Archer Hotel New York

Housed in a 22-story building, the Archer Hotel New York first opened in 2014, and it makes a lovely addition to the Bryant Park area. Large windows on the hotel's exterior cast out warm light from the lobby, and casual alfresco seating by the entrance gives a comfortable place to collect yourself or do a little people-watching. Inside, the Archer continues to be both cozy and refined. A Chesterfield sofa and drum pendant lights make the lobby inviting, and a tall photo mural of the Empire State Building backs the check-in desk here. Throughout, a neutral palette of browns, beiges, and grays are offset by bright primary colors, such as the seat cushions in the two bars and the restaurant. The crowd, in turn, mimics the vibe. Guests -- a mix of small, easy-going groups on vacation and a few solo business travelers -- kick back calmly in public spaces. The space that invites the most lingering is the  bright, open Spyglass Rooftop Bar, complete with rich wood paneling in the lounge area, and panoramic, floor-to-ceiling Empire State and Chrysler Building views. All these details combine to make the Archer a solid value for its Midtown location.

For sightseers looking to hit NYC's main attractions, the Archer’s location is spot on. Its Midtown location on 38th Street gets a bit of foot traffic, but the cross streets (5th and 6th Avenues) offer plenty of hustle and bustle, along with dining and shopping venues. The shopping hub of 34th Street Herald Square, anchored by the iconic Macy's flagship, is a four-minute walk away, and the grassy stretch of Bryant Park can also be reached in a four-minute walk. Walking to the bright lights of Times Square takes nine minutes, and The Empire State Building is even closer at only a seven-minute walk away. Those arriving by train will appreciate that Grand Central Station is just 10 minutes away on foot. The huge transportation hub of the 42nd Street Times Square Station, a crossroad for most subway lines, is a mere six-minute walk away. Rockefeller Center can be reached in a quick 11-minute ride. Other major NYC sites are also accessible by subway, such as the 9/11 Memorial (24 minutes) or The Metropolitan Museum of Art (28 minutes). The subway to JFK Airport takes an hour, while public transportation to LaGuardia Airport will get travelers there in 45 minutes. Notably, a cab ride to LaGuardia is speedy -- only 19 minutes on the Brooklyn Queens Expressway. 

The most common complaint about the Archer's rooms is their lack of space -- they’re tiny, even by New York standards. The hotel's King Rooms are the smallest of the bunch at only 178 square feet, and the largest (the Double Double) is only 208 square feet. While there's no escaping their snug size, rooms are chic, with thoughtful, modern details. Platform beds are topped with 100-percent cotton linens, and purple and lime-green accents provide a hint of color. Decor in each room varies -- some Archer King Rooms have exposed brick -- but every room has floor-to-ceiling windows that help brighten up the small spaces considerably. Rooms are also well equipped in terms of tech, with free Wi-Fi, flat-screen TVs, MP3 Players, and plenty of outlets for charging guests’ devices. Both minibars and mini-fridges also come standard, as do Nespresso coffee machines and free bottled water. Nightly turndown service leaves treats on pillows, and rooms come stocked with free artisan candies made by local sweet shops. But the most memorable amenities could be the classic books left out, like "The Little Prince" that provide a little bedtime reading. The bathrooms are also appealing -- and more generously spaced than the bedrooms -- with Malin + Goetz bath products, walk-in showers with shining subway tile, and silver fixtures. Closets come stocked with plush bathrobes and colorful slippers, in addition to irons/ironing boards, umbrellas for purchase, and safes. Those seeking Empire State Building views should remember to book Empire View Rooms.

Features at the Archer are a mixed bag, some are outstanding, while others are missing all together. But one thing it does exceptionally well is on-site dining and drinking. The stylish Spyglass -- the hotel's rooftop lounge, bar, and outside terrace -- showcases the Empire State Building across the glittering city skyline. On the main floor, guests can relax on the leather couches in the lobby, and in warmer months they can sit outside the hotel entrance in a patio setting. A small yet appealing foyer bar connects to the nicely sized restaurant, Charlie Palmer Steak -- a hip steakhouse that features locally sourced, seasonal dishes -- with full menus offered for breakfast (not included), brunch, lunch, and dinner. Seating varies from high tables with stools to cozy leather booths. From the tables guests can see the Chef and staff at work, creating everything from pricey cuts of prime meat to giant sugared donuts. A large skylight room with a long dining table can be reserved for private events and gatherings. Room service is available upon request, but isn't 24 hours. While there is no gym on the premises, the hotel offers free passes to nearby New York Sports Clubs that are in walking distance. Guests can also take advantage of the on-site laundry service. The small reception area offers a concierge booth, a small business center with public computers and printers, and a small shop. Fee Wi-Fi is offered throughout the property to keep guests connected. There is bell service, and valet parking is available for a daily fee. Thoughtful details like a free overnight shoeshine and free daily newspapers are also provided. The hotel is dog-friendly for pups under 15 pounds, though there is an added fee.