Set against a leafy tree lined street, is the Georgian inspired revival towers that you might have found on New York’s famed Fifth Avenue during the height of the 1920s glamour. Stumbling out of our taxi, or cab in New York – we were greeted by a beautifully designed façade featuring copper clad bay windows, cast stone trim and restoration antique glass illuminated by gas lanterns reminiscent of the early days of Greenwich Village.
Walking through the grand custom designed doors and ornate vestibule, created a great impression and excitement for what was to come. In true New York style, space is limited but how you use it is an art not all hotels achieve with much success. The Walker Hotel’s certainly does succeed; the parlour is full of charisma and charm with eccentric touches. Tucked away in the corner of the lobby is the reception desk, where you are greeted by fantastically amiable front desk managers – who clearly seek to exceed your expectations the moment you enter the hotel.
Whilst waiting for your room, the lobby is the perfect place to have a cocktail or coffee – just make sure you get pride of place by the fireplace, where you can take in the romantic interiors, the Art-Deco inspired wall-coverings and a display of original works by emerging local artists. For bookworms and enthusiasts, the carefully curated library, is the perfect way to immerse yourself in this fascinating neighbourhood. The library is carefully curated library featuring classic New York-themed books, including early editions by authors from those who call, or have called, Greenwich Village home.
Before you disappear to the plush rooms upstairs, you must venture to the back of the building, through a cellar-like brick tunnel, to the house restaurant, Society Café. Executive Chef Christopher Zabita, something of a rising-star in cookery with experience in world renowned establishments such as Bar Boulud, heads up the team here producing a market-to-table ethos.
The menu is full of fresh seasonal produce from nearby Union Square Green Market, which Chef Zabita personally visits 4 times per week to pick and buy the best of New York’s ingredients. This dedication to the food he serves creates undeniably fresh dishes that make locals and tourists alike descend to Greenwich Village to eat authentic New York food.
Every dish exceeded the one it preceded; the pasta was homemade and each mouthful was better than the next. My second course was a meaty bass fish which was served to look like an artistic garden. To finish, after feeling stuffed with New York’s finest ingredients, I made the worst decision of the evening – I decided to share the cheesecake. What an awful mistake, every mouthful was a delicious, and trying to eat more than your fair share was a mission we both attempted.
The cocktail menu is as exciting as the food. One week into my visit to the USA and I had still not found a cocktail I truly enjoyed until this dining experience. The Kitten on the Keys had all the components to consider it one of my favourite cocktail. The freshness of cucumber, with the summery feel of the strawberries, this was the ideal antidote to a muggy New York day.
After filling your stomach with New York ingredients, making your way up the deceptively tall building is another pleasure awaiting your stay. The Walker Hotel has 113 rooms – the décor combines the distinctive and creative energy of neighbourhood, showcasing the vintage charm of Greenwich Village. The rooms feel authentic and luxurious, and the views are spectacular from top floor – overlooking downtown New York.
This hotel exudes old school New York, full of character and eccentricity. For boutique luxury with an antique twist, look no further than the Walker Hotel in Greenwich Village.
The Walker Hotel | walkerhotel.com | +1 212-375-1300 | 52 W 13th St, New York, NY 10011
Society Café | societycafenyc.com | +1 212-300-4525 | 52 W 13th St, New York, NY 10011
