar focused on the agave-based spirits tequila and mezcal. Beer drinkers with an interest in New York history will want to order a pint at McSorley’s Old Ale House (5-minute walk) -- this storied watering hole has hosted notable figures, including Abraham Lincoln.

WHY WE LIKE IT

The location is under a 10-minute walk from several of New York’s most desirable downtown neighborhoods. While some guests may consider the room décor a bit lackluster, the views are excellent. Within the property, the restaurant and lobby are both stylish and frequented by locals... but especially the lobby. The lobby is really, really good.