I recently had the opportunity to experience Hotel Walker Tribeca (a former button + ribbon factory turned hip hotel) that features an eclectic mix of modern mid-century furniture and chic industrial details. This trendy hotel boasts a buzz-worthy lobby lounge, minimalist-inspired rooms, three distinct eateries and, of course, a fantastic location that places you within steps of Tribeca’s best boutiques, eateries, and art galleries.
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Hotel Walker Tribeca
This hotel’s concept was curated and constructed by the hospitality firm Bridgeton Holdings, who designed the property in a renaissance revival building (originally constructed in 1899) to span three blocks in downtown Manhattan. It’s located at 77 Walker St. which uniquely marks the intersection of three iconic New York neighborhoods: Tribeca, Soho, and Chinatown. Meaning, the property is at the crossroads of almost every subway line, making it very accessible. And, despite the area’s rapid development and growth, Tribeca still offers visitors a glimpse of old New York, with picturesque cobblestone streets and unique, eye-catching architecture at nearly every corner.
In fact, if you ask me, Hotel Walker Tribeca quite seamlessly blends old and new New York. The hotel itself was constructed within a historic building (a former a button + ribbon factory) and just so happens to also be adjacent to the infamous Cortland Alley (a street that is arguably one of the most filmed streets in NYC due to its historic and unaltered charm). Yet on the other hand, Walker Hotel Tribeca is also located within steps of a vibrant new art scene, as well as endless dining, drinking and lively outdoor spaces.
Where is Tribeca in New York
The neighborhood of Tribeca (a historic neighborhood known for its refined lofts and gallery spaces) itself is located directly south of Soho and adjacent to Chinatown. Atit Jariwala (Bridgeton Hospitality founder and developer of Walker Tribeca) says the Tribeca neighborhood itself has transformed from a historic industrial hub into a bustling cultural scene with renowned restaurants, exciting nightlife, high-end shopping and scenic parks along the Hudson River. As you’re probably aware, it’s also home to the internationally-acclaimed film festival, Tribeca Film Festival.
With an active art scene near the hotel, the Tribeca neighborhood is quickly gaining the status as New York City’s new art gallery hub, with a wave of exclusive art galleries relocating from West Chelsea to Tribeca’s chic and spacious lofts, including Bortolami, Andrew Kreps, Alexander and Bonin, and James Cohan. There is no doubt that this particular area in Tribeca is experiencing a resurgence.
Boutique Hotel Tribeca
As for the hotel’s design, let me just say that there is no denying the aesthetic appeal of the Walker Hotel. That said, the Walker Hotel lobby lounge has to be one of my favorite in Tribeca, since it was so tastefully designed, and spacious. From the elegant vintage seating to the handmade rugs, and lofty floor-to-ceiling windows, it’s an ideal space for catching up with friends and family or for an impromptu business meeting.
Open nearly 24/7, the lounge serves coffee, cocktails and a limited small-bites menu of lighter, more casual fare. On Friday and Saturday nights, the lobby transforms into an energetic lounge, with a DJ spinning music from 9 pm ‘till close.
So let’s chat about Walker Hotel’s check-in process, because it is unique. Upon entry, guests can choose between a more traditional check-in downstairs within a quiet mahogany alcove, or a more sophisticated check-in (complete with cocktails) at the lobby above, which is decked out with an elegant marble bar, marble fireplace, a warm rosewood library, and a sophisticated 50-seat cocktail bar and lounge. From there, guests can get whisked up to their rooms through a private elevator lobby. So let’s just say they covered their bases when planning a guest’s first impression and experience entering the hotel.
Boutique Hotel Tribeca
The Walker Hotel has a total 171 guest rooms, all fixated with luxurious touches, like rich, tobacco leather professor chairs, herringbone wood floors and beds made to perfection with percale linens and very fluffy pillows.
The bathrooms are also a key element, designed with Carrara marble subway tiles and invigorating walk-in rain showers.
Did I mention that there is also a 24-seat reading room? It’s just off the lobby and was designed to offer a more intimate, quiet retreat for those looking for an alternative area to rest and recover from a long day exploring the city. It can also be booked for private events. Like I said, they really covered their bases when designing this hotel.
Like I mentioned earlier, Walker Hotel is situated at 77 Walker Street, earning a reputation that is very desired in NYC real estate: location, location, location. Tribeca, which is named for Triangle Below Canal Street, is one of the trendiest, wealthiest neighborhoods in Manhattan. Formerly an industrial and commercial area, Tribeca underwent a redevelopment in the 1960, when the local art community launched it’s gentrification revitalization.
From the high ceilings to the sleek woodwork, the Walker Hotel’s chic charm is undeniable. As with many boutique hotels in Tribeca, this 10-story hotel was undoubtedly designed with efficiency in mind: space is traded for expansive loft-style windows and sophisticated furnishings, including white brick walls and cozy sleeping quarters.
The Walker Hotel Tribeca also has a sister property, the Walker Hotel in Greenwich Village. While I did not have a chance to tour the Greenwich property, I’m told both pride themselves on elegant design and ideal downtown locations. The Greenwich property is, to my knowledge, designed with a more traditional luxury aesthetic, while the Tribeca property is designed with more of a modern, hip experience in mind — trendy, yet impeccably designed.
Walker Hotel (Tribeca New York)
Now, I personally toured the Cortland Corner King room, which I’m told is one of the more spacious rooms, yet it’s still only 190 square feet. Naturally I imagined it would feel confined, yet I was surprised when it didn’t end up feeling that way at all.
Yes, the rooms are small, but the furniture and layout maximizes space in the smartest way. The king bed was tucked into a corner nook to maximize the floor space, and there were windows on both walls so it actually felt very spacious with light flowing in from the two loft style windows. The bath was separated from the main room by a sliding barn door, and while the space itself was small, the glassed-in shower stall prevents you from feeling claustrophobic.
It’s worth noting that the closet and sink/vanity area are actually in the main room, which was a nice touch in my opinion since it’s so much easier to apply makeup and blow dry your hair in a larger steam-free space with bright, natural light. There were some very unique decor touches in the room too, from beautiful herringbone blond wood floors, to above-bed shelving with unique art books, and a cozy tufted leather chair. Did I mention that the views are gorgeous too?
Walker Hotel Tribeca Coffee Shop
Of course, a stay at the Walker Hotel means you can enjoy fresh coffee at Blue Bottle, which, in my opinion, is one of the most delicious coffee shops in Tribeca, and is the first Blue Bottle Coffee shop inside of a hotel. For those who don’t know, Blue Bottle Coffee is a popular coffee shop from San Francisco, a city well respected for its taste in coffee. So it’s coffee is not to be missed, and I can personally vouch for their pour-over.
Coffee Shops in Tribeca NYC
Now with that said, if you find yourself searching for even more coffee shops in Tribeca NYC during your stay you won’t be disappointed by the unique selection — trust me there is no shortage of delectable coffee shops in Tribeca, it is New York City’s most expensive neighborhood afterall. From the shop’s vibe to the coffee itself, design and flavor are first-class. Here’s a few popular spots to keep in mind:
- Kaffe Landskap NYC
- Blue Spoon Coffee Company
- Gotan
- Two Hands
- La Colombe Coffee Roasters
- Five & Dime
- Jack’s Stir Brew Coffee
- Caffe Bene
- Interlude Coffee & Tea
- Laughing Man Cafe
- Hungry Ghost Coffee
- Bluestone Lane
- 787 Coffee
- Blue Bottle Coffee
- Maman
Walker Hotel Tribeca Speakeasy
Now, for those of you who enjoy craft cocktails, tucked away two floors below the hotel is an alluring subterranean-cellar cocktail bar called Saint Tuesday. The story is during the hotel’s excavation contractors broke through a wall of brick, which revealed a room and vault two grades underground — which was then determined to be the future location of this swanky subterranean cocktail bar. The developers planned a discreet entrance through Cortlandt Alley, where people can enter through the service door and be led down two flights of stairs to the bar. Their vision certainly came to life, and that discreet entrance can be found at 24 Cortlandt Alley.
The bar is, like the rest of the hotel, tastefully designed with black leather sofas and an exquisite marble bar and the mood is further set by illuminating candlelight. Let’s just say the speakeasy-esque vibe of the space is undeniable. Saint Tuesday is open from Thursday to Sunday from 8PM — 2AM and has live music every night from 10:30PM — 1AM.
Walker Hotel Tribeca Bar
Now if you’re more into open-air rooftop bars, Happy Be, located on the Walker Hotel’s roof (and overlooking Tribeca) is an art world favorite. This trendy rooftop oasis can be found by entering through a side door of the Walker Hotel on Cortlandt Alley. Like Saint Tuesday the entrance is tucked away amongst the street’s endless art galleries. Once you exit the elevator at the roof, you’ll discover a lush, greenery-lined oasis filled with intimate seating, hand-carved wooden pergolas, and a few private nooks tucked away for more discreet gatherings.
This bar’s laid-back charm blends the high energy of New York’s streets with the calm elegance of a breezy garden oasis. And, get this — it gets its name from a line in Shakespeare’s A Midsummer Night’s Dream — aka a euphoric state of being. Happy Be is open from 5PM to 11PM Tuesday through Thursday, and until midnight on Friday and Saturday. I definitely recommend stopping in for one of their signature cocktails to take in the stunning 360-degree views of the city, ideally at sunset.
Walker Hotel Tribeca Restaurant
A stay at Walker Hotel would not be complete without a trip to the Walker Hotel Tribeca restaurant, Mostrador NYC. Especially if you’re in the mood for Argentinian fare, because their signature restaurant offers just that. Following the demand from fans of Mostrador’s in Montauk, Mostrador New York City opened inside Walker Hotel with the goal of capture the essence of the beachfront Mostrador — by serving simple, farm to table produce, but with twist — full table service along with a late-night dinner menu and cocktails. The menu features fresh seasonal produce, Mediterranean-style salads, savory meats, grilled vegetables and freshly baked goods.
Mostrador NYC is open for breakfast Wednesday — Friday from 7AM — 11AM, and serves brunch Saturday — Sunday from 10AM — 4PM. They are also open for dinner Wednesday — Saturday from 6PM — 10PM, and stay open later to serve those craving cocktails.
Walker Hotel (Tribeca New York)
As for the neighborhood, Walker Hotel fits into the local art scene perfectly, making itself part of the scene with its exceptional design. The location is also ideal — a block south of Canal and just off of Broadway — which means that you can walk to Soho, the financial district, the West Village and just about any neighborhood downtown, plus you’re by the Canal subway stops so you can get uptown and to Brooklyn easily. Plus, like I mentioned earlier, since several high profile Chelsea galleries have relocated to this block in Tribeca, you can literally exit the hotel and swing by Bortolami, Alexander and Bonin, and James Cohan galleries. To put it bluntly, this hotel’s location in Tribeca is ideal for since it is without a doubt incredibly central.
Bottom line: Is it worth it? YES. While the rooms are small, most NYC hotel rooms fall into that same category, so it’s not a stretch. And, let’s be honest, if you’re spending copious amounts of time in your hotel room when in NYC, well, it’s probably not the city for you. Personally, I think the price is great for the room, luxurious gathering spaces and unique amenities.
I personally recommend booking a stay at Hotel Walker whether you’re searching for a hotel for a long weekend or an extended stay.
