Walker Hotel Greenwich Village

With its relatively small size and location on one of New York's prettier downtown streets, the Walker Hotel Greenwich Village offers a boutique stay with plenty of class and style. The look -- inside and out -- is an attractive blend of classic Georgian design elements and bolder Art Deco details. Think: shimmery accents, velvet furniture, overflowing flowers and plants, packed bookcases, and roaring fireplaces. It's an intimate look that does well in helping this hotel stick to its cozy and locally informed ethos. Throughout the day, hotel guests buzz in an out of the lobby lounge, stopping to ask the front desk staff for help with local recommendations on the way. You're also likely to spot plenty of locals coming and going as well, as the hotel's restaurant -- Society Cafe -- draws a mix of tourists and neighbors, especially for its brunches. While many hotels claim to take New York as their inspiration, the Walker puts that into practice (and adds a dash of social responsibility to the mix too). Everything from the hotel's library to its talent for jazz nights are sourced locally, while it partners with fair-trade groups to ensure that things like the restaurant's coffee is both delicious and ethical. And that only scratches the surface of the hotel's eco-friendly (and socially just) practices. Overall, while the scene here is certainly far from staid, it's not a hectic place either, and draws an even mix of tourists and business travelers. 

This hotel sits almost equidistant from two of Manhattan's most recognizable areas: Union Square and the West Village. That's a huge advantage, as it puts a wide swath of things to see, do, and eat within an easy walk (while still remaining far quieter than hotels elsewhere in Manhattan). The heart of the West Village -- including destinations like Washington Square Park and the Stonewall Inn -- is within a 10-minute walk, while the iconic Jefferson Market Library is even closer. Within that radius you'll find almost too many cafes, restaurants, bars, and luxury boutiques to count. Heading east from the hotel, it's less than a 10-minute walk to bustling Union Square, which hosts a farmer's market on select days of the week. You'll also find a number of chain retailers in that area, plus the famous (and independent) Strand Books on Broadway. A bit farther away -- within a 15- to 20-minute walk -- are the high-end retailers of SoHo, the galleries of Chelsea, and the High Line. There are numerous subway stations nearby, including one right at Sixth Avenue and 14th Street, just around the corner. Getting to Central Park will take about 20 minutes by subway. It takes around the same amount of time by subway to reach the Financial District in Lower Manhattan and Williamsburg, in Brooklyn. Budget 60 to 90 minutes to reach any of the area airports by taxi, though Newark Liberty and JFK can be reached by a combination of subway (or PATH train) and AirTrain in around 90 minutes as well.

Let's get one fact out of the way: Rooms here are compact almost across the board. However, we've seen far smaller in Manhattan, and the sharp decor helps make them cozy rather than cramped. It's a soft, sophisticated look that takes design cues from the same eras as you'll find in the hotel's public spaces. Expect bold Art Deco-inspired choices like fan-pattern accent walls, eye-catching framing, velvet bolster pillows, black-and-white photos, and even vintage telephones. Floors are carpeted, adding to the plush atmosphere. Standard features include minibars with locally sourced options, flat-screen TVs, individually controlled air-conditioning, and Bluetooth stereos. Beds are dressed in premium Frette linens, adding to the upscale style here. Bathrooms are lovely, and include white metro tiling and marble, plus showers and C.O. Bigelow bath products. Some of the best room options add terraces and balconies (including wraparound balconies), which is a rare feat in this part of the city. What's more? If you're looking for amazing city views, opt for rooms on the 10th floor and higher. Vantages north and south are stunning, though those on the north side of the building will have the Empire State Building directly in their sightlines. Rooms on lower floors will, of course, have less inspiring views (some onto the backs of buildings, though none directly onto brick walls, which is a blessing). Given the side-street location, though, all rooms stay nice and quiet.

Like most city hotels, the features list here isn't exactly exhaustive -- don't expect a pool or spa -- but what this boutique property manages to pack in is impressive. That starts with its local partnerships, which take care of everything from live music (in 2017 the hotel was partnered with the nearby New School's music program) to its lending library and flower arrangements. That level of care makes hanging out in places like the lobby lounge -- where many of these details can be spotted -- a treat. Tables and couches are prime territory for sipping a coffee or cocktail while hunched over a laptop by the roaring fire. Toward the back of the ground floor the hotel's restaurant -- Society Cafe -- serves all three meals, with a farm-to-table philosophy that relies heavily on the nearby Union Square Greenmarket for its supplies. The restaurant draws a healthy mix of hotel guests and locals, and brunch is a particularly lively affair. Reservations are recommended. There's a small fitness room in the hotel's basement. It's an attractive space with free fruit and water, though options are limited to a few modern cardio machines and a small selection of free weights and resistance equipment. The hotel is fully accessible and has elevators. Wi-Fi is free throughout the property.