Located in the once-sketchy Bowery neighborhood, just steps from Soho and Nolita, the Bowery Hotel could have become wholly symbolic of the gentrification that’s taken place here over the past three decades. But, thanks to artistic-leaning guests and a darkly bohemian vibe that hangs so heavily, the hotel has been spared spared the dubious honor. Founded by hoteliers Eric Goode and Sean MacPherson (the latter of whom launched the Maritime Hotel and the Waverly Inn), the Bowery Hotel is unapologetic in its moody throwback opulence, especially in the dimly lit lobby: think velvet and leather upholstery (everywhere), antique oil paintings, deep-wood panels, and potted palms. The white-brick, wood-floored rooms are considerably brighter, though, and boast factory-style floor-to-ceiling windows with impressive views of the surrounding low-rises. One of the hotel’s main draws is its indoor-outdoor Italian restaurant, Gemma, which offers some of the best celeb-spotting downtown. (Bonus: like a good many hotels in this part of the city, the Bowery Hotel provides bicycles to guests.)
The Bowery Hotel
Images by Annie Schlechter
