Archer Hotel
45 W. 38th St., New York, New York 10018, USA
Why We Like It
The Archer breaks a Manhattan mold by offering both an affordable price and a sleek rooftop bar. While rooms are small, we love the Empire State Building views and the classic comfort food at Charlie Palmer Steak.
Fodor's Expert Review
Rooftop bar Spyglass, with its killer view of the Empire State Building, is the star of this quirky hotel just south of Bryant Park. An industrial-inspired look of brick, steel, and glass nods to the neighborhood’s manufacturing past. Rooms are compact, even by New York standards, but if you’re not looking for space and don’t really care much about amenities like a gym or spa, this hotel will work just fine for you.
You Should Know The location is convenient for exploring midtown landmarks--but it isn’t very glamorous.
Recommended Fodor’s Video
Room
Contemporary rooms are stylish but cramped (standard rooms average 180-square-feet!) though huge windows do add a feeling of space. Nice extras include complimentary Nespresso and nightly, locally curated turndown snacks.
Tip Rooms all offer similar square footage, but one major difference is views; request a room with Empire State Building views.
Bathroom
Gorgeous, black-and-white subway-tiled bathrooms have walk-in showers and are stocked with Malin+Goetz products and Frette robes.
Lobby
Before entering the lobby, this hotel has outdoor lounge space on a front patio, including a bunch of seating. Beyond an all-glass entryway, the lobby has a small front desk, tufted couches, and a chevron-patterned floor. Lounge space in the lobby is limited--but the Foyer Bar provides some extra room.
Dining
Charlie Palmer Steak is a modern steakhouse with an extensive wine list (breakfast, brunch, and lunch are served in addition to dinner). The space has whitewashed brick walls, plush blue chairs, and tables that can comfortably accommodate big groups. A raw bar, Caesar salads, and housemade charcuterie complement a classic list of steaks and chops.
Drinking
The Foyer Bar has a few stools for relaxing with a cocktail, but the main drinking venue at the Archer is the Spyglass Rooftop Bar. This 22nd-floor bar opens for late afternoon cocktails and stays open until the wee hours. A mix of indoor and outdoor space makes this rooftop ideal at any time of year. Empire State Building views are noteworthy.
What's Nearby
Getting Around
Located on West 38th Street between 5th Avenue and 6th Avenue, this property is walking distance from midtown landmarks including the New York Public Library and a variety of shopping along 5th Avenue. Subway service is convenient, with the B, D, F, M, and 7 trains available at Bryant Park. Taxis and Uber are widely available in the neighborhood, but traffic congestion is (say it with me) a common problem.
Restaurants
Handmade pastas are the specialty at Ai Fiori (5-minute walk), an elegant restaurant from Chef Michael White. Fans of spicy food seeking an affordable meal will be drawn to the no-frills Szechuan Gourmet (4-minute walk). Dating back to 1885, Keens (4-minute walk) is a neighborhood landmark and classic steakhouse that feels straight out of another era in New York City history.
Bars
Continue a tour of the neighborhood’s best rooftop bars with a drink at the neighboring Refinery Rooftop (1-minute walk). For a more relaxed environment, order a cocktail at the Raines Law Room at the William (6-minute walk).
Photos
Quick Facts
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