In the western section of Greenwich Village lies the West Village neighborhood, one of the most fashionable neighborhoods in Manhattan. The West Village has always been an enclave of an alternate culture. It’s no surprise then that the area is often referred to as the epicenter of the bohemian lifestyle on the Westside. Many of the best hotels in West Village reflect its bohemian leanings through their snazzy designs.
There are quite a few landmarks this side of town that are worth visiting such as the High Line Park, Washington Square Park, and Hudson River Park. For those interested in the area’s chequered past, a trip to Stonewall Inn, the site of the infamous Stonewall riots is worth your time. Alternatively, the Whitney Museum of American Art is another interesting place to visit.
Although there are quite a few hotels in West Village the number is slightly limited. However, if you’re looking for a place to stay on this side of town you could also look at hotels in neighboring SoHo, the Meatpacking District, or Chelsea. Some of the best hotels in Downtown Manhattan are not too far off either.
Incentra Village Hotel
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If you don’t mind spending time in a small no-frills heritage hotel close to all the action, the Incentra Village Hotel will suit you well. This 12 room hotel does not boast of any great modern features but it’s clean and comfortable and is one of the best hotels in West Village for those looking for something affordable. A big plus point is its great location in a designated preservation area. You’ll find plenty of shops and services in the area. The iconic Stonewall Inn and Hudson River Park are easily accessible from the hotel as is the High Line. For those interested in venturing farther, the subway lines are a mere three-minute walk away.
The two brick houses which the hotel occupies date back to 1841. As such, the hotel maintains its vintage vibe with traditional decor. Don’t expect large spacious rooms here. However, what the rooms lack in size they make up for in the amenities. Tiny kitchenettes, flat-screen TVs, digital safes, mini-fridges, and ensuite bathrooms are part of all the rooms. Some rooms have the added bonus of a working fireplace. Given its size, this adults-only property does not have anything outside the room other than an antique-strewn parlor. Another thing to bear in mind is that it lacks an elevator as well.
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The Jane
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Stepping into The Jane is like taking a step back in time with its bohemian ballroom and quirky designs. Originally built as a home for sailors in 1908, the hotel was restored a century later. In 1912, the survivors of the Titanic were also housed at the hotel until the end of the inquiry. The hotel is ideal for those looking for a good budget hotel in a great location. It certainly stands out as one of the best hotels in West Village NYC for its history and affordability. Although the hotel appears to be in the middle of no action, a few blocks east you’ll find plenty to keep you busy. It’s also just two blocks away from the popular High Line and across the street from Hudson River Park.
You get what you pay for at The Jane so expect shared bathrooms and tiny cabins similar to those on a ship or train. The 30 Captains Cabins are the only rooms with en suite bathrooms. Even though the rooms are tiny, the clever use of space gives you ample storage space for your belongings.
The Jane is known for its great dining spaces. On the first floor, you’ll find Old Rose a cafe, restaurant, and bar that is open for all meals including late-night dining. The hotel also has a popular seasonal rooftop bar and nightclub. The ballroom, a dimly lit cocktail lounge is another popular venue at the hotel.
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Dream Downtown
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The futuristic-looking Dream Downtown sits near the border of the hip Meatpacking District, about a five-minute drive from West Village. Chelsea Market, The High Line, and many attractions of downtown New York lie within easy reach of the hotel. A block away, you’ll find the subway.
Dream Downtown is hard to miss with its bizarre exterior standing out from the row of slender apartment buildings on the block. The futuristic style of the exterior spills over into the guest rooms too which are classified as Bronze, Silver, Gold, and Platinum. Porthole windows, perforated white headboards, and upscale amenities characterize the guest rooms. The metallic design scheme that dominates most spaces is also evident in the en suite bathrooms which have stainless steel sink countertops and metal chain link shower curtains.
You won’t find a spa at Dream Downtown but what you will find are a high-end hair salon and a well equipped 24-hour fitness center. Another highlight of staying at this hotel is the heated glass-bottom pool above the lobby. The area around the pool is aptly called The Beach as it features two private cabanas, 70 chaise lounges a full-service bar, and enough sand to add to the beach vibe.
You’re spoiled for choice when it comes to dining and nightlife as Dream Downtown offers both. The trendy rooftop lounge and nightclub, PHD, is a popular destination with guests and locals alike. Indulge in bespoke cocktails and small bites as you take in some breathtaking views of the Manhattan skyline. Another popular spot for late-night dancing and after-dinner drinks is The Electric Room. Head to Philippe Downtown, the hotel’s upscale Beijing-style Chinese eatery to satiate your cravings for Asian flavors. Alternatively, you could pop over to Bodega Negra to enjoy delectable modern Mexican fare. However, if it’s something light and casual that you’re interested in head to Natura Cafe, an all-day cafe and coffee shop.
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Hotel Hugo
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Good hotels in West Village are so few and far between that if you want to be close to the village it’s a good idea to select one on the outskirts. Hotel Hugo is within walking distance of West Village in Hudson Square, a rapidly developing area. East at the corner of Spring Street you’ll find plenty of cafes, historic bars, and restaurants. The hotel’s location puts you within walking distance of Manhattan’s most desirable neighborhoods, West Village, SoHo, and TriBeCa. City Winery is just two minutes from the hotel whilst the Children’s Museum of Arts and the Film Forum are in the neighborhood. Though you’ll find a subway within walking distance, the location is also ideal for those wanting to drive.
Classy interiors are reminiscent of SoHo’s cast-iron history. These, fused with elements from Italian luxury yachts add a sophisticated touch to the hotel. Guest rooms are divided into four categories spread over 20 floors. The tastefully styled rooms are well-stocked with amenities such as mini-fridges, Keurig coffeemakers, desks, books, and a flat-screen TV.
The hotel which was built from the ground up has made good use of its space, starting with the basement which has a fitness center, meeting space, and business center. Bar Hugo is a two-story roof terrace 20 floors above that features dramatic views of the Hudson River and the Statue of Liberty. The other open-air bar, Azul on the Rooftop is only open seasonally. To savor farm-to-table cuisine guests can head to Cafe Hugo which is open from 7 AM till 11 PM.
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Gansevoort Meatpacking
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On the edge of West Village in the heart of the hip Meatpacking District of Manhattan, you’ll find the Gansevoort hotel. The hotel is steps away from the Whitney Museum of American Art, the Hudson River, Chelsea Market, and premium shopping and dining. If you’re a party animal it’s a great base for exploring the popular clubs in the neighborhood. The Meatpacking District underwent a huge transformation to become the trendy neighborhood that it is today and the opening of the Gansevoort in 2004 was a major step in this transformation.
The hotel’s flashy light changing exterior covers sizable, elegant guest rooms. Spacious guest rooms characterized by high ceilings and large windows are bright and airy. All rooms are have fully stocked minibars, flat screen-TVs, and bathrobes. Newly renovated guest rooms and suites slated to open in the fall 2020 promise to enrich your experience at Gansevoort.
One of the more popular spots at the hotel is the B on Top, a rooftop bar that sees a well-heeled clientele the year-round. The American bistro, The Chester on the ground floor is also another great dining destination. Besides the great dining options, the hotel also has a year-round outdoor heated pool and a 24-hour fitness center.
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The Maritime Hotel
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No guesses for what the dominant theme at The Maritime Hotel is with porthole windows and teakwood furnishings. The nautically inspired hotel sits on Ninth Avenue in Chelsea, just a five-minute walk from the quaint West Village. Chelsea Market is just across the street while the hip Meatpacking District with its popular nightclubs is a short walk away. The location puts you in close proximity to most of the city’s attractions with the subway just a two-minute walk away. There’s another subway a little further away too which gives you ample choices for commuting.
Although the maritime theme is evident throughout the hotel, it’s not overdone which gives it a stylish feel. The lobby is a cozy space with warm wood, bookshelves neatly stacked with books and magazines, and an ocean-themed galley. Predictably, the decor in the guest rooms is also nautically inspired to create a ship cabin feel. Rooms are modest in size with five-foot porthole windows and packed with amenities including earplugs. High-end C.O. Bigelow toiletries, toothpaste, and robes are found in the bathrooms.
The hotel is quite big on amenities with four bars and two restaurants on-site. Tao Downtown nestled beneath the hotel is a multi-level restaurant that features a 300 seat dining room, a lounge, and several bars. Catch Steak on the other hand is adjacent to the hotel. It has a menu that features some of the world’s best cuts. Guests can also work out at the 24-hour gym or use one of the hotel’s bicycles to explore the neighborhood.
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The Standard, High Line
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Located in the Meatpacking District on the outskirts of West Village, The Standard, High Line towers above the High Line Park. This former elevated train line is now the coolest public park in Manhattan. The hotel’s location is ideal for exploring the famed nightclubs of the Meatpacking District and the attractions of West Village, Chelsea, and Lower Manhattan. For those interested in going further, you’ll find the nearest subway station three blocks from the hotel.
The Standard rises above High Line Park on huge concrete stilts making it seem like one is suspended in the air from the interiors. Guest rooms are hip with a mid-century modern design, featuring floor to ceiling windows that stretch along the wall. Not surprisingly, all rooms feature several amenities including custom toiletries. One thing to note is that the bathrooms are open plan, separated from the rooms by transparent glass panes.
The Standard, High Line is renowned for its popular nightlife spots such as Le Bain, the penthouse discotheque, and rooftop bar as well as Top of the Standard which sees more celebrities and A-listers than regular people. Apart from these two hotspots, the more casual Biergarten, a bustling German beer garden at street-level is equally popular. Another popular venue at the hotel is the Standard Grill which sees a mix of celebs and foodies. Other notable features of the hotel are the 24-hour fitness center on the 17th floor and multiple meeting and event spaces.
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Washington Square Hotel
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Just a few steps from Washington Square Park in the heart of Greenwich Village, you’ll find another of New York’s iconic hotels, Washington Square Hotel. In operation since 1902, the hotel has a rich history, having played host to the likes of Bob Dylan and Joan Baez and many other renowned artists. The hotel occupies a spot amongst traditional brownstone houses and businesses, on a quieter block in the area. You’ll find several entertainment venues such as comedy and jazz clubs within 10-minutes from the hotel. Public transportation is also within easy reach of the hotel.
The hotel’s Art Deco-inspired lobby is a clear standout with its mural of actors and striking white and green marble floors. It’s a popular stopover for parents of students studying at NYU and also travelers who prefer a quieter location to Midtown. The rooms are chic and cozy but lack the extra oomph of the public spaces. They’re on the smaller side with the lower-priced rooms at just 143 square feet. Bathrooms have shower/tub combos and a selection of C.O. Bigelow bath products.
Since most guests tend to use the hotel as a base for exploring other areas, it’s not too big on amenities. However, the hotel does have a good American bistro, North Square, and a small spa, Serenity Suite. Guests also have access to the fitness room that is open from six in the morning till midnight.
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The Dominick
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Rebranded as The Dominick Hotel in 2017, the former Trump Soho lies on the edge of SoHo within easy walking distance from West Village. Though the area surrounding the hotel may seem a tad quieter than most happening places in New York, you’re just a few blocks away from TriBeCa and the other happening spots. Brooklyn Bridge and the other attractions of Lower Manhattan are a short taxi ride from here. Within 12 minutes from the hotel, you’ll also find seven subway lines.
The canopied entrance of the hotel exudes luxury as does the striking lobby. The sleek exterior, however, feels more like a fancy Manhattan apartment building. With just 12 guest rooms on each floor, the hotel has a more intimate hotel feel. Large spacious rooms are characterized by floor-to-ceiling windows that offer some breathtaking views. While over a third of the 391 rooms are suites, families can also book connecting rooms. If you’re in a mood to loosen the purse strings a bit, then you should go with the two-bedroom penthouse suites or the Duplex Penthouse. Additionally, guests can also book a spa suite which has a connecting couples-sized treatment room.
One of the standout features of the hotel is the 11,000 square full-service spa is one of the standout features of the hotel. Besides a host of luxury services, it also has the distinction of having the first Turkish hammams in New York. The seasonal outdoor pool on the seventh floor is a good place to relax in the summer. You’ll also find four restaurants offering a variety of cuisines. However, the main restaurant, Spring & Varick is a destination in itself.
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Walker Hotel
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Sitting on one of the prettiest streets in the Village, you’ll find Walker Hotel. The hotel’s location in West Village and within proximity to Union Square gives you the best of both worlds. The iconic Jefferson Market Library is at an easy walking distance from the hotel as are Stonewall Inn and Washington Square Park. With plenty of cafes, restaurants, bars, and boutiques nearby, the location couldn’t get better than this. For those wanting to explore the iconic attractions of Manhattan, there are plenty of subway stations close by.
The hotel’s decor fuses classic Georgian design elements with bolder Art Deco. Guest rooms are quite small but have a soft, classy look with fan-pattern accent walls, velvet bolster pillows, and carpeted floors. Higher priced rooms include terraces and balconies. If you’re looking for some great views of the city, rooms from the 10th floor up will give you just that.
Society Cafe, the hotel’s onsite restaurant is constantly abuzz with locals and guests stepping in to enjoy Chef Christopher Zabita’s farm to table fare. A small gym is also available for guests who enjoy a good workout.
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The Marlton
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The Marlton sits high on the list of best hotels in West Village NYC for its enviable location in the heart of Greenwich Village. Surrounded by a myriad of the city’s best restaurants and shopping, the hotel is also a stone’s throw from Washington Square Park. A short six-minute walk will take you to the nearest subway station which is a hub for seven train lines.
The Marlton traces its roots back to 1900 when it was just Single Room Occupancy housing. Some of the celebrated writers of the Beat Generation made the hotel their temporary residence. Though the hotel has moved on with the times, it still manages to hold onto much of its Old-World Charm with its lobby resembling a 19th-century living room. Guest rooms are quite compact with no space for a desk or chair. However, despite the small size they’re tastefully designed and stocked with amenities. If you can afford an upgrade then the Penthouse Suites are a better option with separate living spaces and rooftop terraces.
The Marlton lacks a fitness center but guests can pick up a daily pass to the New York Health and Racquet Club for an extra fee. While guests can indulge in a complimentary continental breakfast, you’ll also find a stylish restaurant and a cocktail bar within the hotel. Margaux, the restaurant, resembles a Parisian bistro with its beautifully plated dishes. The Espresso Bar is also a popular place for guests and locals to hang out.
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Recommended Restaurants / Bars in West Village:
- Greenwich Village Food Crawl – Eat your way through the foodie neighborhood of New York on this tour with a local. Get a deeper insight into the history of the area’s food culture as you sample some of the goodies on offer.
- Cupcake Tour of Greenwich Village – This two-hour walking tour of some of the best boutique bake shops will satiate those with a craving for cupcakes. On this tour, you will not only indulge your taste buds but also create your own custom cupcake.
Recommended Activities In West Village:
- Highline and Greenwich Village Combo – Take in some amazing views of Chelsea and the Meatpacking District as you walk the High Line Park on this tour. You’ll also stroll down the cobblestone streets of New York’s most bohemian neighborhood and taste the artisan foods of Greenwich Village.
- Ghosts of the Village Tour – If you have a penchant for the paranormal join this ‘hair-raising’ tour will be right up your alley. Discover the city’s most haunted neighborhoods as you dig up its spine-chilling past.
