Hotel Snapshot
Few places have the hipster cred of the East Village. The same could (and should) be said of its most stylish stay. Spend enough time downtown and The Bowery Hotel becomes a place you just know—whether firsthand (you’ve grabbed a drink at the atmospheric bar or crashed in one of the plush rooms) or through osmosis (everyone’s seen the photos of Zoë Kravitz stepping out beneath the iconic clock). The 135-key haunt is a New York City classic that continues to attract locals (it’s a staycation staple), celebs, and clued-in out-of-towners with its charm and unfazed cool factor.
Design & Character
The Bowery Hotel has all the character of a pre-war building—one that it looks like artists, writers, and musicians might have lived and partied in back in the day. The ground-floor communal areas are made for hanging out, complete with vintage rugs, lived-in velvet seating, intricate tile, tapestries, richly carved wood paneling, old-fashioned wallpaper, and beamed ceilings. Dim lighting and a fireplace adds to the warm ambiance.
The Rooms
The classic New York charm carries into the bright rooms, where hardwood floors, white-washed brick, floor-to-ceiling factory windows, and craftsman details set the tone. The beds are plush. The drapes are thick enough to imbue warm and block light. The knit blankets are custom. The wall lamps look thrifted, though the branding suggests a bespoke job. Marble bathrooms feature white subway tile, antique brass fixtures, and terry robes. Some of the categories have a soaking tub/shower overlooking the bustle of the city below. Toiletries from C.O. Bigelow, the legendary West Village pharmacy, are a quintessential New York City choice.
Food & Drink
Gemma is a neighborhood restaurant that just so happens to be in a hotel. Meaning its appeal extends well beyond the guests upstairs. Chef Andrea Taormina’s comforting Italian food (you can’t go wrong with the fish of the day and any of the homemade pastas), the wrought‑iron-detailed ambiance, and welcoming service make it a stalwart for New Yorkers to go to for first dates, casual weeknight dinners, and to celebrate milestone events. It offers a great late-night menu. After a big night out, an egg sandwich is a pro breakfast order.
The hearth-warmed bar remains an insider favorite, a place that attracts neighborhood regulars, off-duty models, and actors who prefer the animality of a scene where everyone is cool. It’s always buzzy in a way that defies trends and TikTok. If you want a perfectly mixed cocktail and some prime people-watching (but please, try to be discreet), it’s a solid bet every night of the week. Guests can also enjoy breakfast in the morning. There’s also a lovely atrium terrace off the back.
The Amenities
The Bowery Hotel feels like a pre-war apartment building, but with more sharply dressed doormen and better service. Turndown comes with a trio of cookies. A choice of newspaper delivered to the door in the morning (in a branded reusable cloth bag, no less) is a nice touch. There’s a whole library of movies and games up for grabs. The property is a fashion crowd favorite, so, of course, rolling racks and steamers are readily available. If you’d rather ride something more stylish than a CitiBike, take one of the red cruiser bicycles out for a spin.
Spa & Wellness Scoop
While there’s no spa, the front desk can arrange in-room massages. If you’d rather get your steps on a treadmill instead of city blocks, a small fitness room is available.
Location & Neighborhood Recs
Staying at The Bowery Hotel means access to trendy bars and restaurants. Thai spot Fish Cheeks and Venice, California export Gjelina are only a block away. Good luck getting a seat at Penny, the new—and already beloved—seafood spot that's flocked to for its oysters, tuna carpaccio, stuffed squid, and extensive wine list. For cocktails, strut over to Jac's on Bond. The best New York City mornings start with bagels. Before made-for-Instagram spots started to pop up, Russ & Daughters was slinging chewy bagels topped with capers, tomatoes, onions, and the best cured salmon in the city (yes, I said it). Queue up to get your fix at 12 Matcha.
Fast Facts
Location: East Village, New York City, New York
Vibe: Classic downtown New York City—craftsmanship, cocktails, and timeless cool.
Rating: Four-star
Room Count: 135
Pricing: starting from $495 a night
Our Favorite Thing About the Hotel: The buzzy bar (in-the-know scene-y without the influencer nonsense). Also, the newly launched teddy bear sweaters are in collaboration with New York City-based ethical cashmere brand Lingua Franca.
Dining: Gemma, The Bowery Lobby
Amenities: Wifi; 24-hour room service; concierge desk, fitness room; turndown service; newspaper delivery; complimentary bicycles; same-day dry cleaning, pressing, shoe shine, and laundry service; in-room spa services, babysitting
Nearby Attractions: Houston Bowery Wall, Nolita shopping, Liz Christy Garden, The Bowery Electric, Lower East Side
Airport: John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK) or LaGuardia (LGA)
